5 Hot Shoe Trends for Fall 2009
One of the most important things you can buy for back to school is a fabulous pair of shoes. As any shopaholic knows, shoes are just as important as the clothes you wear and the bag you carry. Function alone isn’t gonna cut it: shoes can make or break your look.
If you’re looking for some fabulously fashionable footwear for fall (say that three times fast), here are five shoe trends you’re sure to spot in all the stores this season.
1. Over-the-Knee Boots
Product Information (from left): Rampage Kamron Boot, Restricted “Vamp” Boot, and Chinese Laundry “Trust Me” Boot – all at Piperlime.
We talked about over-the-knee boots a few weeks ago. While some of you thought they were difficult to pull off, many of you said you’d wear them this fall.
If you have the confidence to make them work, over-the-knee boots can be a great fall footwear choice – they’re not as difficult to wear as you might think, and they really make a statement. You can wear them with everything from skinny jeans to shorts, and they also work with skirts for a look that’s very Serena from Gossip Girl.
Searching everywhere for that perfect pair? Good news! These boots are already hitting the shelves at all the major shoe stores and will definitely be easy to find this season. Piperlime, for example, has a large section devoted to them already.
2. Gladiator Sandals
Product Information (from left): 2-Strap Gladiator Sandal (brown and black) and Stud Gladiator Sandal – all Wet Seal.
Still lingering from last season, gladiator sandals aren’t going anywhere this fall.
It may be strange to see sandals on a fall footwear list, but as anyone who goes to school somewhere warm knows, fall doesn’t necessarily mean cold weather. Depending on where you live, it may or may not be practical to wear gladiators in the fall. But if you live in a warm climate, they’re the far more stylish alternative to the ubiquitous flip flop on campus.
Even better, gladiator sandals are pretty inexpensive as far as shoes go, so they’re perfect for the girl on a budget. You can find a cute pair of gladiators at Wet Seal for less than $15!
3. Sky-High Platform Heels
Product Information (from left): Platform Pumps and Tri-Strap Platforms – Charlotte Russe, Chance Buckle Wedge – Forever 21.
Ultra high heels have been big for a few seasons now, but they’re really hitting the mainstream now. Whether they’re badass rocker-chick heels with tons of buckles and studs or simple ankle boots with a major wedge heel, height is in and it’s here to stay.
Channel your inner runway model in one of this season’s numerous towering footwear options. While you may not want to wear 6 inch heels on your early morning walk to class, there’s no reason not to rock them for a night out. (Bring flats in your bag as a backup!)
The trendiest platform heels include hidden platform pumps (inspired by YSL) like the grey ones above, as well as anything studded (the rocker chick look is very in right now). Super-strappy platform wedges (inspired by the ultra-trendy Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony boots) are also very hot for fall. Which style is your favorite?
4. Oxford Flats
Product Information (from left): Mecca Satin Laceup Shoe – TopShop, More Tassel Less Hassel Brogues – ModCloth, Tyrant Studded Lace Up Shoe – TopShop.
We discussed oxford flats a few weeks ago, and once again you guys had very mixed opinions on the trend.
In general, people seemed to like oxford flats more than over-the-knee boots for example, partially because oxford flats are a less expensive trend to invest in. While over-the-knee boots can run around $100/pair, oxford flats are far cheaper, with pairs going for $30 or less.
If you’re a fan of ballet flats, the oxford flat is a fresh alternative to shake up your wardrobe this season. Pair them with everything from skinny jeans to shorts and a cute top for a look that’s very on-trend.
5. Doc Martens
Product Information (from left): Patent Lace Up Boot – Wet Seal, Dr. Martens ‘Patent’ 8 Hole Boot – Zappos.com, Neon Pink Doc Martens – Zappos.com.
They’re not just for the ultra trendy fashion crowd anymore: the Doc Martens trend has officially spilled over into mainstream fashion world – even Forever 21 has a knockoff version!
The hottest trend in Doc Martens is definitely the patent leather version. While old school matte leather Docs are very in, you can’t beat a shiny pink patent pair this season. Worn with a floral dress, denim shorts, or simply a pair of skinny jeans, Doc Martens give off a badass vibe and never make you look like you tried too hard.
Your thoughts?
So which of the fall 2009 shoe trends are you going to be rocking on campus this September? Are you a fan of the ultra high platform heels, or are low-key oxford flats more your style? What about wearing sandals in fall – is it a “do” or a “don’t” for you?
Leave a comment and let me know what you think!
Posted on on August 20, 2009 / Filed Under: Trends / Tags: Boots, Doc Martens, Fall 2009, Flats, Gladiator Sandals, Heels, Oxfords, Shoes, Studs, Trends
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Jessi
I was really looking forward to this article and i must say it has fallen short of my expectations, i wouldnt wear any of these shoes
for me the over the knee boots make ppl look shorter than they are and if ur bigger on the bottom thats not a good look, gladiator sandals r a bit tired now for me, and the sky high heels just look really painful, im not at all a fan of the last 2 they r far from my style
i would of liked to see some cute sneakers for those of us who live on big campuses with hills, some more manageable heels for the night out, and some trendy under the knee boots
Lisa
@Jessi – these are just the trends, not necessarily what you have to buy; if it doesn’t fit your style, then pass on it! (I did with the colored jeans and lots of other types)
Anywho – I really LOVE the Doc Martins. I’m thinking I need those pink ones…I can see why people say you can never have too many shoes!
Also, as always – gotta love the sky-high heels. I’m such a heel/platform girl. I can’t help it! I like the gladiators, but I don’t think they’ll last too long into the Northern fall/winter. I’ll also be passing on Oxfords: I have big feet and those would just make it worse!
Susanna Thibeault
love it. fashion isnt always comfortable. thats life hahaha. im happy i get to wear my gladiators still and i cant wait to get over the knee boots.
truebloodchick
i love the doc marten trend. makes me feel great that i went out and ordered some from zappos. :D only thing is, u have to wear them with two pairs of socks bcuz they can REALLY blister ur feet if you rock em barefoot. until you’ve broken those bad boys in, be cautious! :D that said, i love the oxford trend, too. i’d love the heel trend if i could walk in heels…. :(
Michelle
If anyone wants Doc Martens, but can’t afford to order from Zappos, you can sometimes find them super cheap in vintage or thrift stores (I found a pair for $10 in an antique shop.) Goodwill and similar stores usually have a few pairs.
I am looking for the perfect pair of Oxford flats. I can’t seem to find any that really jump out at me yet – I think once I see a red pair, that might be the ones for me.
Jennifer
I have wanted a pair of white Doc Marten for a long time now, and I can’t wait to see the knockoffs appearing in stores because it’s the latest trend. I also like the above-the-knee boots, but I don’t think I would wear a pair myself, same with the sky-high pumps (I need some shoes I can walk in for a full day). The oxfords are by far my favourite though, they’re so wearable, and comfortable too.
Jess
I love all these shoes. I am so glad Over-the-Knee Boots are in, I have 3 of them hehe and I love love love the last 2 shoes. So trendy and comfy for school.
Even if Gladiator Sandals are not in I will still wear them. It is still hot here and will continue to be that way for a while
Thanks for your article.
Kaci
I agree with Lisa.. if it’s not for you, pass on it. I don’t care for the Doc Marten trend at all (a little strange because I used to love combat boots when I was in junior high, ha).
I do LOVE over-the-knee boots though. I bought a nice pair a few seasons ago and wore them a good bit last fall. Usually with skirts, dresses, and skinny jeans. The ones I have look like the black pair in the picture and they fold down for a calf-length boot.
I’m thinking of trying out the oxford trend because I like the convenience of flats. Just think it might be a little too sweet for me. And I’m loving the platforms/heels that are out this fall. I’m really enjoying the back-to-school posts!
Chelsey Anderson
I’m in love with over the knee boots. I’ve been seeing them everywhere lately and have my eye on a pair by Steve Madden. I’m stil a fan of the sky high heels and gladiators (I’ve banned flip flops from my closet ever since this trend came out), but I have to pass on the oxfords and doc martens. Oxfords make me feel like I’m a little kid again, and I’ve never been one for the doc marten shoes
Julia Berlin
love this!!!
www.abbie-thewriter.blogspot.com
I was hesitant about the oxfords at first but now the thought of wearing a fun pair is really starting to grow on me, I will definitely consider getting a pair. :)
johnieemma
I love over the knee boots and oxfords, but I just can’t get into Doc Martens. To me, they look clunky, frumpy, and even though I’ve seen countless celebrities wearing them, I’ve yet to feel eager to wear them. But that’s just me.
