The Hot List: Autumn/Winter Shoes
40 of my top-pick shoes from AW24.
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The weather has finally turned rainy and cold here in Sydney today which has made me excited for one thing in particular: Autumn fashion. Footwear, if we’re getting specific. I started out my fashion career in footwear so I like to think that shoes are sort of my thing.
I have been holding out on updating my shoe wardrobe this season because the weather has been unusually hot for this time of year (30+ degree days over the Easter long weekend is unheard of). But now it looks like we’ve been given the green light to start shopping for all things closed-toe. Here is my roundup of 40 of the best practical and (mostly) affordable footwear styles this season for all aspects of your everyday life.
Everyday sneakers
1. Adidas - Samba OG
Another Winter, another year of Adidas absolutely reigning supreme in the everyday sneaker game. I personally believe that Samba’s have stayed the number one shoe for a couple of reasons: 1. because they’re a slimmer fit than a Superstar or Air Force 1 and go with so many more clothing silhouettes because of it, and 2. they’re such a simple design and can be worn with just about everything. That’s pretty much it. They’re simple and effective, and that’s hard to beat. They have also been popular in some countries (particularly South America) for years, so it’s hard to believe that it’s taken this long for the rest of the world to catch up.
If you already own the typical white or black samba’s and love the silhouette, my advice is if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Expand into different colours instead. Burgundy and deep reds are having a real moment and rightly so; bordeaux matches well with so many capsule wardrobe and brighter red tones, as well as the grey-on-grey trend we’re also seeing throughout clothing collections. I also am loving the deep green and brown tones for Autumn.
2. Onitsuka Tiger - Mexico 66
If you’re completely over Samba’s but still love the look of them, a close alternative that I’m also loving is the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66’s. These are a similar style, even down to the suede toe cap. If you’re feeling bold, I also adore them in this yellow colourway.
Here’s a fun fact: Onitsuka Tiger was the original brand which later became what we know today as Asics. They kept the Onitsuka Tiger brand as a subsidiary label and is now positioned as their ‘lifestyle’ shoe brand under their portfolio. The Mexico 66’s are the shoe which they’re best known for and has been around since the 1966 (how they got their name). To see a single shoe franchise still have relevance almost 50 years later to me is incredible, and speaks to how timeless this classic sneaker silhouette is. The Samba that we also know today was also created around this time. You can’t go wrong buying either one of these - I guarantee you’ll be wearing them for a very long time!
3. Adidas - Handball Spezial
Everyone is currently trying to predict the ‘next samba’ but to be honest, I don’t believe there is one (in saying that though, many are predicting that the SL 72 will be that Bella Hadid was seen wearing. I think it will be popular but I don’t think any of these shoes will have anywhere near the same impact). If anything, it would be the Spezial or Gazelle franchises from Adidas, which are already just as popular. These Handball Spezial’s in the off cream and black colour combo feel a little more elevated to me than the crisp white sambas. These are such a classic everyday sneaker and can be worn with just about anything from tailored pants to maxi skirts, mini skirts and jeans.
4. Adidas x Wales Bonner - Samba
If you’re happy with your current everyday sneaker wardrobe and are looking to add something more adventurous, I absolutely love these leopard print pony sneakers by Adidas x Wales Bonner (another Adidas option - I know. But unless you go for something unbranded, they’re hard to beat at the moment imo). There’s also an internet debate going around on whether or not leopard print is a neutral. It depends on what your definition of a neutral is, but if we’re talking about a colour or pattern that can be worn with almost any other colour, I personally think they definitely pass as a neutral.
Metallic sneakers
5. Nike - V2K Run Sneakers
In terms of cultural impact, Adidas has undoubtedly taken heat away from Nike’s dunks and other franchises over the past couple of years. But when not competing with Adidas, Nike has also had to fight off other brands like ON Running, New Balance and Asics for the rest of the market. Metallic sneakers are very much a theme we’ll continue to be seeing, and my gut feel is telling me these Nike V2K Run sneakers as well as the Nike P-6000 are set to be the next biggest dad shoes this season.
