Fall's Four Most Important Footwear Styles

By Suzanne Singer
August 17, 2011

2011 Fall Shoe Trends

Fall's most important shoe trends include loafers (Yves Saint Lauren, photo by Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images), snakeskin boots (photo by Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images), mary-janes (Fendi, photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images) and granny boots (photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images).

Though you may be living in your flip flops right now, fall is right around the corner. And with it comes shopping, for everything from sweaters to—our favorite—shoes.

Fall footwear is going in two directions—one traditional, the other more playful.

On the traditional side, it seems the classic co-ed has tome to town in her loafers and mary-janes. Admittedly, these aren't the same footwear styles your mom used to buy you on your annual back-to-school shopping trip. Rather, they're appearing in new-fangled variations, complete with heels, platforms, unique hardware and other embellishments. Alexander Wang showed loafers with tassels, while Stella McCartney added unique hardware, and YSL offered chunky platform styles. Mary-janes are getting the same manic treatment—Anna Sui's came in wild metallics; Fendi's had lady-like, almond toed heels; and Louis Vuitton's were demure and round-toed.

Over on the funky side, the more playful shoe options for fall are in the boot form—the granny boot and the snakeskin boot. A mix of Victorian, country and punk, the granny boot is back again in a multitude of variations. Sarah Burton showed a super-high version with ruffled tulle for Alexander McQueen; Christophe Decarnin at Balmain paired a white shin-high boot with a gold metallic blazer and skinny jeans; and Marc Jacobs sent a sleek black pair down the runway under a body-con lace dress.

As for snakeskin boots, they're nothing like the cowboy styles that may come to mind; these are colorful, but nevertheless sleek and chic. Prada's were vertical striped and knee-high; Valentino's came in a cool grid-like print; and Dries Van Noten's were two-toned and ankle-length.

Here, a plethora of eBay picks in all four shoe styles, from old-school-with-a-twist loafers and mary-janes to envelope-pushing boots in hip-granny styles and slick snakeskin.

Loafers

Alexander Wang, YSL, Stella McCartney

Alexander Wang (photo by Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images), Yves Saint Laurent (photo by Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images), Stella McCartney (photo by Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images)

New Patent Croco High-Heel Loafers

(buy it now price, $166.79)

New Croco Loafers

(buy it now price, $112.99)

New Patent Leather Loafer Pump

(buy it now price, $107.99)

New Patent Leather High Heel Loafer

(buy it now price, $449.99)

Fall's Four Most Important Footwear Styles

Mary-Janes

Anna Sui, Louis Vuitton, Fendi

Anna Sui (photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images), Louis Vuitton (photo by Kristy Sparow/Getty Images), Fendi (photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images)

New Glitter Mary-Jane Ballet Flats

(buy it now price, $299)

Suede Cut-Out Mary-Jane Pump

(buy it now price, $55.20)

New Patent Leather Mary-Jane Wedge

(buy it now price, $49.99)

New Platform Mary Jane Clog Pumps

(buy it now price, $29.99)

Granny Boots

Alexander McQueen, Balmain, Marc Jacobs

Alexander McQueen (photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images), Balmain (photo by Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images), Marc Jacobs (photo by Fernanda Calfat/Getty Images for IMG)

Roll over items for details

New Leather Granny Boot

(buy it now price, $298 )

New Ankle Leather Granny Boot

(buy it now price, $85.50)

New Leather and Lace Granny Boot

(buy it now price, $109.94)

New Mid Calf Fringe Granny Boot

(buy it now price, $45.99)

Snakeskin Boots

Valentino, Prada, Dries Van Noten

Valentino (photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images), Prada (photo by Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images), Dries Van Noten (photo by Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images)