Everyone loves a reboot (pun intended), and that’s just what we’re getting with these fall 2023 shoe trends: a retelling of our favorite styles infused with a modern sensibility and a cool new flair.

In other words, these trends will be familiar to you—Mary Janes, bows, and three classic styles of boot—but they’re anything but boring. For example, over-the-knee boots are making their comeback…this time in a range of silhouettes (slouchy and fitted, so you can take your pick). Combat boots remain huge, with punchy details like buckles and even plumage. (Yeah, we’re still obsessing over the Valentino pair topped with feathers.) For those of you craving a dose of the great outdoors, you’ll be glad to know that Western boots are also in this season, but they’re definitely giving space cowboy rather than cattle farmer.

While you’re clearing out the shoe section of your closet, you might want to take a peek at Cosmo’s full fall 2023 trend report and our deep dives into the biggest clothing trends, bag trends, and jewelry trends of the season. Happy mood-boarding, y’all.

Bows, Bows, Bows

Barbie mania (and the ’80s in general) is still upon us as we head into fall 2023, and by that I mean statement bows on all our shoes are absolutely nonnegotiable. From sweet little accents on the tips of ballet flats to supersized pops on our most formal pumps, it’s time to wrap your feet up like the present they are.

shop the bow trend

Kate Spade Happily Slingback Pumps

Loeffler Randall Amyra Sienna Bow Kitten Mules

Nalebe Heirloom Platform Satin Sandals

Now 40% Off

Gap Ballet Flats

Now 12% Off

Jeffrey Campbell X Revolve Apresdouze Heels

Space Cowboy, Baby

Over the last few years, Western details have been making their way back into the fashion consciousness like a new sheriff in town with a bad guy on the run. And while this year’s boot trend would certainly be at home in a saloon, it’d also be pretty comfy on the surface of the moon. Metallic moments and bold color choices put this season’s take on the Wild West squarely in the space cowboy corner.

shop the cowboy boots trend

Jeffrey Campbell Dagget Boots in Metallic Gold

Brother Vellies Fringe Atlas Boots in Honey Suede

Toral Suede Knee-High Cowboy Boots

Matisse Claude Western Boots

Ready for Combat (Boots)

Grunge is alive and well in fall 2023, which means the aesthetic’s quintessential footwear has to make an appearance too. Combat boots (the classic chunky lace-up variety plus some sassy buckle types) are here to edge up your outfits. Stomp on.

shop the combat boots trend

Steve Madden Motto Black Leather

Rag & Bone Shiloh Leather Boots

Dr. Martens Black Jadon Hi Boots

Sam Edelman Sam Edelman Evina Booties

3.1 Phillip Lim Mercer Zip Combat Boots

Over-the-Knees, Please

Oh, yes. Thigh-highs are here again—and in almost every variety you can think of. Which is great, because we hate to be pigeonholed. You’ll find baggy, slouchy styles perfect for your fave miniskirt outfit or tight, socklike pairs that’ll peek discreetly from behind any slit. We love options and we love over-the-knee boots. Case closed, your honor!

shop the over-the-knee trend

Schutz Austine Over-the-Knee High-Heel Boots

Staud Aimee Black Vegan Leather Boots

Nine West Daser Wide-Calf Over-the-Knee Boots

Stuart Weitzman 5050 Bold Boots

Schutz Kaolin Stretch Patent Boots

Now 40% Off

Mary Janes, Of Course

Class is in session, so take a seat and grab your No. 2 pencil. Or just wear the timeless closed-toe design with a buckle strap to complete all your fall outfits and get ready for the compliments to roll in. From ballet flats to platforms, Mary Janes are about to become the must-wear shoe for casual daywear in 3, 2, 1…

shop the mary jane trend

Aeyde Uma Patent-Leather Mary Jane Ballet Flats

Alohas Luke Red Patent Leather Ballet Flats

Now 30% Off

Larroude Larroude Blair Block Heels

Dolce Vita Reyes Ballet Flats

Carel Kina 45mm Mary Janes

Bows, Bows, Bows: Vivetta dress; Balmain heels. Space Cowboy, Baby: Puppets and Puppets top; Michael Kors Collection fringe dress; Isabel Marant boots. Over-the-Knees, Please: Stella McCartney blazer, body chain, and over-the-knee boots. Ready for Combat (Boots): Alexander McQueen playsuit, earring, and ear cuffs; Dior boots. Mary Janes, Of Course: Alessandra Rich sweater, tights, and shoes.

Fashion Editor

Danielle is the Fashion Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers the American and British ready-to-wear markets and handles fashion for all cover and fashion stories in book and online. When she’s not working on print, she covers all the latest fashion trends and news for digital. Danielle started as a Fashion Intern for Cosmopolitan in 2016 and has been with the magazine ever since. Follow her journey in the fashion industry on Instagram.