Fall’s Coolest Sneaker Trends Are Unexpected Yet Elevated
Not quite ready to bust out your winter boots? Don’t worry, it’s always sneaker season somewhere. That said, fall is undoubtedly one of the better seasons for the cool, casual shoe.
If you know sneakers, you’ll know that there are thousands upon thousands of styles that you can shop: new and archival, statement and everyday, basics and one-of-a-kind. Sneakers can be a truly individual part of your wardrobe, but there are a few trends to pay attention to when it comes to color, material, and silhouette. From animal print to Mary Janes, we’ve got you covered this season with the fall sneaker trends to know, love, and shop, below.
Chocolate Brown
You’ve heard us say it before: Brown is a huge It color right now. If you’ve been searching for a neutral hue to invest in and stay true to, this earthy shade is a solid bet—and super versatile. Whether you prefer suede, satin, or leather, there’s a brown sneaker out there for anyone.
The sprinter silhouette has made waves in the sneaker world in recent seasons, both on runways and from your favorite accessible brands. Characterized by its narrow fit and minimal soles, this style is designed to be lightweight and versatile. It also has a retro ’80s vibe to it, which is having a major moment across the board, from eyewear to footwear.
If you’re just now getting in on the animal print trend, sneakers are the perfect way to test it out in small doses. Whether you prefer zany zebra or sleek snake, you really don’t have to choose. There are more options than ever when it comes to animal print sneakers to shop and style your way.
If you, like me, prefer to wear all black all the time, now’s your time. Brands are leaning into sleek minimalism—and for most, that includes a chic black trainer. They truly go with everything and will never be classified as “basic,” like their all-white counterparts (which, to be fair, we all have and love, too).
Mary Jane sneakers (in the same family as sneakerinas) are the cool girl answer to an It sneaker. Cute, yet comfortable, Mary Jane sneakers are the ultimate transitional shoe and perfect for styling with ankle socks or your favorite colored tights—no laces required.
Burgundy is undoubtedly the color of this fall season, so why not opt for a pair of burgundy kicks? (Or rust, oxblood, merlot, maroon, or crimson.) The color is moody, yet chic, and perfect for frolicking in the fall leaves.
Suede has infiltrated everything this season, from handbags to jackets to, of course, sneakers. The sumptuous material goes with everything, especially during cooler weather—and in sneaker form, it’s the perfect transitional shoe. As with any suede (and especially for shoes), protectant spray is always advised to make sure they maintain quality as long as possible.
Cobalt was everywhere on the spring/summer 2026 runways, but why wait? The rich, deep hue is chic, modern, and easy to style as a sneaker. You don’t have to say goodbye to a pop of red, but try introducing a pop of blue, too. Even better, you’ll be able to keep wearing and loving this color when spring comes back around.
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