The right shoes for autumn

Autumn shoes must be versatile (temperatures are highly variable and it is also a season of heavy and frequent rains), comfortable to wear, and practical, suitable for use in very different circumstances.

General advice

They concern the materials (insulating and waterproof ones are definitely preferable), the thickness of the sole and the relationship with the socks.

• Insulating and waterproof materials. The most suitable material for autumn is definitely the full grain leather or treated suede with water-repellent sprays. The leather shields from the wind and insulates from humidity, keeping the foot dry. Full-grain leather is a living material with natural open pores. This structure allows for a exceptional breathability: the foot does not perspire excessively during the sunny days of September and October, but remains insulated from the cold wind and low temperatures in November.
• Sole thickness: Prefer shoes with rubber soles vulcanized rubber or tank. A slight platform or thick sole keeps the foot away from the cold, wet ground, improving thermal comfort. Autumn turns sidewalks into slippery traps due to rain, mud, and wet leaves. Vulcanized rubber maintains a superior traction and grip on smooth and wet surfaces compared to other plastic materials such as PVC or EVA.
• Non-slip and grip: Make sure the bottom of your shoe has grooves. Autumn asphalt covered with wet leaves and rain requires maximum grip to avoid slipping. Leaves falling from trees accumulate on the roads. When it rains, the biological decomposition of the leaves releases sugars and tannins which, combined with water, create a invisible and slimy patina on sidewalks. A smooth sole loses all grip on this surface, causing sudden falls.
• Modularity with socks: Buy mid-season shoes by calculating the space for one medium thickness sock (in ribbed cotton or a lightweight wool blend). If the shoe is too tight, circulation is reduced and feet get cold faster. If you buy a shoe in the fall based on a summer fit (barefoot or with invisible sockliners), the interior space will be minimal. When you wear thicker fall socks, your foot will be compressed. Compression constricts blood vessels, reduces circulation and makes you feel much colder, as well as causing painful cramps.
• Strategic color palette: Focus on neutral and warm colors like leather, burgundy, chocolate, forest green and blackThey are easy to match with autumn coats and outerwear and better hide mud or rain stains. The material can have a big impact on the choice of color: for the chamois, prefer warm tones like tobacco, Bordeaux and taupe, which visually enhance the softness of the fabric; for the shiny or full grain leather, instead, focus on dark and intense shades such as black, chocolate or plum, which beautifully reflect the natural autumn light.

Women's models

The most suitable women's autumn models vary based on the month.

In September

• Moccasins and Loafers: in light leather or suede. Alongside the classic versions, printed loafers dominate. animalier (leopard or python) and the declinations with metal clamps.
• Ballerina in Leather and Mary Jane: abandoning light summer fabrics, we move on to structured ballerinas in nappa or suede, stable and flat. The models with kitten heel or tied at the ankle for the office.
• Retro and Slim Sneakers: Very slim sneakers inspired by vintage football or track and field from the '70s and '80s. Fall colors like burgundy and chocolate brown dominate.

In October

• Ankle Boots (Chelsea & Ankle Boots): the classic ankle boots with elastic side and the minimal versions in leather with a square toe.
• Lace-ups and Jazz Shoes: Men's-inspired shoes (Derby or Oxford) with slightly thicker soles, excellent for protecting the foot from the humidity of the asphalt without the heaviness of a boot.
• Pumps and T-Straps with sculptural heels: Daytime high heels are becoming more stable. Geometric cone or inverted pyramid heels and high-profile uppers dominate (high vamp), perfect for covering the instep more.

In November

• Amphibians and Combat Boots: Military-inspired lace-up boots with lug soles in vulcanized rubber High-grip. Ideal for preventing slipping on wet leaves and for insulating the foot from the ground.
• Second Skin and Cuissard Boots: Knee-high or thigh-high boots made of stretch suede or ultra-soft leather. They hug the leg like a thick sock, providing the perfect barrier against the cold wind.
• Lined slippers and sabots: For dry but very cold days, slip-ons or clogs in thick suede enriched internally with faux fur or shearling linings.

Men's models

For men too, the choices depend on temperatures and rainfall.

In September

• Suede or soft leather loafers: The style models Penny loafers or with tassels (Tassel Loafer) are the undisputed kings of the month. They are still worn without socks (or with invisible socks) under light cotton trousers or chinos.
• Minimal leather sneakers: Clean profile sneakers (style tennis courts 70s), preferably white with colored details or entirely tan/dark brown. They replace summer canvas sneakers.
• Boat Shoes and Thick Boat Shoes: Autumnal versions of boat shoes, made from sturdier leather and featuring chunkier rubber soles, perfect for early autumn weekends.

In October

• Ankle Boots and Desert Boots: Lace-up suede ankle boots with a crepe or soft rubber sole. They're the perfect compromise between casual and formal October style.
• Lace-Up Shoes (Derby and Oxford): The models Derby (more casual, with open lacing) and Oxford (More formal) brown, burgundy, or black leather shoes become essential for the office. The workmanship is highly appreciated. Brogue (punched with the typical squiggles on the tip).
• Monk Strap (Shoes with a buckle): Both single and double buckle (Double Monk). A great alternative to traditional lace-ups, perfect for pairing with tailored suits or autumnal separates.

In November

• Chelsea Boots (Beatles Boots): Smooth or full-grain leather lace-up ankle boots with elastic sides. They're incredibly versatile: they protect from wind and rain and can be slipped on in seconds.
• Amphibians and Lace-up Combat Boots: Lace-up boots that are high above the ankle, military or work inspired (normcore). They have thick lug soles made of vulcanized rubber, ideal for preventing slipping on wet leaves.
• Brogue Lace-Up Boots (Country Boots): Tall boots in sturdy, textured leather, historically designed for hunting in the English countryside. Today, they're a stylish urban staple for braving November storms while keeping feet warm and dry.

Your final choice will also be influenced by your usual look this season.

Read also:

• How to avoid making mistakes when buying shoes
• How to stretch tight shoes so they don't go to waste
• How to raise the height of your shoes