Don’t get caught slipping in subpar footwear this fall. As tempting as it may be to attempt to cling onto your favourite summer shoes for as long as possible, the fact is that not all footwear is up to the demands of the autumn weather. Get it wrong and you can easily end up cold, wet and uncomfortable. Not a great way to enter the new season. Much better, we think, to be able to stride into the colder months surefooted and full of confidence.

Shodding yourself appropriately is every bit as important as having a reliable coat and making sure your knitwear is suitably stocked up. These autumnal stompers should be able to fend off wet weather, offer increased protection from the elements and give you a bit of extra traction when the going gets slippery.

Looking for some suitable options to peruse? We’ve got you covered. Keep scrolling to find an assortment of fall footwear styles to suit every taste. From classic staples to new trend-driven styles – here are the shoes and boots you need to know about.

Luxury Hikers

High-end hiking boots are still big news this season. We’re not talking top-of-the-range mountaineering footwear designed for cutting-edge performance in the peaks. No, we’re interested in retro styling, premium materials and handmade craftsmanship.

These boots are heavily inspired by the hiking footwear of yesterday. They feature fold-over gusseted tongues, metal hardware and, more often than not, bright red laces.

For some of the best options, check out brands like Danner, Diemme and Fracap.

Suede Chukka Boots

Velasca

It may not be the best material when it’s wet, but no list of fall footwear would be complete without a pair of chukkas in rich brown suede. These shoes were built for crunching through fallen leaves. Just make sure they’re properly protected with a good suede spray.

Chukkas are great because they’re incredibly versatile. They’ll pair with anything from tailored pants to straight-leg jeans, meaning you can get a lot of bang for your buck.

Clarks is the biggest brand in the game with its iconic Desert Boot, but there are lots of other labels offering slightly elevated alternatives. Try the likes of Velasca, Drake’s and Myrqvist.

Chunky Derbies

Kleman

Derby shoes are super versatile and a great option all year round. That said, they’re even better for the fall weather if you choose a pair with a nice chunky sole for grip on slippery ground. Not only are they better on wet pavements, but they’re perfect for balancing out top-heavy outfits when it gets cold enough for the big coats to come out.

There are plenty of great brands making fantastic options, with versions to suit every budget. At the lower end of the pricing spectrum, Dr Martens is hard to beat. If you’re after something a bit more premium, try Paraboot instead.

Rugged Chelsea Boots

Blundstone

Chelsea boots don’t have to be thin-soled, sleek and smart. Just ask any Australian farmer worth his salt. These slip-ons have long been used in manual labour thanks to their simple design, rugged build and comfortable fit. The key difference is that these are built with tough leather and functional outsoles designed for grip and durability.

The best part is that rugged Chelseas go with anything and everything – not least fall casualwear. Check out brands like Blundstone and R.M. Williams, and pair them with straight-leg jeans, a nice heavy overshirt and a heavyweight tee for a failsafe autumn ‘fit.

Lugged Loafers

Velasca

Don’t ditch the loafers at the first sign of rain. Instead, fork out on a pair that can cope with the incoming inclement weather. Yes, loafers are famous for their wafer-thin soles, but it is possible to find ones with a good amount of grip underfoot if you know where to look.

Chunky loafers with deep-lugged soles are perfect for smart-casual occasions in the fall and winter months. They offer all the aesthetic perks of a loafer but with the sturdiness and reliability of a good pair of work boots.

In our experience, G.H. Bass makes some of the best in the business.

Weatherproof Sneakers

Adidas

There’s a growing trend for functional footwear in the fashion world, and it’s evident in the growing number of winterised, weatherproof sneakers on the market. These sneakers have either been given the Gore-Tex treatment or beefed up for bad weather in some other way. Big brands like Nike, Adidas and Hoka even offer waterproof versions of their best-selling styles.

If you want full, unbridled protection from the rain, this is the way to go. You can splash through puddles without a care while your regular kicks rest safely at home away from the mud and water.

Hiking Shoes

Danner

The ongoing gorpcore trend has thrust a number of outdoorsy footwear styles into the fashion spotlight. First it was trail runners, but now hiking shoes are catching the menswear world’s attention.

These shoes are a bit less sporty-looking than their trail-running counterparts, having been designed for support and comfort rather than agility and speed.

Brands to know include La Sportiva, Keen, Salomon and Danner. For a fashion-forward spin on the style, check out what ROA has to offer instead.

House Mules

Mulo

Fall is the perfect time for staying indoors, and unless you want to traipse around everywhere in your socks, a pair of cosy house mules is an absolute must. These indoor shoes really took off in lockdown, but they’re still worth having here in the post-COVID world, too.

There are even insulated versions available for added toastiness from brands such as Subu, The North Face and Canada Goose.