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Birkenstock / New Balance / Steve Madden
Style > Fashion

9 Shoes You Absolutely *Need* This Fall

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Although we’ve only recently transitioned from summer to fall, we’re already seeing a whirlwind of trendy autumn shoes this season — from ballet flats at NYFW, to (surprisingly fashionable) Birkenstock Boston clogs on campus. If you’ve been doing this college thing for a while, then you know just how important a functional (and super cute, OFC) fall shoe lineup can be.  If you’re a freshman, or just now realizing the importance of a strong fall shoe game, then listen up! October is creeping in, and while shopping for Halloween costumes might be on your mind, you can’t forget to prepare your closet for the cold fall days ahead (it’s already in the low ‘50s on my campus, besties)!

Whether you’re looking for classic staple shoes that will last you for years to come, or just browsing for a new pair to add to your collection, check out this list of nine shoes you’ll absolutely love, and start building your closet of fall footwear!

Birkenstock Clogs

Clogs are making a strong comeback in 2022, with NYFW designers embracing the unlikely shoes on the runway, and Gen Z following suit with their own favorite pair: the highly-coveted Birkenstock Boston Clog. These shoes have taken over the comfy-yet-put-together aesthetic, becoming the everyday staple to any kind of outfit. In my opinion, the suede Birkenstock clogs are a worthwhile investment, but if you’re not so sure, there are plenty of affordable dupes to choose from!

Classic Ankle boot

You can never go wrong with a classic ankle boot! Even with the ever changing trend cycles, this style has remained a staple in every It Girl’s closet over the years. A high quality pair is definitely worth splurging on, and user @beingjulia on TikTok recommends investing in the Nari Ankle Boot from Reformation, or the classic Steve Madden Klayton Boot (the chunky heel is always going to look amazing, bestie). If that’s not in your budget right now, consider searching for a pre-loved pair!

Knee High Boots

With or without a heel, knee high boots are always an amazing addition to any fall-inspired outfit. Fashion influencer Matilda Djerf rocks this boot in many of her (very aesthetically pleasing) IG posts — wearing both a wedged heel style and a sexy stiletto heel. If you’re looking for a classic pair, find any knee high square-toe boots that you love. Not a fan of platforms? Consider the Steve Madden Esma Boot!

Classic Sneakers

The “Nike Women’s Court Legacy Lifts” were dubbed “the perfect fall sneaker” by user @everyday_tina — and TikTok seems to agree. This neutral toned pair has the classic look of an everyday sneaker, but the platform style and touch of color has fall written all over it! Nike also makes a “Legacy Next Nature” shoe with the same design if platforms aren’t your style!

Ballet Flats
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H&M

If we’re being honest, ballet flats were not on my fall 2022 style bingo card this year — but I’m not mad at them. Perhaps the comeback was sparked by celebrities like Ariana Grande — who sported Miu Miu ballet flats on her Instagram Stories — or by the wave of Gen Zers adopting the balletcore aesthetic. Whatever the reason, this style is here to stay this fall! To get the look, try a simple black ballet flat, or go for a chic ballet flat shoe with an added pump-heel!

Loafers

If you’re not sold on the flat-style ballet shoe this fall, try a nice pair of platform loafers! They make every outfit look stylish, and are so easy to throw on. Whether you’re heading to your first internship, going to your next club meeting, or just strolling around on campus, a simple pair of loafers will get the job done — and have you looking chic while doing it.

Dad Sneakers

Expanding your fall sneaker options are the highly-popular dad sneakers. These shoes have made waves in the fashion industry, with comfy pairs of New Balance sneakers spearheading the trend. Your favorite style icons have been rocking these for a while now, with models like Bella Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski wearing the Dad sneaker look on their feet. TikTok creator @miks_tiks recommends the New Balance 530s and the 574s

Ugg Slippers
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UGG

Although the warm, ankle length (possibly with a bow?) Uggs you loved in middle school maybe aren’t in style today, the Classic UGG Slippers are. If you haven’t already snagged a pair for yourself, now’s the time! These UGG slippers will keep you cozy on a cold autumn day, and are the perfect addition to a school fit when you’re feeling lazy. (Right now, I’m obsessed with the Tasman LTA outdoor slippers!)

Platform Converse

Yes, the platform Converse shoes are definitely not new, but they should be in your closet this fall! They’re a (literal) level up from your everyday high-tops, and luckily, Converse has come up with a line full of new colors and designs. To stick with the classics, go for a cute black, white, or brown pair!

Madison Bailey is a national writer at Her Campus Media focusing on all things style, beauty, and lifestyle. She works closely with the style and lifestyle verticals at Her Campus, including reviews, roundups, sustainable style, and pop-culture. After graduating from Appalachian State University in May 2023 where she was Campus Coordinator of Her Campus at App State, Madison has written for Teen Vogue, Modeliste Magazine, Global Garbs, and more. Her time as Head Writer for The Collective Magazine, Appalachian State’s fashion and culture magazine, sparked her passion for the exciting world of fashion. She is currently in marketing at Modeliste Magazine where she’s able to celebrate her favorite things; fashion, beauty, celebrities, influencer style, and travel. In her free time, you can find Madison soaking in all the beauty that the blue ridge mountains have to offer. Or, when she’s not writing, you can find her thrifting, sipping a raspberry matcha, or cooking her favorite vegan meals!