7 shoes that are in right now and 5 that are out, according to stylists and designers

• Business Insider spoke to stylists and designers about what shoe trends are in and out this season.
• Shoes and boots with hardware, like buckles and studs, are rising in popularity.
• On the other hand, retro running shoes are being replaced with more utilitarian footwear.

There are a lot of mixed opinions on what the next big fall shoe will be. On TikTok, some creators are arguing slip-on loafers are so back, but others are firmly team Frye boot.

So, Business Insider spoke to two fashion designers and a stylist about what styles are actually in and out right now.

Here's what the experts said.

Shoes with exaggerated toe silhouettes are all the rage.

Whether it's high-heels or boots, fashion stylist Susan Mammadova said shoes with a pointy or square toe are in right now.

"As we move into fall and winter, shoes with bold and dramatic toe shapes will be everywhere," she told BI. "They offer an additional way to play with shapes and silhouettes in any getup."

Since nostalgic and retro styles have cropped up over the last few years, she specifically recommended chunky, square-toed shoes for casual fall outfits.

Slim shoes are a good match for baggier clothes.

Fashion designer Mason Miller told BI that ballet flats and similarly slim shoe options are still in this season.

"There's something chic about them," he said. "And they go great with the baggier clothes we're all obsessed with and seeing in high-end and streetwear fashion."

Miller explained that the thinner shoes help create a balanced look when you're playing around with baggier pants and tops.

Well-made, practical boots are worth investing more money in.

Fashion designer Jarrah Webster recommended investing in a pair of well-crafted boots that can go with any outfit.

"I think when you're trying to buy boots, people are willing to spend more money since there's more longevity and they're meant to last longer," he told BI.

Instead of relying on ubiquitous brands like Dr. Martens and Steve Madden, the designer said it's worth splurging on more unique high-end options. Slouchy leather boots from brands like Guidi are his personal favorites.

Loafers are here to stay.

Loafers don't seem to be going out of style anytime soon.

"The loafer has blown up the last two years, and for good reason — they're easy to throw on but still give off a more sophisticated look," Miller said.

Because they're so classic and easy to style, they can be used to easily dress up more casual outfits. As fall approaches, the designer recommends pushing your personal style a bit by reaching for a pair a little out of your comfort zone.

Colorful sneakers are a must-have statement piece.

Mammadova said sneaker trends are moving from basic, all-white options to vibrant pops of color.

"The rise in colorful sneakers ties into the broader retro and nostalgic vibes we're seeing right now in fashion, and they offer both a playful yet throwback appeal," she told BI.

The stylist said shoes like Maison Margiela Replica ($670) and Adidas Gazelles ($100) are two great, colorful options at different price points.

Soccer-inspired sneakers are still going strong.

Adidas Sambas regained popularity around this time last year, and Miller told BI that the craze isn't over yet.

"On one hand, they're being seen everywhere, and people are sick of seeing it," he said. "But either way, the style is here to stay."

Because the popular shoe may become oversaturated in the coming seasons, the designer recommended investing in a pair with unique colorways or personalizations, like special laces or pins on the tongues.

Shoes with hardware details are an emerging, playful trend.

Shoes with studs and exaggerated buckles are everywhere, from Target to luxury brands like Toga Virilis.

"As maximalism continues to persist in fashion, shoes with eye-catching hardware perfectly complement the bold, playful styles," Mammadova said.

The stylist added that because it's so accessible across budgets, the shoe style is really popping off as a way to show personality and add a statement piece to an outfit.

On the other hand, chunky sneakers are still out.

Webster said chunky sneakers (especially high-end ones) are out unless they have enough uniqueness to stand out.

"Shoes that are more affordable are starting to overpower high-end brands like Balenciaga because those are pretty cliché and overdone," he told BI.

The designer recommended looking for more affordable chunky shoes that aren't necessarily sneakers. Brands like Crocs or Edy are a good place to start looking.

Classic running shoes are being replaced with utilitarian options.

Although running sneakers rose in popularity due to the gorpcore streetwear-as-fashion aesthetic , their appeal seems to be quickly fading.

"New Balances, Asics Gel Lytes, and even retro-inspired running shoes are outdated," Webster said. "I think that era is becoming dead."

Instead, people are starting to gravitate toward more practical, utilitarian styles, such as Merrell hiking shoes and Soloman trail runners.

Knee-high boots are being left behind.

Instead of reaching for knee-highs this fall, Mammadova said she plans to gravitate toward shorter boots.

"Knee-highs were all the rage a few years ago, but calf-length boots are taking over with the recent moto-style clothing trend," she told BI. "Plus, they've got that nostalgic feel that's really in right now."

Laid-back sandals are no longer as popular.

Sandals and laid-back shoes from brands like Birkenstock became especially popular at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when people really only needed one pair of shoes to slip on for a quick errand. But Webster thinks they're overdone right now.

"They're just not in anymore, especially because the relaxed look isn't as popular as it was a few years ago," he told BI.

Instead the designer recommended buying mules or a shoe with an exposed heel. They're sometimes just as comfortable but look better and pair well with more outfits.

Basketball shoes are out.

Classic basketball sneakers, like Jordans, aren't as hot as they once were.

"The streetwear trend has died down, and with so many shoe options out there, people are finding everyday shoes that look better and cost less," Mammadova said.

This is especially true as styles shift toward sleeker and thinner silhouettes — chunky basketball shoes just don't fit this fall.

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