2025’s Top Fall Shoe Picks for Every Budget

Looking to add some fresh footwear to your wardrobe this fall? You need to browse my hand-picked list of the best fall shoes of 2025!

The Ultimate Fall 2025 Footwear Guide

When the leaves start turning and that crispness hits the air, it’s officially time to swap your sandals for something a little more grounded. Fall fashion is all about texture, polish, and practicality…and that starts from the ground up. Whether you’re running errands in style, heading to work, or dressing up for an autumn date night, the right pair of shoes can pull your whole look together.

I’ve scoured the fashion world and all of my favorite brands to create this curated list of must-have shoe styles for Fall 2025. And I’m spilling the details on chic picks for every budget: an affordable option around $75, mid-range around $150, and investment pieces over $200.

Ready to step into the season?

1. Leather Loafers

The polished staple every capsule wardrobe needs.

Leather loafers are the ultimate cool-girl classic for fall. Sleek, structured, and endlessly versatile, they pair just as well with jeans or tailored trousers as they do with denim or midi skirts. Opt for a traditional penny or go bold with a horsebit detail (or if you prefer something more sturdy, try a chunky loafer like these).

• Budget-Friendly: Quince Italian Leather Horsebit Loafer – These Gucci look-alike loafers come in at just under $80 and are made with Italian leather (yes really!). They look chic with jeans and are polished enough for the office.

• Mid-Range: Sam Edelman Loraine Loafer – With over 1,000 reviews and a 4.5* rating, these loafers are a fan-favorite with premium structure.

• Investment: Gucci Brixton Leather Loafer – I’ve owned these for years and come back to them season after season. They are timeless and beautiful with stunning Italian craftsmanship. 

2. Ballet Flats

Ballet flats are back in a big way, and for fall 2025, it’s fun to think outside the box. Opt for burgundy or brown, buttery leather or croc-embossed finishes, or even patent leather. Take them up a notch with Mary Jane straps, go minimalist, or stick with a classic bow.

You can wear these with just about everything in the fall including cropped jeans, trench coats, or even wool mini skirts and tights.

• Budget-Friendly: Quince Cap-Toe Leather Ballet Flat – these have a Chanel look-for-less and are still made with Italian leather for just under $80. Classic and timeless. Alternatively, you can try these flats with a Chanel vibe too. For something more unique and very fall-appropriate, these Nordstrom burgundy patent leather flats have a streamlined look and are on sale for under $60 for the Nordstrom Anniverary Sale (July). 

• Mid-Range: Margaux The Demi Ballerinas – These flats are an It Girl fave and are both comfortable and polished. They come in a plethora of stunning fall colors including classic black, espresso, olive, and chocolate suede.  I also really love these woven flats from Freda Salvador (here is a more affordable dupe from Quince). 

• Investment: Chanel Lambskin Ballerinas – I snagged a secondhand pair of these from TheRealReal a few years ago and I still love them like the first day I got them! Such an easy way to elevate any fall outfit. 

3. Suede Sneakers

Sporty meets chic with a retro twist. Suede sneakers in earthy tones like chocolate, taupe, or olive green are an understated way to keep things casual without sacrificing style. Ideal for long walks, weekend errands, or casual workdays throughout the fall season.

• Budget-Friendly: Quince Italian Suede Everyday Sneakers – Classic vibe with a wallet-friendly price tag, I love the toffee colorway for fall. 

• Mid-Range: Adidas Handball Spezial in Suede – at $110, these stylish and on-trend (yet versatile!) sneakers scream fall. I personally own these and wear them a ton in the autumn season. They elevate any casual outfit and the brown is such a beautiful shade. The Sam Edelman Talia sneaker in cafe noir is another great option.

• Investment: Veronica Beard Riviera Sneakers – These stunning sneakers are in a rich fall-ready chocolate brown and have a sleek design with minimal detailing. Understated luxury at it’s finest. 

4. Mary Janes

Whether flat or heeled, Mary Janes are everywhere this season—and I’m here for it. In my opinion, they add a cool, feminine, and polished feel to any look and can be worn with socks for that preppy It Girl aesthetic.

• Budget-Friendly: Zara Leather Mary Jane Flats – This sleek pair of Mary Janes are minimal and chic. They are made of leather, which is surprising because they are under $60. They also come in a beautiful brown suede for the same price! 