As a side note - the Nike Cortez is also making a strong comeback. One that’s definitely on my radar!
6. Asics - Gel-1130
A metallic sneaker roundup wouldn’t be complete without including an Asics shoe. These are the perfect sneakers for travel, walking, comfort.. anything, really. I alternate between these and New Balances when I’m after that chunky retro trainer look.
7. New Balance - 530
There’s so many great New Balance styles to choose from, but my absolute favourite are the New Balance 530’s. I do everything in these - including working out. They are the most comfortable shoes I have ever owned (not an exaggeration - I can easily walk 20,000+ steps a day in these). If a chunkier trainer is your vibe and you don’t already own a pair, these definitely deserve a spot in your wardrobe.
8. Onitsuka Tiger - Mexico 66
Another Mexico 66 I know, but I needed to throw these in here because the metallic silver colour way is being hailed by some on social media as the next it shoe. If chunky trainers aren’t your thing, this may be the option for you instead.
Mary-Jane Flats
9. Tony Bianco - Bambi Bordeaux Patent Flats
The most coveted style of the season (Mary-Jane ballet flats) in one of the most coveted colours of the season (bordeaux)? Yes please. Wear these to spice up any capsule wardrobe outfit. I also love the look of styling these flats with grey socks and a mini skirt with a crewneck sweater (grey on grey is also a major colour theme this season!)
10. Zara - Leather Ballet Flats
If you’re looking for just a classic everyday Mary-Jane flat that won’t break the bank, this pair from Zara are only $105 and has both a leather lining and leather upper. It would be crazy of us not to snatch these up.
11. Sandler - Millie Flats
I used to work for the company that owns Sandler and let me tell you something.. do not sleep on their shoes. A lot of their styles come from the same suppliers that make a lot of other very well known Australian footwear brands and the quality is some of the best. Once you get past the name and demographic of who you think shops there, you’ll start to see that the styles are actually very on trend with a lot of high end designer brands. I love the triple buckle details on these flats in particular for something a little bit different.
12. Reformation - Bethany Ballet Flats
Attention Aussie girls - Reformation has landed on The Iconic! About time! The selection is limited but there’s still some good pieces. These flats are on the pricier side, but I love the bit more of the exaggerated buckle detail. Very similar to the Miu Miu leather ballerina’s for 1/3 of the price.
Ballet Flats
13. Alias Mae - Sari
Alaïa’s studded ballet flats took the fashion world by storm last year. We all know what they look like, so I’ve included a more affordable pair here (albeit without the strap) instead. I love these as a way to spice up a simple outfit like a pair of straight denim jeans with a coat. For something a little edgier, I’d also wear these with black wide leg jeans and a biker jacket.
14. Senso - Becca I
There are tons of basic ballet flats out there for us to choose from, but I thought the little chanel-esque bow detail on these ones from Senso were super cute. Again, also in the hue of the season - bordeaux!
15. Tony Bianco - Milla Silver Shimmer Flats
I love the colour of these flats because they remind me of the red and silver Jacquemus ballet flats I so badly wanted. But if we’re talking about direct lookalikes, these ballets with the elastic are a replica of The Row’s iconic $820 ballet flats. Not a bad alternative at AU $179.95, and they’re made from leather too.
16. Miu Miu - Satin Ballerinas
We couldn’t enter ballet flat territory without including the OG satin ballerina’s from Miu Miu. These wide elastic satin flats can be worn with both preppy and street style looks. I love when I see them styled with a super oversized outfit like huge boyfriend jeans and a football jersey. The contrast is so fun to me. The downside to satin shoes though are that they’re not practical outdoor shoes especially on rainy days, so you’re limited with where you can wear them. I still love them though, and the ivory version of these also makes for a great bridal shoe alternative to heels. For another cute idea on how to style them, Hailey Bieber wore a blue satin version last year paired with an oversized tee and pleated mini skirt. Add a jacket to this and you’re good to go.
