6 Comfortable Fall & Winter 2021 Shoe Trends

My shoes get quite the workout in the fall and winter, between the rain, snow, and salt on the ground. So I usually start my fall shopping with replacements for my worn-out footwear. These are the Fall & Winter 2021 shoe trends that I think are the most practical, comfortable, and durable. (No 4″ platforms, pointy heels, or sequinned boots on this list!) For reference, most of my shoes are a 7, and my feet lean towards a wider width, but not enough to buy wide shoes.

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1. Lug Sole Boots

Lug soles are chunky, rubber soles (think work boots and hiking boots). Wear them with casual outfits like jeans and a sweater, or leggings and a t-shirt. For a 90s-inspired outfit, you can also wear these chunky boots with a delicate slip dress or floral midi dress.

I bought these Blondo Drew Waterproof Booties which are really comfortable, and good for wet fall and winter days. They have almond-shaped toes and 2.25″ heels, so they’ll elongate your feet and give you a little extra height. I’m wearing a size 7 which is my usual size. My only hesitation is that a boot with a zipper at the top (instead of the back) just looks a little more clunky. I prefer a shaped boot with a zipper at the back.

So, I’m debating between these and Eileen Fisher’s Ladd Wedge Booties. The Eileen Fisher boots are a little wider and have an elastic back, so they’re easy to slip on and off. They’re suede, so not waterproof, but also super comfortable.

For more affordable boots, take a look at Calson’s Miller Water Resistant Chelsea Boot.

All three of these boots are a part of Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale. Prices go up on August 9th, 2021, so don’t wait, if you’re considering them!

If you are shopping at Amazon, these Vionic Lug Sole Boots are waterproof, affordable, and come in two colors. I have a couple of pairs of Vionic shoes and love that they’re both comfortable and stylish.

2. Lace-Up Boots

If you want an edgy look, pick a lace-up combat boot. These are the Pikolinos’ Vicar Combat Boots. The leather is gorgeous, and they have a fun studded detail on the strap. I really liked them but found them to be too narrow and small for my feet. I bought my usual size which is a 7. If you have narrower feet, then these may work for you. They come in two shades of brown, black, and a cool cream color.

If you prefer a softer look than combat boots, take a look at Comfortiva’s Cordia Boots. I haven’t tried these on, but I have tried several pairs of Comfortiva shoes and they are, as their name suggests, really comfortable.

Do you need snow boots, this winter? I’ve been wearing these Sorel ” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow”>Joan Of Arc Winter Boots for a few years now, and have trekked through deep snow (thanks to my ski-obsessed boys) in them. There’s enough room in them for wool socks, and heating pads on really, really cold days. (Read more details about these boots in my 5 Classic Boot Styles post).

3. Knee High Boots

I recently read an article about how knee-high boots would replace ankle boots this year, and I had to laugh, as I see them as completely different shoes. Ankle boots are great for wider-leg pants and jeans, whereas knee-high boots look good with skirts, dresses, skinny jeans, and leggings.

I really liked the Frye Melissa Knee-High Boots from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, but they just weren’t the right colors for me. If you’re looking for black or caramel boots, take a look!

Instead, I’m considering the Stud Back Zip Riding Boot by Frye in chocolate from Amazon. It’s a classic boot that can be worn with casual or dressy outfits.

4. Loafers

If you live in a warmer climate, you may want to skip the boots and find some lug sole loafers (hello, again, 1990s!) These chunky shoes look good with jeans, pants, and jumpsuits.

For a softer look, appropriate for the office, take a look at these Franco Sarto Artisan Loafers. Wear them with tailored pants, jeans, skirts, or dresses. They’re a nice update to your ballerina flats.

5. Embellished Mules

Mules (backless shoes) are easy to slip on and off and look effortlessly cool. When I was looking at Fall & Winter 2021 shoe trends, I saw mostly flat, embellished mules, but if you need a little extra height, there are some cute ones with higher heels.

Steve Madden’s Finn Chain Pointe Toe Mule comes in fall’s favorite print, leopard, and has a cool chunky chain embellishment.

If you’re looking for a solid color, then take a look at a woven leather mule, like Vince’s Freeman Mule or Everlane’s Clog. Woven (basketweave) leather accessories were everywhere this spring and summer, and they show up again in Fall/Winter 2021 shoe trends.

For parties, date nights, and the holidays, take a look at Kurt Geiger’s Princely Crystal Embellished Mules.

6. Faux Fur Slippers

Are you working from home this fall? Then, you’ll want to replace your cozy faux fur slippers. I just bought the Nordstrom Snuggle Plush Fur Slippers in Grey Magnet (they also come in pink). For more support (and height) take a look at JSlides’ Bryce Genuine Shearling Platform Slippers. And, I have no idea why, but UGG’s Fluff Yeah Slingback Sandals continue to get rave reviews. Am I showing my age?!

Which of the Fall & Winter 2021 Shoe Trends are your favorites? Let me know in the comments below!