All the New-Season Shoe Trends We Want to Tell You About

It's hard to practise shopping restraint at the best of times, which is why, at the start of a new season, when fresh treats start to line the rails and fill the new-in sections, that restraint becomes virtually non-existent. This lack of restraint essentially gives us a free pass to invest in new wares that'll see us through the next few months in style, and the easiest way to kick-start your autumnal wardrobe is, undoubtedly, with some new shoes. We've whittled down the six pairs that you should turn your attention to first. 

You'll be pleased to hear that mules are going nowhere, but thanks to a chic new update, they feel entirely different to those you've been wearing throughout the course of the summer. And while there are a plethora of boot trends to come, we've handpicked the two styles that are going to prove key for autumn/winter 2019. So, without further ado, we bring you your new season capsule shoe edit. You know what to do.

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SQUARE-TOE MULES
(Image credit: @brittanyxavier)

Style Notes: We're firm believers that the little details make all the difference. Case in point—note how the addition of a square-toe makes mules feel incredibly new and fresh. 

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SNAKE-PRINT BOOTS
(Image credit: @handinfire)

Style Notes: Wallflowers need not apply for this trend. Make more is more your mantra and invest in a pair of snake-print boots. They'll make for a cool clash against florals but, for a more pared-back take, wear them with shades of biscuit and cream. 

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BALLET PUMPS
(Image credit: @maria_bernad)

Style Notes: Having been overlooked in lieu of loafers for the past few seasons, ballerina flats are back in a big way for autumn. Colour-pop styles add an unexpected twist to any ensemble, while classic black iterations will never, ever date. 

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WESTERN BOOTS
(Image credit: @lucywilliams02)

Style Notes: Back on the style agenda for another autumn/winter season is the cowboy boot. Suede interpretations will always serve you well, but glossy patent finishes make for a glamorous alternative. 

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DEMI WEDGES
(Image credit: @monikh)

Style Notes: There's no denying that wedges are divisive—we can all just about agree that espadrilles are the only chic way to wear them. At least, they were until demi wedges came on the scene. Featuring a low heel, this shoe is going to be key for the season ahead. 

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WRAP-AROUND SANDALS
(Image credit: @slipintostyle)

Style Notes: Thread-bare sandals were, of course, this summer's shoe star. For the in-between season, however, sandals with wrap-around ankle-straps are where it's at.

Next Up: It might be August, but we've already assembled the perfect autumn capsule.

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over twelve years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories, and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, works closely with influencer talent on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media. Previously, Maxine appeared on TV in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o. 


Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship, she was offered a position on the Look magazine fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. She went on to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others. Maxine works remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh.