Fashion People in New York Are Wearing These 7 Shoe Trends
Photo Credit:@eloisedufka
By mid-November, New York hits that in-between stage — the air feels crisp, holiday lights flicker down Fifth Avenue, and every sidewalk doubles as a runway. Coats get heavier, coffee orders warmer, and one thing becomes obvious: fashion people have quietly decided what shoes they’re wearing for the rest of the year.
Because in this city, shoes aren’t just an accessory — they’re a survival strategy. They have to work from subway steps to dinner tables, rain puddles to gallery openings. And when you start spotting the same silhouettes from SoHo to the Upper East Side, it’s safe to say the trend has legs (and good arches).
After studying what editors, stylists, and off-duty models are stepping out in this season, here are the seven shoe trends officially defining fall-to-winter 2025 in New York — all stylish, practical, and guaranteed to make your coat-weather outfits look instantly pulled-together.
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1. Chocolate and Cognac Loafers
Brown has dethroned black as the city’s go-to neutral.
Fashion insiders are trading in their classic black loafers for richer shades of espresso, mocha, and cognac — a subtle shift that instantly makes any outfit look more expensive.
Paired with relaxed trousers or a long camel coat, they give “old-money energy” without the trust fund. Look for gold or silver hardware for polish, or a lug sole if you’re walking from Midtown to dinner in Nolita.
Where you’ll see them: Creative offices, chic brunches, and anyone who “accidentally” wears their work shoes on weekends.
Amazon
Comfortable & Lightweight Penny Loafer
$37.99
Amazon
Beige Suede Casual Flat Penny Shoe
$33.99
2. Slim Retro Sneakers
The sneaker trend is growing up.
Chunky soles are out; slim, throwback silhouettes are in. Think retro running shoes in muted taupe, olive, or cream the kind that whisper cool rather than shout comfort.
They’re perfect for days when you’re running all over the city but still want to look like you could grab a last-minute dinner at Sant Ambroeus.
Where you’ll see them: Soho side streets, early-morning coffee runs, or airport lounges where everyone looks oddly stylish.
Amazon
adidas Originals Women's Ultradream DNA Shoes
$90
Field Sneaker
Tory Burch
$250.00
3. Statement Animal-Print Boots
Leopard, zebra, croc — the wild prints are back, but the execution is elevated. This season’s animal prints feel grown-up: embossed textures, subtle tones, and structured shapes that add quiet confidence instead of chaos.
New Yorkers are styling them under tailored trousers or midi skirts for a sophisticated bite of pattern. A leopard ankle boot or croc knee-high instantly turns a neutral outfit into a power move.
Where you’ll see them: Brooklyn wine bars, West Village date nights, and every influencer pretending they “just threw this on.”
Amazon
Madden Girl Women's Evannder Fashion Boot
$36.25
Sam Edelman womens Paige
$99.95
4. Polished Derbies and Brogues
If loafers are the warm-up act, derbies are the headliner.
Sleek, slightly masculine, and endlessly wearable, they’ve become the new shoe of authority. With pointed toes and glossy finishes, they’re showing up under wool trousers, pleated skirts, and even slip dresses.
They say, I can handle your meeting, your martini, and your calendar invite — all before noon.
Where you’ll see them: Fashion PR offices, gallery openings, or anywhere someone’s carrying an oversized tote and a double espresso.
Amazon
Cole Haan Womens Stassi
$120.00
Amazon
Bandolino Women's Lindio Loafer
$79.00
5. Knee-High (and Over-the-Calf) Boots
Fashion people are skipping ankle boots entirely this year — it’s all about tall silhouettes that make your legs look endless. Structured leather, soft suede, or a subtle croc texture gives that “I actually planned this” effect even if you didn’t.
The fun is in the proportions: knee-high boots balance oversized sweaters, midi skirts, and statement coats, creating that streamlined, put-together look that screams quiet confidence.
Where you’ll see them: Midtown lunches, downtown dinners, and any place where there’s a camera — even if it’s just an iPhone.
Amazon
Knee High Boots Fashion Platform Lug Sole Tall Riding Boots
$79.99
Amazon
Comfortable Platform Round Toe Stretch Boots
$56.99
6. Ballet Flats and Mary Janes
Flat doesn’t mean boring anymore. The ballet flat and Mary Jane revival is still going strong — only now it’s more sophisticated. Patent finishes, square toes, and dainty straps make these shoes the unofficial uniform for women who’ve retired their stilettos.
They bring balance to the voluminous coats and puddle pants of the season, creating that perfect high-low tension. And yes, they’re surprisingly practical for city walking — if you pick a well-made pair.
Where you’ll see them: Corner bakeries, boutique openings, and your most stylish friend who swears she’s “done with heels.”
Baylee Grommet Mary Jane Flat
Dolce Vita
$130.00
Amazon
Sam Edelman Womens Michaela
$130.00
7. Hardware and Embellished Details
This winter’s most powerful statement shoe isn’t loud — it’s detailed. Buckles, chains, studs, and subtle bows are transforming everyday footwear into small works of art.
A hint of metallic hardware gives minimalist outfits the kind of depth that looks effortless but intentional. It’s the editor’s trick: let the shoes do the styling.
Where you’ll see them: Dinner parties in Tribeca, elevator selfies, and just about every fashion week street-style roundup come February.
Amazon
Rhinestone Flats
$32.99
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