Buckle Flats
17. Alias Mae - Fifi
A micro trend we’re seeing in footwear this season that I actually really like is this exaggerated buckle detail. Let your shoes be the statement! This pair from Alias Mae is a lookalike style to the original $2,010 Bottega Veneta Mary Jane flats. I would style these with white socks and a pleated mini skirt or jeans that cut off at the ankle to accentuate the buckle.
18. Alias Mae - Zia
These are a lookalike of the best-selling Ganni Buckle Ballerinas, and one of my favourite flats at the moment. Another Alias Mae style, I know, but they have absolutely killed the affordable Autumn/Winter collection this year, its hard not to include everything. These go with so much, and could also pass as work shoes.
19. Jil Sander - Ring-Detail Leather Ballerinas
This pick is definitely on the luxe side, but I couldn’t not talk about these Jil Sander flats, I think they’re just such a cool shoe. I haven’t seen anything similar yet, but I definitely have my eyes open (drop it in the comments if you have any recs)!
20. Zara - Buckled Ballet Flats
For a more affordable option that would also make for great work flats, I quite like these crinkle-effect buckle ballets from Zara.
Loafers
21. COS - Chunky Leather Penny Loafers
I love a good loafer and wear them all the time, especially on days where I am running around doing errands or just catching up with friends. They’re a more formal solution to a sneaker and more comfortable than a heeled boot. For a classic, timeless, everyday loafer - I love this version from COS. Relatively affordable and made from 100% leather too.
22. Tony Bianco - Gatsby Black Venice Flats
These particular flats from Tony Bianco are a lookalike for the $2,000+ The Row Leather Loafers, for only AU $219.95.
I have been reading a lot of interesting Substacks lately about the rising cost of luxury items and the role influencer culture plays in creating the illusion in our minds that the average person can actually afford these items on a monthly basis. The truth is, a lot of the time (not always), what we see on influencers have either been gifted, rented or borrowed. For a lot of people, spending full price on luxury designer every month is just straight up not realistic. I don’t necessarily endorse dupe culture (especially not from fast fashion brands), but I am all for a good lookalike if it means that we can make more financially savvy choices when it comes to purchasing something we want without compromising on quality.
It’s an interesting topic to discuss because there’s tons of nuance in this (like the moral dilemma of copying someone else’s creativity), but legally, something like only 5% (or 5 aspects) of the shoe needs to be different in order for it to not be a copy (this is what it was when I last worked in footwear so this may have changed since then). It can be hard to speak up about this for the fear of getting torn apart for your stance, but I’m curious to know where you actually personally stand when it comes to buying the real thing vs a well-made unbranded lookalike?
23. Alias Mae - Finn
Having a deep brown or burgundy loafer in your shoe rotation is a great alternative to black, and surprisingly goes with a lot more than you think. I really like the sleeker style and rich chocolate colour of this pair. I’d style with other deep tones like an emerald green jumper and a grey pleated mini skirt with grey or white socks.
24. Zara - Track Sole Loafers
For me personally, the chunkier the loafer the better. I love the track sole on these and the hi-shine finish (which is not as intense as a patent leather). These remind me of the shoes I used to wear in high school which is so interesting that I still love them to this day (all things preppy is also a current theme within the fashion world - I’ll be posting a deeper dive into this soon too)!
Ankle Boots
25. Essēn - The Glove Boot
If there’s one thing about me, it’s that I looove a good skin tight boot to wear with jeans or pants (I know they’re not for everyone, so I’m sorry if these aren’t for you). This style from Essēn is on the pricier side but ticks every single box in my book, including the pointed toe. I also love the transparency and sustainability ethos of this brand (check them out if you’ve never heard of them before). Other notable colour in this style is the chocolate brown. So good!
26. AERE - Square Toe Heeled Leather Ankle Boots
Speaking of chocolate, I got asked in one of my instagram Q&A’s a few weeks ago about good brown leather ankle boots and when I went deep diving, there weren’t that many options to choose from. Since then I have come across these from The Iconic’s in-house label AERE. The shape reminds me of my favourite Tony Bianco Fantasy Boots (below), but in an ankle boot version.
