The back-to-school season has only just begun, but retailers are already getting a sense for the shoes that will rule this fall.
FN spoke to retail leaders from Nordstrom, Zappos, DSW and Famous Footwear to hear what trends will rule the fall season. Broadly, they said the Western and biker/moto boots trend will carry into fall 2024. And some noted that tall boots and elevated textures like suede and deep colored leather will be defining features as well.
“We’ve invested in Western styles over the last year and will continue to do so as we move through the back half of the year,” said Mike Edwards, the president of the Caleres-owned Famous Footwear chain, in a recent interview with FN. He cited early positive signs from brands like Blowfish Malibu. “When it comes to boots, our consumer is looking for something new and different that she doesn’t already have in her closet, so keeping the category fresh is critical.”
According to Nordstrom associate fashion director Linda Cui Zhang, the western boot has effectively become a footwear staple, “as denim jeans are to apparel,” and will continue to show up this fall.
“From full-on cowboy styles to subtle nods in the details (harnesses, hardware, snipped toe, Cuban heel), western styles resonate with a range of customers,” Cui Zhang said.
She added that during its Anniversary Sale in July, Nordstrom saw strong demand for tall boots in more neutral colors like brown. Consumers are also opting for suede to “add texture and a dress element to boots,” she said. She specifically called out brands like Prada, Miu Miu, Veronica Beard, Sam Edelman, and Stuart Weitzman.
“Versatile, polished casual styles resonate with our customer,” Cui Zhang said. “Boots that toe-the-line of desk-to-date and work-to-weekend are multipurpose footwear heroes. The customer finds value in the styles that meet many of their occasion needs.”
Zappos’ lead style editor Haley Schulte Byun also said that versatility will be a key purchase driver this fall in several shoe categories.
“It’s important to focus on items that can help refresh and elevate existing wardrobes,” Schulte Byun said. “A great pair of retro sneakers can be worn to the office with relaxed suiting on Monday and with an athletic set to a pilates class on Saturday.”
As for specific trends, Zappos is seeing interest in Mary Janes, loafers, knee-high boots and biker/motorcycle boots in smooth leather and suede and in deep colors like maroon, chocolate and olive. Schulte Byun highlighted brands like Sam Edelman , Steve Madden, Dolce Vita, and Dr. Martens.
“We’re definitely still seeing western boots continue to be big, but for fall we’re expecting a more elevated look with sleeker silhouettes and modern detailing,” Schulte Byun said. “We expect to see these paired back with more refined clothing, think slip skirts or trench coats – creating a contemporary mix that feels more quiet luxury than Stagecoach keeping the trend fresh for 2024 and beyond.”
The moto trend was featured at the DSW fall 2024 preview.
At Designer Shoe Warehouse, president Laura Denk said she expects the Western trend to persist as well, but also highlighted the comeback of the slouchy boot and the emergence of the cozy boot trend. At the retailer’s fall preview in New York City last week, DSW showed moto and suede boots as well as fur-lined cozy slippers and ankle boots.
“I think our customers have basically taught us that every year, they want something new in that cozy boot space,” Denk said.
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