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What Shoes Are We Wearing This Winter?
If your winter outfits are feeling a little flat, the answer might be in your shoes.
You may already have your winter wardrobe sorted — the jackets are out, the knitwear drawer is working overtime and your jeans rotation is finally feeling right again — but there’s still one question lingering: what shoes are we actually wearing right now?
Because while shoes are often the last thing we think about when getting dressed, they have the power to completely change the feel of an outfit. The right pair can make even the simplest knit-and-denim combo look intentional, polished and fashion-forward.
From sleek knee-high boots and ruched loafers to satin sneakers and glove-like ballet flats, these are the winter shoe trends fashion girls everywhere are building their wardrobes around right now.
Knee High Boots
Knee high boots of some sort are always going to make an appearance in winter, but the winning style changes year to year. For something sleek and contemporary, the straight-shaft style that sits just off the leg and falls straight down to a pointed toe is definitely worth noting. Classic rider, fitted-leg (think 90s silhouettes), biker and Frye styles also continue to endure; however, this season we’re leaning into a cleaner, minimalist aesthetic free of excessive buckles and hardware.
Mules
If you’re only wearing mules to get yourself to and from pilates, let me open your eyes to a whole new realm of possibility. Stylish mules are popping up all over new season collections, from minimal The Row-esque leather slides to playful ballet and loafer mules. If you got around the Boston clogs from Birkenstocks, think of these as the elevated next step. Still just as effortless, with a little more polish and personality.
Glove-Like Ballet Flats
Yes, ballet flats still have fashion girls in a chokehold, even if our ankles are exposed to the breeze. This season, we have seen a slight shift in style, though. High-vamp, glove-like ballet flats are rising in popularity, offering a sleeker, more grown-up alternative.
Ruched Loafers
Of course, loafers remain a staple in our autumn-winter wardrobes. The defining element tying the coolest pairs together right now, though, is a simple ruched seam. Opt for a textured leather or earthy suede to give this style even more organic oomph.
Satin Sneakers
So, you’re familiar with the sneakerina? The ballet and sneaker mash-up that sprung to fame last year. Well, we’re continuing to see this aesthetic come through, but in a lighter, more elegant style. These chic kicks are a continuation of the low-profile sneaker styles you already know and love, with a satin sheen, and, at times elasticated heel, that calls back to that modern ballet-coded style. Miu Miu does the most gorgeous pair in a range of tonal hues (the terracotta is our pick), and Prada, Jill Sanders and Dries Van Noten have all released their own satin styles this year. Thankfully, we’ve also seen Puma and Onitsuka Tiger dish up similar at a price that won’t make your eyes water.
Pony Hair
The pony hair trend has been simmering away for a while, but it’s really snowballed this season. Fashion writers are calling it one of the defining trends of 2026, seen across everything from handbags and shoes to statement outerwear and accessories. Go wild with a statement animal print or keep it plain for a pop of texture.
Tabis
Trendy or timeless? Look, they may very well fall out of the mainstream trend cycle, but many fashion diehards will tell you tabis are a piece of design history that can be traced all the way back to 15th century Japan, and well worth the investment. Maison Margiela is the gold standard in this department, with its tabis seen as collectable wardrobe treasures, but for those still tossing up the expense, more accessible brands are making it easy to dip your (split) toes in.
Boat Shoes
Alongside the fisherman core aesthetic, the boat shoe trend first hit our shores last year, and continues to grow in popularity. The style was spotted on spring/summer 2026 runways, and we’ve seen our northern hemisphere girls pick up the trend across their spring. Undeniably relaxed, slimline, with a refined preppy undertone that screams I just hopped off my grandfather’s yacht, the style sits somewhere between the formality of loafers and your more casual sneaker moment.
Enjoyed our winter shoe edit? Dive a little deeper into sneaker trends or turn your attention to these chic work handbags before EOFY.
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