10 Best Fall Sneakers for Every Outfit and Occasion | Well+Good

Oct 18, 2024

When the leaves start turning and the temps drop, it's time to swap out your summer wardrobe for cozier layers. Spaghetti straps and tube tops get traded for coats and cardigans; sundresses make way for turtlenecks and hoodies. And when it comes to shoes, it’s time to stash those strappy sandals and opt for something that'll keep your toes cozy. Your mind might jump straight to booties or Uggs for fall, but don’t sleep on sneakers—they can be just as stylish and warm.

Think about it: Sneakers look way chicer with a dress than you might think, and they’re a no-brainer with your favorite jeans, no matter the style. Not to mention, they’re a natural match for all your athleisure looks. So before you settle into your usual autumn shoe lineup, hear us out: a solid pair (or two!) of the best fall sneakers might just be your go-to for autumn.

- Best overall: Nike Cortez Vintage Suede, $100 - Best for running: On Cloudrunner 2, $150 - Best for hiking: Salomon X Ultra 360 Edge, $135 - Best for walking: Saucony Women’s Guide 17, $140 - Most classic: New Balance 574 Core, $90 - Best throwback: Reebok Classic Leather Sneakers, $60 - Best high-top: Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star High Tops, $65 - Most versatile: Hoka Transport, $150 - Best orthotic: Revitalign Azalea, $80 - Best for support: Skechers Skech-Air Court Sneakers, $85

Sizes: 5.5-10.5 | Colors: 3 | Materials: suede and mesh upper, rubber outsole

There’s nothing quite like a great suede sneaker to help you brave chillier weather. We love these vintage Nike Cortezes for a few reasons. First, the suede lets people know that you’re cozy as could be. Second, the three color options are green, gray, and cream—all beautiful autumnal tones. And since they’re $100, they’re also kind to your wallet. There’s not much negative to note about this pair of sneakers, the only downside is that this runs a little small; Nike recommends ordering half a size up.

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Sizes: 5-11, in half sizes | Colors: 6 | Materials: recycled polyester, thermoplastic PET

The Cloudrunner 2 is so aptly named because it really does feel like you’re running with little clouds attached to your feet. This shoe is a fabulous fall sneaker thanks to its breathable mesh upper and a thermoplastic vamp (where the laces are placed) that’ll keep you warm (but not so warm you sweat through your socks). Since it has On’s proprietary Helion superfoam midsole and CloudTec cushioning, it’s great for running and keeps feet supported and stable, mile after mile.

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Sizes: 5-11, in half sizes | Colors: 1 | Materials: synthetic upper, EVA midsole, recycled materials

Salomon is a major player in hiking, so it only made sense for us to pick one of the brand’s sneakers for this superlative. To that end, we selected the X Ultra 360 Edge because it sports a great blend of style and functionality. For the former, it’s a pretty monochromatic shoe that still has dimension thanks to the different shades of eggshell. As far as functionality, the tread is meant for all terrains and its low height lets you stay nimble and quick while still being supported.

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Sizes: 5-12, in half sizes and 3 widths | Colors: 16 | Materials: Mesh upper, PWRRUN+ foam midsole

You can differentiate a good walking shoe from a great walking shoe by considering the fit, your support needs, and cushioning preferences. That said, the Guide 17 from Saucony is a wonderful walking shoe that’s generally safe for people without foot concerns. The plush cushioning and stability support make this shoe the best for walking over long distances (or short—or both!). Not to mention, it comes in 16 different color, including darker, moodier hues that earn it a spot on our list of the best fall sneakers.

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Sizes: 5-12, in half sizes and 2 widths | Colors: 7 | Materials: suede + mesh upper, rubber soles

We’re big fans of New Balance sneakers because they are as stylish as they are comfy—and they’re podiatrist-approved. This pair, known as the 574, is no exception to the New Balance rule. What makes it a great fall shoe is that it’s a lifestyle sneaker that is also breathable and comes in autumnal colors—namely, burgundy. As if all of that wasn’t enough, the pair is also machine-washable. You know, just in case they get dirty during apple picking or pumpkin patch frolicking.

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Sizes: 6.5-11 in half widths | Colors: 1 | Materials: Suede upper, EVA midsole, rubber outsole

Like New Balance, Reebok is a throwback brand that has recently come back. You could certainly go with the classic black or white option from the ‘80s. However, we think this hazy gray option is a neutral that still adds a pop of color. Plus, that blue-ush hue will allow you to wear this sneaker in the winter and spring, too. It’s also got a suede upper that’ll keep your feet warm as you walk around.

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Sizes: 5-15 | Colors: 19 | Materials: canvas upper, rubber outsole

These high-tops have been a classic style since they first dropped in 1917. That’s right: This has been a classic sneaker for over 100 years—and we don’t think it’s going anywhere. Though this sneaker isn’t particularly warm, it’s iconic enough for us to look past that. Plus, you can make your foot cozier by pairing your Chucks with some warm socks.

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Sizes: 5-11 in half sizes | Colors: 8 | Materials: suede + mesh upper, rubber sole

At one point, every single person on the W+G team owned a pair of Hoka Transports. That’s because these shoes are wildly comfortable, highly versatile, and easy to style. They go from the road to the trail without missing a beat, and you can even wear them for shorter runs. And the colorways are stunning—from the pretty mauve tone, smoky quartz, and creamy oat milk option working well for fall. We also love that there’s a cord instead of laces, which makes it easy to tighten the shoe for people who have limited hand mobility.

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Sizes: 5.5-12 in half sizes and 2 widths | Colors: 4 | Materials: leather + suede upper, rubber outsole

If you’re searching for a fall sneaker that’ll address both comfort and support, look no further than the Revitalign Azalea. This shoe comes in four perfect colors for autumn, including white, black, blue, and green. They’re each stylish enough to pair with fall wardrobe staples like jeans, long-sleeve dresses, and even casual suits. The only downside to these shoes is that the grip is lacking, so it’s not great for hiking or running.

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Sizes: 5-11 | Colors: 3 | Materials: mesh + suede overlay, Skech-Air midsole, rubber outsole

Another great option for foot support is this pick from Skechers—the Skech-Air Court Sneakers. Admittedly, Skechers aren’t exactly synonymous with style, but these are reminiscent of the Nike Air Max. We love the fall colors, like black, navy blue, and burgundy. The upper is a blend of mesh and suede, which adds great dimension to its chunky silhouette. The support on these Skech-Airs is unmatched, too, since it has a comfy memory foam insole.

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