27. Alias Mae - Crissy
If you’ve had your eyes on the Khaite Arizona boots but don’t love the AUD $1450 price tag, look no further than these from Alias Mae. They come in both black and white, but I love the white for a pop of something different. Style with a knitted midi dress or anything that cuts off above the ankles.
28. Alias Mae - Trini
Another ankle boot style I’m loving adjacent to the biker boot trend are these boots with the side buckle detail. I love the lower heel on them and think they’re such a great casual boot for everyday as an alternative to a chelsea or all-leather ankle boot. It also fits in with the large buckle detail trend I spoke about before.
Knee High Boots
29. Tony Bianco - Fantasy Boots
These are my tried-and-true go to boots. They fit like a dream, are the perfect heel height and make quite literally any outfit look good. My only regret is buying them half a size too small, because they give me blisters if I walk too far in them (these were the last size left and I quite clearly couldn’t wait any longer haha). To err on the side of caution, I usually always go half a size up in boots and wear a thicker or double sock if need be. I also love them in this rich chocolate colour, which are next on the hit list.
30. Zara - Leather Gaiter Boots
Fold over boots are having a real moment right now. There’s lots of styles to choose from and I think they’re a great style to wear with mini skirts and mini dresses to give the outfit that something extra. I really like the baggy leather look of this pair from Zara as an alternative to something like a straight fit.
31. Nakedvice - The Stacey Boots
Animal print is a big trend right now, yes, but animal print is always around and never truly goes away - it just dips in and out of mainstream fashion. I adoree these snake print boots from Nakedvice. I would honestly wear them all the time for seasons to come with boyfriend jeans or a LBD for date night/dinner with friends.
32. Tony Bianco - Petra Boots
I couldn’t do a knee high boot top picks without adding some sort of cowboy boot - arguably the biggest shoe trend right now. I have a country/western deep dive I’ll be posting soon with lots more options, but for now I decided to include this pair from Tony Bianco in here as an option for those who are thinking about getting into the trend but in a practical way. These can easily be worn as an alternative to your current black knee high boots.
Work heels
33. Camilla and Marc - Rhys Leather Pump
Camilla and Marc’s shoe game is always so strong. I looove these, especially with the wide triangular heel and exaggerated pointed toe. There is no limit with what you could wear these with, but I especially love them as an elevated work heel.
34. Carel Paris - Kina Mary-Janes
Carel Kina’s are the ultimate french it-girl shoe. They’re in the mid-high price range, but if you’re looking to purchase the Mary-Jane, these are it.
35. Senso - Izah
If you’re after something a bit chunkier and also in a Mary-Jane style, I can’t get enough of these from Senso. I would wear these outside of work too with socks and mini skirts or a blazer dress. Also - this square toe and the COLOUR! Love!!
36. Alias Mae - Issy
If you’re in need of upgrading your pumps, these Ferragamo-style heels would be my top pick. The only downside is how thin the heel is. If that’s not practical for you (i.e you need to walk a lot), these may not be the best option for work, but I still love them for a different take on your run-of-the-mill everyday heels.
Lounge shoes
37. CSB x UGG - Since 1974 Slipper
I love this collaboration CSB did with UGG. When I’m WFH (which is most of the time), I live in loungewear and activewear, so these are something I would 100% purchase and get so much wear out of. They know their customer so well.
38. UGG - Tazz
I sort of love but hate that uggs are socially acceptable to wear out in public again. If you’re going to do it, these are the it-girl style to purchase. Wear with wide fitting jeans and an oversized jumper to a casual coffee date or when running errands.
39. Birkenstock - Boston Clog
Birkenstocks are on the same level as uggs for me, I’m not 100% sure how I personally feel about them but I understand the appeal. They’re a great comfy travel shoe, or something to put on for those days where you just absolutely cannot be bothered. The Boston’s are commonly styled with socks and jeans, or used as a quick slide to throw on after pilates.
40. Prada - Shearling Slippers
If you’re looking for a more luxury option that is also 100% acceptable to wear out, I love these shearling slippers from Prada. Pia Shah has styled them casually out and I can’t get enough.
Let me know what you thought of this edit and what you want to see next in the comments!
Alexa x
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