Retro Sneakers, Boho Boots and Snakeskin

With creative directors jumping from one fashion house to another, it’s challenging to predict exactly where the industry is heading in the coming months. As such, this presents an opportunity to dress for yourself this fall and have fun with fashion. Designers also strayed away from sticking to one specific theme in their collections, instead incorporating looks that’ll speak to a variety of style sensibilities. 

When it comes to footwear, collections harked back to bygone decades, one being the early 2000s. For starters, Y2K-inspired boho boots, once loved by reigning queens of boho style, Kate Moss and Sienna Miller, are roaring back into the fashion scene. Bold prints are also making a strong comeback, with all signs pointing to snakeskin as the leading motif. Timeless and trendy in equal measure, the look was presented on the catwalks by way of tall boots, slouchy bags and more standout accents.

Here, FN takes a closer look at the fall 2025 footwear trends, according to runway collections and red carpets.

Boho Boots

The boho chic fashion aesthetic has yet to wane in popularity. The fall 2025 runways were awash with free-spirited styles from a host of luxury labels. Look to Alexander McQueen, who sent models down the catwalk clad in flowy see-through chiffon dresses. Or, if ruffles are right up your alley, turn to the mustard-colored blouses seen over at Altuzarra, which oozed romance.

And in terms of footwear, boho boots — which feature a slouchy, spacious silhouette — are one trend to keep close tabs on this season. Ralph Lauren leaned into the trend by way of its black knee-high leather iteration, while Zimmermann tapped into the footwear with a rich chocolate style boasting a braided detail around the ankle. And then there was Louis Vuitton’s roomy sheepskin-lined silhouette.

Brogues and Derbies

With menswear continuing to hold a strong grip on the fashion scene, it was only a matter of time before brogues and derby shoes got their moment to shine. Although they look quite similar, the two silhouettes differ slightly.

According to Swedish footwear brand Morjas, a brogue is the decorative perforation on dress shoes, which are also referred to as broguing. There are four levels of broguing — full brogue, semi brogue, quarter brogue and longwing brogue. Each varies by the level of detailing, per Morjas. The footwear was born in Scotland and Ireland, where the silhouette became a go-to for English workers in the countryside, the brand added. 

Derbies, on the other hand, are characterized by an open-lacing system, according to French footwear manufacturer Paraboot. The footwear is believed to have first been created for Edward Smith-Stanley, the 14th Earl of Derby, in the 19th century, the company added. He apparently wanted his footwear to be more comfortable, which led his bootmaker to create the open-lace, low-cut shoe.

Although they may not sound incredibly stylish, designers have breathed new life into brogues and derbies this fall. Victoria Beckham, for one, reimagined the look with a brown square-toe iteration, while Calvin Klein presented a black pointy-toe style. Thanks to brogues and derbies’ dressy look, these shoes are a fitting addition to any 9-to-5 footwear rotation. 

Retro-inspired Sneakers

Designers are throwing it back to the ’70s, introducing a wide range of retro-inspired runners and trainers, which boast a low profile and slim silhouette. Miu Miu is undeniably leading the charge on the fall trend, having sent various old-school designs down the runway in Paris last March. The collection featured a metallic silhouette look with snakeskin designs throughout, pictured above, and a brown leather buckled silhouette. Miu Miu’s mature older sister Prada went the classic route, debuting pared-back slim white kicks. Simone Rocha also took a stab at the silhouette, showing a ladylike powder blue sneaker featuring silky ribbon laces.

Snakeskin Boots

Though leopard has arguably been the animal print du jour in recent seasons, snakeskin styles are stealing the thunder this fall. A purveyor of the look, Khaite sent a model down the runway clad in a super slouchy silhouette. Tod’s, meanwhile, made the case for a formfitting chunky heel snakeskin boot. Meanwhile, Bally’s look, which featured a rounded toe and chunky leather sole, received the office treatment thanks to the addition of a gray suit.

Rooted in versatility, these shoes will pair with everything from a polished work look à la Bally to a romantic slipdress. And it wasn’t just snakeskin boots that ruled the runways; totes rendered in the material also arrived in droves at shows like Khaite, Miu Miu and Stella McCartney. By all means, feel free to reach for both once autumn rears its head.

Studded Accents

Stud-adorned shoes and bags have been a red-hot item for a few seasons now, and that seems to be the case again this fall. This trend also exudes early 2000s vibes — one famous look being Kate Moss’ studded leather bag at the 2005 Glastonbury Festival. On the footwear front, Isabel Marant showed black suede slouchy boots festooned with silver hardware on its fall 2025 catwalk, while Jil Sander opted for pointy flats covered in spiky studs. Studded totes were, too, a throughline on the runways, spotted at shows such as Valentino and Bally.