Over all though- great choices!
natasha
hmm well didnt see any except for maybe the boots, sandals on clearance, and one oxford heel at payless today. i do agree though, i was looking for some sneakers and flats which are important for my school which has a big campus. that being said, at least i know what to look for in the future in the OTHER categories :).
i think its just pick what you like but these articles let you know what’s out there, and that’s very important to me. I knew what jeans I wanted and ones I didnt, and that helped so much. now, i know what dressy shoes and boots to wear ( maybbe the doc martens idk im short so its probs not a good idea) or more so to buy in the future if I see any around. thanks!
Holly
I don’t like any of these except the heels… and out of those I only like the pump style… not the ones with the weird straps all over the place. =p
Julie
i love shoes but i don’t think any of these fit my style, except the gladiator sandal which i’ve already been rocking for a year. i like the oxford concept but haven’t seen any i like.
over the knees are cool, but not on my short little frame…they’d be more like mid thigh boots
Sarah
I’ve been DYING to get my hands on the most perfect platform pumps since last year…darn this recession.. I love the doc martin look on other people, however i feel like i don’t have the means necessary to pull it off. and the over the knee look is so sexy to me..i don’t know why
Luinae
Yes, Yes, Yes!!!
I was looking forward to this post and it didn’t dissapoint- thanks Zephyr!
I don’t want to get over-the-knee boots because they’re kinda pricey, but I got a pair of just under the knee boots, which are more my style. Thanks for spotting the flat boot trend- I actually like that one.
I have never and will never like gladiators, so that’s a pass for me!
I don’t have many pairs of high heels, but I love the height trend! If you’re going to wear heels- make ‘em sky high! And if you invest a little bit of money (get a classic colour and style like deep purple pumps) they aren’t uncomfortable.
I’m debating the flat oxford trend, I’ll have to see if I have any money left over to get a pair because I’m not totally sure if I like them or not. They don’t really fit in with my style, but I like the one with ribbons. Maybe.
Doc Martens just aren’t for me- I dress very…..I don’t know how to describe it……me, and those don’t really fit- so no!
anubha
i go to college in a warm place, its brilliant that there is an alternative for that too, the gladiators are the perfect shoes for an all summer year.
i wish the doc martens were available in more countries, sadly thats not the case :(
Dubai Stylista
Yes! Definitely will be wearing gladiators this fall, it’s gonna be real HOT here for quite some time to come. I remember reading on Cafe Fashionista about a Convertible Knee High Boot from Free People which can work as an over the knee, or scrunched up and worn as a typical boot. It was pretty pricey though, so am think am gonna pass, but its an option!
Strawb
Good article with lots of choices — but none of these call out to me at all…
Victoria
What about ankle boots??? I’ve seen many cute pairs at various stores and i love them! As for these shoes….i’m not sure i would buy them because I don’t think i would where them that much
kay
Absolutley none of these appeal to me, sadly. My height completley disqualifies me for the pumps, especially anything above 3 inches. the doc martens look… not my style, and oddly enough the oxfords don’t have much appeal either. I too was looking for some feature on booties! And what about ballet flats? I do love the gladiator sandals, but they won’t last me farther than mid September in the North East. Good article, just not my style. fashion tastes do differ i suppose.
Zephyr
Jessi & Lisa – Yup, Lisa’s right! They’re just the trends, not necessarily a list of “these are the most practical shoes everyone should buy immediately.” I’m planning an article on non-trendy footwear to go up this weekend, so there should be something for everyone.
Michelle – Good idea about getting them cheap at vintage stores! I will have to check because new Docs really are super-expensive.
Natasha – Yeah, Payless can definitely be hit or miss! I think they just had a big sale as well, so I’m sure stuff is kinda cleared out at the moment.
Victoria – Yeah, ankle boots are still popular but they aren’t as big of a trend as over-the-knee boots right now. Definitely also a cute choice for fall though!
Kay – Why would your height disqualify you for pumps? I’m 100% in favor of tall girls wearing heels: who wouldn’t want to look more like a model? I always wish I was taller so I’d definitely rock heels if I were you! But anyway, yeah, ballet flats and booties are fabulous for fall, they just aren’t a “trend” so they didn’t make this list. More shoe posts are to come, don’t worry!
