5 Comfortable Fall Shoe Trends Podiatrists Actually Recommend

Peak fall is upon us, and I couldnt be happier about the reprieve from the heat—but while draping myself in cozy sweaters is my favorite fall wardrobe pastime, shoes have my heart (and wallet). When wearing sky-high stilettos or other statement shoes, I often hear fabulous women in my life say: "Count your days in those," and I cant say if its working from home, mainly wearing sneakers these days, age, or all of the above that made me start to look at my shoes differently. I love my stilettos, but I can only wear them for a couple of hours max these days—which is why seeing flats, wedges, kitten heels, and even Mary Janes in this seasons fall shoe lineup is such a treat. Fashion-forward yet comfortable shoe trends are something we can all get behind, so we spoke to podiatrists to get their recommendations.Keep reading for the five best fall shoe trends that keep your feet comfortable without sacrificing style.

How to Choose Comfortable Shoes

Before we all invest in heels lower than our norm, podiatrist-turned-footwear designer Marion Parke says that finding comfortable footwear isnt solely about heel height. "A shoe can also be "too flat" and put excess strain on the plantar fascia or Achilles tendon, resulting in plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis," she tells buuk.top. "I think many of us have worn flats that have been excruciating and have also managed to wear a high heel for several hours."

Other factors, such as the placement of adornments and how often you wear a given pair of shoes, matter as well—more on this later. With this information in mind, weve rounded up five of this falls most comfortable shoe trends, coupled with podiatrist-led guidance throughout.

The Most Comfortable Fall Shoe Trends

Pointed-Toe Kitten Heels

@devonleecarlson / Instagram

This season, kitten heels are making their mark in every form, from boots to slingbacks—and theyre often more comfortable than flats. "If someone has what we call a "flexible" flat foot, then a shoe that is overly flexible and soft, while sounding nice, will actually lead to soreness and fatigue after extended periods of weight bearing," Parke shares. "A little bit of a heel, even a half-inch, will reduce the tension on the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon relative to a flat." I used to make fun of kitten heels, but this year, I purchased my first pair—embellished Prada mules I snagged on sale at Nordstrom. Ive worn them every chance Ive gotten because they make a stylish statement, plus my feet arent screaming at me when I take them off.

Before investing in a pair of pointed-toe kitten heels, remember that fit is crucial. Triple-board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon Mireille Blanchette, DPM, says that ill-fitting shoes can cause issues to the forefoot ranging from corns and calluses to Mortons neuroma and bunions. "Corns and calluses are most commonly seen at the toes," she says. "It can be between the toes or on the outside of the little toe caused by rubbing and pressure point." To avoid issues, ensure your forefoot is comfortable and not experiencing any rubbing or added pressure, as Blanchette tells us Mortons neuroma—an inflammation on a nerve in your feet—is exacerbated by tight shoes.

Product Picks

Tory Burch

Kahmune

Marion Parke

Bows

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I still dream about the bows from my childhood, as my mom accessorized my sister and me with them every chance she got. While the idea of wearing anything with a bow might feel childish to some, the bow-embellished shoes of today have some major versatility, with many embodying coquette or quiet luxury energy—and given their detail nature, you can definitely find comfortable shoes with a bow. As we search for the perfect bow-adorned shoes that fit our style, we can all remember that one pair with the strap that left a mark (or two). Parke says to pay attention to the placement of adornments like straps, buckles, and zippers, explaining that "[an adornment] placed 1-2mm differently can really affect wearability in a shoe."

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Brian Atwood x Express

Mach & Mach

Loewe

Mary Janes

@carelparis / Instagram

Mary Janes are back and better than ever, and we couldnt be more excited about the nostalgic and foot-friendly trend. As you shop, be sure to consider the placement of straps and buckles as well as heel height so you end up investing in a fall shoe trend that doesnt leave you with regrets (and/or exhausted feet).

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Dr. Martens

Old Navy

Carel

Over-the-Knee Boots

@privilegedshoes / Instagram

Over-the-knee boots (also known as thigh-high boots) nevergo out of style, and Im always happy to see them on the runway and otherwise. When adding a new pair to your collection, Parke recommends styles with zippers, as they make boots easier to get on and off. She also advises looking for adjustability at the top, since everyones thigh circumference is different.

Over-the-knee boots can go from flats to sky-high heels really quick. Ive worn enough to know that discomfort is hard to shake even when you look great but your feet hurt. If you select a boot with a high heel, Parke recommends some best practices to always keep in mind, including not to wear the same pair several days in a row, which goes against the messaging we often hear about breaking shoes in. "With prolonged wear of a high heel for several days in a row, the Achilles tendon is held in such a way that it can become shorter and tighter, which can lead to such problems as plantar fasciitis," she explains. If youre unfamiliar with plantar fasciitis, it means your foot tissue is inflamed—something were all best off avoiding.

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Stuart Weitzman

Brother Vellies

Steve Madden

Wedges

@cultgaia / Instagram

Wedges never truly go out of style and run the gamut in height, commonly ranging from two to five inches—so you have plenty of options when it comes to finding a pair that balances your taste with comfort. Parke recommends wedge styles if you plan to walk or stand for long periods or know youll be treading across grass or uneven surfaces.

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Bottega Veneta

Cult Gaia

Good American

How to Make Shoe Trends Easier on Your Feet

Heels are constantly in style in some form, and as our list of trending styles shows, you dont have to forgo them in order to prioritize comfort—youll just need to be smart about it. In addition to the style-specific advice above, you can follow the below tips to help you rock the top trending shoe styles without pain or adverse effects.

Alternate with flat shoes:"The average high heel tends to place an abnormal amount of pressure on the forefoot, which can lead to pain and inflammation in the small structures of the foot in this area," Parke says. She adds that high heels, pretty as they are, dont hold our feet in a natural position, "and because we often like the way a high heel looks and feels, we need to find smart ways to wear them." Thus, her aforementioned advice not to wear heeled boots or other shoes too many days in a row stands strong, and is key to minimizing pain and issues in the long run.Try calf stretching: "Calf stretching is one of the most important things we can all do, whether we wear high heels or not," Parke tells us—and Blanchette seconds the recommendation. Its easy to add to your daily routine, and I find that down dog or a flexed foot wall stretch works great.Bring backup flats: Blanchette recommends a plan B if youre wearing heeled shoes to a long-running event, such as a wedding or concert. If you choose a roomy enough bag, you can tuck a pair of foldable flats in next to your phone and other essentials. Yosi Samras Foldable Ballet Flats ($98) are my go-to style because they provide instant comfort and are truly made for packing into snug spaces.

The Final Takeaway

Comfort is key when it comes to finding shoe trends youll actually want to wear in the long run—and the good news is that you have more options than simply ditching the heels for your favorite pair of sneakers. As our podiatrists emphasize, simple details like kitten heels and well-placed straps can make a world of difference, and many trends—such as over-the-knee boots or shoes with bows—come in a wide variety of options, so you can find one that works for your feet. Together with a smart strategy for wearing them, the aforementioned shoe trends are sure to help you avoid pain and discomfort this fall without sacrificing style.