• Mid-Range: Sam Edelman Mcihaela Mary Jane – These come in a huge variety of colors and textures, many perfect for the fall season. So no matter what your personal style, you’ll find one to suit your fancy. 

• Investment: Poppy Barley Studio Mary Jane – One of my favorite pairs of all time, these leather Mary Janes are luxe and refined in soft calfskin and so very comfy with a small and subtle heel. 

5. Slingback Heels

Slingbacks are the perfect transitional heel for fall. They have just enough coverage without feeling heavy. I love the versatility of a kitten heel, and a pointed or slightly square toe keeps things refined and sophisticated.

As for color or pattern, I love snake print for fall 2025, it’s fresh and on-trend, yet neutral enough to go with anything. You can keep it safe with black or nude, opt for a textured brown suede, or even go with leopard print, snake print, or burgundy! 

• Budget-Friendly: Madden Girl Slingback – Priced at just $50, these sleek little slingbacks have a patent finish and the cutest buckle detail making them the perfect minimalist yet feminine choice on a budget! 

• Mid-Range: Linea Paolo Cecil Slingback – On-trend, sleek, and perfect for a fall date night or drinks with the girls! 

• Investment: Vince Suede Slingback Pumps – These are so stunning, have a fall warmth, and I love the gold buckle detail! 

6. Suede Clogs

Cozy, laid-back, and effortlessly cool.If you’re leaning into the quiet luxury or Scandi-chic aesthetic, suede clogs will be your best friend this fall. Pair with comfy trousers, jeans, or chunky knits for that elevated-casual vibe.

• Budget-Friendly: Cushionaire Suede Clogs – These cute little clogs are very budget-friendly and comfy. They have over 7,000 positive reviews and are perfect for that Birkenstock look, for less!

• Mid-Range: QuinceWater Repellent Suede Clogs – I love these $70 soft suede clogs made with genuine water-repellant suede (perfect if you live in an area where the fall season can be a bit rainy!). They come in three beautiful neutral hues and go with everything from jeans to lounge sets. 

• Investment: Birkenstock Boston Suede Clogs – The Boston clogs are a cult favorite, and for good reason. They are chic, comfortable, and stand the test of time. Get inspired with this list of cute Birkenstock outfit ideas!

7. Chelsea Boots

In my opinion, Chelsea boots are a staple in any fall wardrobe. Go for a classic leather or try suede in warm tones like taupe or cognac. Bonus if they’re waterproof.

• Budget-Friendly: Quince Suede Chelsea Boots – at just under $100, these suede boots are stylish and subtle. I love the light tan but they also come in cinnamon brown and black. 

• Mid-Range: Blundstone Chelsea Boots– Blundstones are iconic and for good reason! I’ve owned mine for years and they still feel brand new. They are sturdy, stylish and come in different colors that are perfect for fall. I love the slightly heeled Chelsea boot, but the flat option is great too. 

• High Budget: Freda Salvador Waterproof Chelsea Boots – These designer chelsea boots are seriously chic. I adore the brown suede finish (which is waterproof!) and the chunky lug sole. These would look so great with jeans, leggings, and even skirts! 

8. Ankle Booties

Last but not least, a sleek ankle bootie will add an edge to your fall outfits without feeling too heavy. Pair these with midi skirts, jeans, or tailored trousers. Choose leather or vegan alternatives with a subtle sheen.

• Budget-Friendly: Lifestride Glow Bootie – At $100 these sleek black ankle boots are both budget-friendly and stylish! 

• Mid-Range: Marc Fisher Booties – Sleek and versatile, these boots are perfect for fall and come in classic black as well as warm suede textures and brown hues.  

• Investment: Poppy Barley Toujours Boots – I’ve owned these for a few years now and absolutely love them in the fall and winter seasons. The sleek black is so stylish and versatile, not to mention they are so comfy too!

 

Ad you can see, with just a few key pairs, you can cover all your fall outfit needs. From workday classics to weekend essentials, this fall 2025 shoe capsule will keep your wardrobe grounded—literally. Choose what suits your budget and style best, and get ready to step into the season!

 

If you loved this article, don’t miss Our 2025 Fall Bags Picks For Every Budget!