Alaina W
Yeah I am 5′11” and about to be 20 years old. I JUST….like last weekend wore some 3 inch heels for the first time in my LIFE in public. I have been scared to FOREVER but i got the guts and did it and it was AWESOME> It took a few years of punping myself up…but i understand the fear.
All my friends are short and are like man if i were tall i would wear heels, but that didn’t change the fact that i looked and felt like a giant. If you wear them, you have to with confidence. But def wear them! A big reason i didn’t is that guys are intimidated by super tall girls but ya know…. there’s someone out there who wants a tall girl! ;)
Sara
I only liked the heels, didn’t like anything else. I’m tall too but I still wear heels. So for any tall, Amazonian-type girls – work those heels! Don’t be afraid to look “too tall”. There’s no such word. If anything, the extra height makes you look more empowered, if that makes sense.
Haley
I’m sort of in love with those neon pink doc martins…but I can only think of a few things I have that I could wear them with. Hmmmm.
rose
i have doc marten’s I wore them all the time last year and this year, and as a girl so lovely put it i like “the clunky, frumpy” look though I don’t consider myself that at all. I loooove the super high heel platforms and the oxfords they all look so cute with shorts.
Maxine
I love platform heels! They’re sexy and simple. Over the knee boots seem too dominatrix for my taste. Doc Martens remind me of a construction worker’s shoes. Oxford flats look too old fashion. I’ve still yet to own gladiator sandals!
I would love to see what different types of shoes are trends such as: what other types of heels or flats. Put more choices.
Gracie
Great post! i love gladiators still they are so adorable. i see so many people liking the doc martin trend, but i cant get myself to love it. i do like it sometimes on other people, but i feel like my legs are so skinny and im short and they would make me look somewhat ridiculous. but anyway yeah sky high heels are awesome.
Tiffany
Am I alone in hating when a shoe’s platform is placed like this?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/italianheels/3497120628/
I don’t know… maybe I place too much value on streamlined shoes… or, you know, not appearing as though I have hooves.
Ashley
Love the doc martens! i’ve got a pair with floral patterns. cute AND super-comfortable.
Cara
Other than the Doc Martens, I really could wear all of these. None are my favorites, though….not in love with a lot of the trends this season, actually. But the Doc Martens have always been clunky and asexual, to my mind, possibly two of the worst fashion adjectives, superceded only by trashy/tacky.
la petite fashionista
i love platform heels! they’re sky high with added comfort because of the platform! The oxford flats remind me of London.. everyone was rocking them over there, now I just have to get up the guts to do it!
Megan
I’m definitely going to rock the over-the-knee boots and Doc Martens. But I’m skipping the platform heels – I can’t wear them (I have flat feet!)
Lyra
I love platform heels! I’ve just bought one and it’s amazing!
elle
Hmm.. Oxfords? I have yet to try them but I’m beginning to like them more now. If I can find a good thrift shop pair then I’d def rock them with some grungy top and skinnies :)
Lolo
Doc Martens are amazing and utterly indestructible! I’ve owned a pair for 11 years now (ridic, i know) and the beauty is the older they get, the more broken in they get. And they’re supposed to look beaten up, so you don’t even have to worry about wearing them out! Love it!
myvogue
I love “over the knee” boots trend – it’s super sexy
Steph
i love the Chinese Laundry over the knee boot! They always make such great boots!
linda
Most girls wear sky highs horribly, so it ends up looking trashy or just plain weird. And I’ve never ever seen the above the knee boots look good on anyone. I don’t think I ever will, since they make the leg look ridiculously short and stubby.
College Classes
I love the Over-the-Knee Boots and Gladiator Sandals but I’m not so sure I like the other ones. The Doc Martens are kinda cute.!
Jackie
omg i need those pink doc martens! perfect for winter :)
Katie
I LOVE the oxfords, I’ve been seeing them pop up here and there and I absolutely love the look I am working on finding the right pair! I’ve never really been into the platform heels, I think that if they aren’t made right they can look trashy. Some girls could definitely rock the doc martins, not my stye though, and I am completely infatuated with over the knew boots! Very pricey though…. and I’ve been a gladiator fan since the beginning they’re very versatile.