Elegant, elongated silhouettes are defining women's footwear for autumn 2026, according to a trend roundup by Lenta.ru. Chunky boots remain popular, but sleeker styles, including jockey boots, fitted stocking boots, ankle boots and cossack-style boots, are gaining ground this season.
Boots take the lead
Boots are one of the defining trends of autumn 2026. While bulky army-style boots on chunky treaded soles dominated in previous years, designers are now favouring more refined shapes.
Leather stocking boots that hug the leg closely are returning to the runways alongside a renewed interest in 1970s style. This season the look is more restrained than it was a few years ago, with designers dropping extreme platforms, high stiletto heels and heavy embellishment.
Designer Matthieu Blazy showed pastel-toned stocking boots on a high but stable heel, paired with a plush coat, in his new collection for Chanel. Acne Studios also leaned into tall, fitted boots on its runway, a shape that visually lengthens and slims the silhouette.
Jockey boots and accordion styles
Straight-shafted jockey boots with flat soles remain a classic that stays in fashion this autumn. They pair well with coats and jackets without looking too formal. Hermès showed how to combine tall black smooth-leather boots with a coat in its latest collection. Beyond black, burgundy and dark brown boots are also on trend this season, best worn with a midi skirt, a knit sweater dress, or slim trousers tucked in.
Accordion boots, featuring a wide shaft that bunches just above the ankle, work well with both slim jeans and voluminous skirts. The folds along the shaft add character and let the wearer adjust the boot's height.
Tube boots with a rigid, wide shaft have remained a top footwear pick for several seasons running, with knee-length or slightly shorter styles considered the most current. The shaft needs to be sturdy enough to hold its shape and to fit trousers or jeans tucked inside. Toes can be pointed, square or trapezoid, but not round. Popular colours include black, graphite, purple, burgundy, ink, blackberry, pine, khaki, chocolate and Bordeaux, shades that pair well with autumn and winter wardrobes.
Chunky boots, cossack styles and suede
Bulky army-style boots on deliberately heavy soles are gradually giving way to neater shapes, though they remain in fashion for now. This season they appear more refined while keeping their characteristic toughness, fitting the gorpcore aesthetic that has been popular in 2026. Miu Miu showed chunky boots with metal hooks and statement laces on its latest runway, a look that creates a striking contrast between rugged footwear and feminine clothing.
Brown and black cossack boots remain the most versatile choice this season, available in short and long lengths, with or without zips, in glossy or matte leather, in suede in every colour, or with an aged or vintage finish. They pair especially well with wide jeans or loose trousers, creating a contrast between voluminous bottoms and the boots' sharp, pointed toes. Cossack boots worn with all-denim outfits remain a combination that never goes out of style.
Suede boots look especially luxurious in coffee, beige and a rich rust shade, as seen at Isabel Marant. Other popular colours include cocoa, khaki, sand, graphite, olive, Bordeaux and dark green. Suede boots are best worn only in dry weather, though styles with a high rubber sole offer a water-resistant alternative.
Loafers and derby shoes
Loafers remain one of the leading trends for autumn 2026. Designers are offering both simple matte-leather styles in chocolate and burgundy shades and square-toe versions, such as those shown by Bottega Veneta.
Derby shoes are a good alternative to loafers and suit a mild autumn. Their lacing gives them a slightly more formal look, though they pair just as well with business wear as with feminine skirts and dresses, as seen on the Auralee runway. Classic shades such as black, burgundy or chocolate work for everyday wear, while white derby shoes are especially popular this season because they go with almost anything, from trousers and jeans to coats.
Square toes and ankle boots
Square-toe shoes are back in fashion in 2026 thanks to the trend for graphic silhouettes. Unlike pointed styles, square toes do not compress the foot and suit everyday wear. The square toe pairs well with dresses, suits and jeans, rounding out an outfit rather than drawing attention away from it.
Ankle boots reaching to the ankle or mid-calf and fitting closely to the leg are trending, though looser styles also appear. A small, stable heel of around five to seven centimetres is especially current, in block, cone or kitten-heel shapes.
Beyond the classic black, graphite, milky white, beige and dark chocolate, rich colours such as bottle green, cobalt and blue are dominant this season.
Pumps and retro sneakers
Shimmering pumps covered in glitter or beading are trending this autumn. Gucci's new collection featured pointed silver pumps paired with a white semi-fitted dress, while the label N°21 showed how to combine sparkly pumps with a wool coat.
Thin-soled retro sneakers also remain on trend this autumn. While summer favoured lighter-coloured textile versions, leather or suede is the better choice this season. Onitsuka Tiger showed red leather sneakers with a snake print for its runway show, styling them with a more understated trouser suit. Popular colours include burgundy, navy, grey, khaki and chocolate, all of which pair well with jeans, trench coats and bomber jackets.
