Because Spring has been a little slow to arrive in Toronto, Canada, let’s take a closer look at the upcoming top Fall 2015 shoe trends. At the very least, they’ll keep us mentally warm (and there’s no harm in getting a jump on our shoe game!). We’ll look at the 16 most popular women’s fall shoes. Some are tantalizingly delicious. Some are downright who-the-heck-would-wear-that insane! Take a look…
I scoured nearly every runway from Milan, New York, Paris, and London fashion weeks for the most sought-after shape, color, and shoe styles from the most sought-after taste-makers to create an ultimate guide to the most dominant trends that will be in store for Fall 2015. From strange to cute fall shoes, I’ve compiled a list of 16 shoe trends in descending order of importance. And by “importance,” I mean “most visible.” There will almost certainly be some shoes, boots, or high heels that you dislike, but remember… don’t shoot the messenger!!
Top 16 Fall 2015 Shoe Trends
1. Heels with More Chunk
If you thought chunky/blocky heels were popular in Spring 2015, think again! Fall 2015 is taking the chunkiness trend a step further! Not only are the heels thicker, but many of them resemble literal cylindrical blocks stuck onto a shoe. I don’t think these heels could get any clunkier unless they were presented as a full-on platform. In almost every high-end fashion designer’s collection, chunky heels were featured. We’ve come a long way since the pin-thin stiletto heel (though it’s not entirely obsolete yet!).
2. Shoes with Lace-Ups or Corsets
Yes, lace-up sandals, gladiators, and high heels were popular last season, and they’re back this season. From Victorian-era lace-up thigh high boots and booties to more avant-garde corset detailing, some have even dubbed this shoe trend “Bondage,” owing to ’50 Shades of Grey.’ I just see it as a shoe and boot detailing that has temporarily replaced our beloved zippers (though I’m hoping for hidden zippers at the back or sides to make getting into the shoes a little easier!).
3. Faux Fur Footwear
On the Fall 2015 runways, there was no shortage of teddy bear-like fuzzy wuzzy furriness to hairpiece-like ragged shoes! Some designers, like Gucci, added wig-like hairs to the insoles of their shoes, while others, like Maison Martin Margiela, opted for allover raggedy hair’d uppers that functioned as runway mops. Even Dolce&Gabbana got in on the act with a shaggy feathered red slingback (possibly the tamest of the furry bunch!). Love it or hate it, this trend–possibly started by Celine with their “Big Bird” pumps a few years ago–has finally taken flight. And, if you ask me, it’s not always pretty. I mean, I don’t know about you, but I don’t like wearing my pets on my shoes!
4. Velvet
The velvet trending shoes for Fall 2015 are somewhat similar to the softness of the furry shoes, but much MUCH more tame and wearable. Whether crushed or plain velvet, this is a major Fall footwear material trend and one of my favorites: it exudes warmth and luxurious softness all in one. A deep purple was seen on multiple runways, including Dries Van Noten, Roberto Cavalli, and Emilio Pucci. So, if you’re only going to wear one velvet shoe this season, I’d go for a deep violet velvet hue.
5. MODEL 60s
Sixties shoes, particularly MOD boots, were seen on a slew of Fall 2015 runways. It was a hard trend to miss with its square toe, color blocking, and chunky heels. I like how Miu Miu incorporated a 70s-style heel into their 60s-inspired Mary Janes, and I like how many designers kept their 60s-inspired shoes fresh and, for the most part, wearable today.
6. Square Toe
The pointed toe has given way to the square toe in the same way that the stiletto gave way to the block heel. Toes with pointed tips are on their way out. I always told myself that if pointed toes became unfashionable, I’d be screwed. There were so many square toe shoes and boots on the Fall 2015 runways, whether directly inspired by the 1960s or not, that I guess that day has finally arrived. My shoe closet is about to go out of style. And my career as a shoe blogger may come to an end. It was great getting to know you!
7. Thigh Highs with a Statement
Last year’s OTK boots have gone one step further (in the same vein as the chunky heel) and have not only become thigh-higher, but have gone completely berserk in the process! There was no shortage of this type of crazy boot, from punky VERY high boots to ones with alien-like qualities to MOD boots gone a little nutso. There were more subdued versions of these thigh-almost-crotch-height boots, but the printed and bedazzled ones stole the show(s)!
8. Latex
It’s a skin-tight slip-on boot that looks like someone’s fetish object! Another trend that we can probably blame on ’50 Shades of Grey’ is the abundance of latex or latex-looking boots on the Fall 2015 runways. Just remember to apply baby powder to your feet and legs so you can get these on (and off!). This demonstrates once more that zippers are a thing of the past!
9. Heels with a Statement
I’m referring to the actual ‘heel’ of the shoe here. So many shoes had a high or low heel that was unique and quirky. Yes, overly chunky heels are part of the Fall 2015 statement heels trend, but it’s worth noting that not all inventive heels on the runway were purely chunkeroos!
10. red shoes
So many models’ feet were red, red, red as they paraded down the runways! Not only burgundy, but also crimson, poppy, and marsala waltzer their way into possibly the most dominant 2015 Fall shoe color trending at fashion shows. In every shape and size!
Eleventh, Beaded Embellishments
Although embellishments as a shoe trend are not new, the various amounts of heavy beading seen at many of the designers’ shows were. And we’re not talking about the large, rhinestone-like beads seen previously for Spring 2015. The masses of teeny-tiny beads that I remember seeing on the runways as a child were the most impressive. As impressive as the price tag on these puppies must be! But oh-so-beautiful. I adore this trend, despite the fact that it is somewhat impractical due to their extremely delicate nature.
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12. “Sock” Boots that Slip On
Is it a sock with a boot, or a sock-boot?! We saw this as a prominent Spring 2015 shoe trend, so it’s not exactly new, but slip on shoes/boots with incorporated socks and stretchy hose made a big statement on the Fall runways. The stretchy, form-fitting boot hasn’t been seen in a long time. I’m not sure if I like it, especially with the latex-like fabrics in the mix.
13. Green Sneakers
If you follow ShoeTease on Instagram, you’ll know that I’m a big fan of green shoes. It’s such a unique footwear color, and I’m thrilled that it made quite a statement on the Fall 2015 runways. Outfits with green shoes were almost as popular as outfits with red shoes, ranging from bright apple greens to rich forest hues.
14. Granny Boots
Some are a little matronly, or perhaps you prefer the term “dowdy,” with a 40s and 60s vibe. In either case, your grandmother would approve!
15. Punk Rock
Some big designer labels also suggested some bad @ss boots and shoes. These aren’t your dainty little numbers, with everything from heavy metal to studded and platformed.
16. Plexiglas Heels
The plexiglass heel could be thought of as a sub-trend of the statement heel. Although transparent heels aren’t new, they’re anything but simple this time. They’re irregularly shaped and sculpted, with embellishments on the inside and outside.
The Bottom Line
So, what are your thoughts? Were the Fall 2015 runway shoes new and exciting enough for you. In any case, they’re all included in your comprehensive guide to Fall 2015 shoe trends. I’m actually glad we’re getting something different this time. Pointed-toe stiletto heels, seen at a few runway shows such as Dolce&Gabbana and Nina Ricci, are almost on their way out, but are still circling. See more useful article at my website shoestorenyc.com