Ditch Birkenstocks: Comfortable Shoe Styles That Look Fabulous For The End Of Fall

At the end of fall, it's not surprising that we shift to more comfortable choices of footwear. But that certainly doesn't mean throwing style out the window for the sake of comfort as temperatures drop. Some celebs have taken note, with Joanna Gaines of "Fixer Upper" fame swapping her Birkenstocks for a comfortable 2026 shoe trend in wooden platform booties, and looking utterly chic as she did so. And the slew of footwear options available offers undeniable versatility and elegance that pairs just as well with a shift to winter wardrobes. 

These selections run the gamut from cushy loafers to knee-high boots, as well as kitten heels and overly embellished pumps. So, if you favor a flat shoe or added height to your look, then you'll be definitely be spoilt for choice. Although some of the shoes here share similarities with our guide on the fall 2026 shoe trends, there are new additions that are sure to surprise you. 

From the beginning of fall to the end, loafers are a non-negotiable. Glossy leather loafers in particular give your entire look a formal feel with a touch of elegance. "Loafers are a classic and will always be in style ... It's a mixed bag this season—lots of elongated toes and soft suede, backless styles, and sleek hardware," professional stylist Samantha Brown exclusively shared with InStyle in September 2026. On that note, there are various styles of loafers to choose from, with slip-on loafer mules offering further comfort and ease of wear.

Ballet flats not only dominate spring, but they are a good fit for the colder months as well. This undeniably comfortable shoe style always wins due to its wearability, along with its sweet and delicate design. "They have this ability to make even a really simple outfit feel more polished without looking like you tried too hard," content creator Taylor Creel told InStyle. And Bijou Phillips was quick to adopt the shoe trend for the November 2026 WIF Max Mara Face of the Future Award ceremony, pairing her green wrap-around dress with black leather ballet flats. Stunning.

If you think high-heeled pumps or boots are too much, then kitten heels are a viable alternative. Not only are they unbelievably practical while still giving you a boost, but they're also comfortable without making you feel as though you could fall over at any moment. With winter's arrival, pairing these sensible shoes with warm socks adds comfort without sacrificing style. You can opt for pointed-toe heels or slip-on leather kitten-heeled mules, which you can wear to the office or even to a bar.

Knee-high boots are a definite consideration for chillier weather, giving you warmth, functionality, and style. Any length skirt or trousers would work with this shoe trend, while making your legs appear longer. Low-heeled riding boots are your best bet for going about your day without hurting your feet. In fact, opting for boots lined with leather is best for comfortability. "A leather lining will help provide more breathability and less sliding around in your foot sweat," stylist Sophia Lintner told Elle.

Compared to the rest of the shoes on this list, decorative shoes gives your look a hint of festive flair as seasons change. Adorned with sequins or overly large silk bows (or both!), these shoes dominated the fall/winter 2026 runways of Chanel and Carolina Herrera. However, those decorative shoes that do not incorporate sky-high heels into the design, highlighting how comfort still remains at the top in the list of priorities this end of fall.

Aside from loafers and ballet flats, slingback flats are another option for those who aren't a fan of heels. With the two-tone Chanel slingbacks establishing why this shoe style will never fade, it's no wonder they're one essential style to have as winter creeps in. Perfect for casual or formal settings, slingback flats pair well with midi skirts, jumpsuits, and even red-carpet dresses. Shanina Shaik proved the latter when she arrived for the 2026 WIF Max Mara Face of the Future Award ceremony in a simple black dress and matching slingback flats.

If there's one shoe that combines the best of both worlds, it's the sock boot. Not only does it remove the need to wear socks, but it's the ultimate statement footwear. "[Sock boots] slip neatly underneath wide-leg trousers for a streamlined, seamless look, making them the perfect alternative when you're ready to give your ballet flats a rest," Megan Stephens, Anthropologie's footwear merchandise manager, detailed to Byrdie. While stiletto-heeled sock boots remain a fabulous fashion item, the flat or kitten-heeled variety would offer more practicality and comfort.

Sneakers have a place among the comfortable shoe styles as fall turns to winter, proving they will never go out of fashion. "The sneaker didn't die; it got quieter, flatter, and more grown-up," professional stylist Melissa Chataigne shared with Byrdie. Their wearability and comfortability is unquestionable. While white sneakers are a style staple, other varieties could add a fresh twist to your look. For example, satin sneakers could give your wardrobe a touch of sophistication. Truly, sneakers are beyond versatile.