From Classy to Cool—5 Shoe Trends Zara Is Backing This Autumn

As the days begin to cool down and leaves turn to deep brown, it's clear that autumn is on its way. To navigate the in-between days many of us will be reconfiguring our wardrobes to reflect the new season's arrival, and in doing so look for a few new additions to revitalise our staples for the coming months. For me, I've hunted through the best trench coats, honed in on knitwear to throw over my shoulders now and bundle up in in just a few weeks, and now I'm focused on my footwear selection as my sandals are packed away for yet another year.

When adding such a key piece as footwear to our wardrobes, I will always suggest that investing in more expensive styles can pay off in longevity of style and fabrication. But Zara has always been a brand that excels in both, whilst offering seriously affordable prices. And with my own selection of the brand's shoes that have induced compliments and added a polished finish to a range of looks, I headed straight to the Zara site to check out what the high street store is offering for autumn.

The first thing I noticed is that Zara has ticked off some major trends with the autumn arrivals, with a versatility of designs to suit all preferences. As ever, flat shoes continue to be a key form that fashion people return to each season, and the brand shows off its in-the-know status with a range of fashion-forward styles. The classy aesthetic has become even more prominent over the past few months, and with a mix of slingback shoes in rich shades and with sweet motifs, Zara's selection is highly covetable. Alongside there's playful colours to add vibrance on grey days, autumnal fabrications to ease us into the new season and of course classic boots in updated styles that are sure to be worn on repeat throughout the rest of the year.

Keep scrolling to explore the 5 shoe trends Zara is backing for autumn 2024.

1. FRESH FLATS

Style Notes: Comfortable and chic—it comes as no surprise that flat shoes continue to be a trending style. For autumn, Zara has added upgrades to classic ballet flats and Mary Janes, with embellishments and mesh detailing to add a 2024 edge to classic silhouettes.

Shop Flats:

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Studded Leather Ballet Flats

£50

The studded details ground these sweet ballet flats.

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Ballet Flats With Animal Print

£28

Animal print is everywhere right now, and the chicest way to embrace it is with trending flats.

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Mesh Ballerinas With Bow

£36

The mesh finish and sweet bow add a delicate feel to this pair.

2. ELEGANT SLINGBACKS

Style Notes: Classy styles have been an overarching trend this year, and the new season is set to continue the theme. Elegant slingbacks are an easy way to bring a refined edge to any outfit, from tailoring to knit dresses, and below you'll find a seriously refined selection.

Shop Slingbacks:

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Buckled Slingback Shoes

£36

The burgundy hue further elevates this sleek pair.

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Strappy Sandals

£36

A very '90s pair.

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Patent-Finish Heeled Shoes With Bow

£36

Wear with occasionwear or take your jeans and Tee to a new level with these patent heels.

3. SMOOTH SUEDE

Style Notes: Texture is a key trend when autumn arrives, as we move from light summer cottons to cosy knits and of course, suede. A recurrent feature of the cooler months, suede fabrications come into their own, particularly in brown shades as presented by Zara in all forms from loafers to heels.

Shop Suede Shoes:

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Split Suede Loafers

£50

Loafers are a mainstay of our footwear collections, especially in a refined suede finish.

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Split Leather Clogs With AppliquÉs

£60

Comfortable and chic.

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Split Leather Platform Sandals

£50

Take your looks to all new heights with these striking platforms.

4. VIBRANT RED

Style Notes: When it comes to adding bold shades to our footwear collections, red has all our attention. Seamlessly blending with all other shades, and bringing a vibrant edge on grey days, Zara offers a range of footwear styles in punchy red this autumn.

Shop Red Shoes:

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Satin High-Heel Mules

£36

I'm making plans just to wear these.

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Faux Patent Ballet Flats With Ankle Strap

£26

Even devoted minimalists will be tempted by these bold red flats.

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Shiny Heeled Shoes

£36

From the pointed toe to the bold shade, this pair is seriously striking.

5. AUTUMN BOOTS

Style Notes: As autumn once again rolls around we welcome back boots into our wardrobes. As ever, Zara is primed for all occasions, with trending cowboy styles, classic ankle boots and striking knee-high styles to offer a boot for every preference.

Shop Autumn Boots:

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Cowboy-Style Ankle Boots

£40

Cowboy boots are going nowhere.

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Leather Boots With Wide Calf

£139

Take your summer skirts and dresses into the autumn season with knee-high boots.

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Square Toe Stretch Heeled Ankle Boots

£50

One of the hardest working shoes in our wardrobes are classic ankle boots, and this square-toe pair feels particularly fresh.