Fashion I'm a Shoe-Obsessed Shopping Editor, and These Are the 15 Styles I'm Adding to My Cart for Fall Including sneakers, boots, and an unexpected pair of Birkenstocks. By Eva Thomas Eva Thomas Eva Thomas is a senior commerce writer at InStyle, where she pitches, writes, and strategizes around all things fashion, beauty, and celebrity, always approaching her shopping content in a fresh and exciting voice. InStyle's editorial guidelines Published on October 26, 2021 @ 09:00PM Pin Share Tweet Email We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Photo: Courtesy The idea of switching my wardrobe over from summer to fall gives me chills in the worst way. But the idea of switching my footwear lineup over? Full body chills, in the best and truest sense Shoes keep me grounded, quite literally, and while I'm a picky shopper and rarely buy things for myself, I'll always splurge on footwear. Plus, I've sort of become known as the shoe expert among my friends and family, with everyone always asking me for footwear advice. With fall here and the footwear switch in full swing (RIP flip flops), I've meticulously been curating my autumn shoe lineup. For a self-proclaimed shoe addict, that's not an easy feat. Why? Because there are so many good shoes making their way into my heart right now, including chunky combat boots á la Kourtney Kardashian, comfy Cariuma sneakers courtesy of Helen Mirren, and not-your-average Chuck Taylors because I'll always be a Converse stan. Some people say a haircut makes them feel like a new person; for me, it's shoes, like these boots that I recently added into my collection. They're bold! They're perfect for fall! They add an of-the-moment touch to every look. Basically, there's some sort of unexplainable magic that takes over me when I put on a new pair. And when I get the chance to buy new footwear, I take it. Here are the shoes and boots that have captured my heart this season. Buy one; buy all. Your feet will thank you for it (your wallet might not). Birkenstock Arizona Genuine Shearling Lined Slide Sandal, $150 Sorel Tivoli IV Waterproof Winter Boot, $130 Cariuma Oca Low Camel Suede, $98 Koio Verona Shell Boot, $348 Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Lugged Boot, $70 Hunter Short Waterproof Rain Boot, $150 P448 Jackson Shaka, $365 Nothing New Nova Sneaker, $148 M.Gemi The Georgina, $428 Jeffrey Campbell Tanked Chelsea Boot, $180 Larroude Kate Boot, $450 Alohas Block Boot, $186 (Originally $310) Allbirds Trail Runners, $138 Timberland Euro Swift Hiker Boot, $110 Thursday Heartbreaker Boot, $195 Birkenstock Arizona Genuine Shearling Lined Slide Sandal Courtesy Available at Nordstrom, Birkenstock, Dsw If you don't yet own a pair of Birkenstocks, you're sorely missing out on the simple convenience of the indoor-outdoor shoe. And if you're thinking to yourself, "Birkenstocks aren't for winter, though," allow me to introduce you to this shearling lined pair that's extra cozy and warm. I always have cold feet, no matter the time of year, so I'll be wearing these now and well into next summer. Sorel Tivoli IV Waterproof Winter Boot Courtesy Available at Nordstrom, Sorel, Zappos I've read plenty of articles warning of a harsh winter in New York City this year. Being from Minnesota, I know harsh winters, and one thing I'll never leave the house without when the temperature drops and the snow rises? Really warm, really durable boots, like these from Sorel. There's nothing worse than cold, wet feet, but these are made with a durable, water-resistant suede, plus they have a faux-shearling lining for extra insulation. Cold feet? I don't know them. Cariuma Oca Low Camel Suede Courtesy Available at Cariuma, Verishop, Farfetch I'm a Cariuma stan — actually, my entire family is. Whenever I'm in the mood for a footwear refresh, a new pair of Cariumas is always at the top of the list. I'm obsessed with anything camel this season, which is why these OCA Low in camel suede are going to be getting a lot of wear. I plan on wearing them with all camel sweaters for a fully coordinated look. Koio Verona Shell Boot Courtesy Available at Koio This fall, I've been drawn to a really good, really thick sole, which is why these white boots from Italian shoe brand Koio are on my list. Worth noting: A chunky sole doesn't only make every outfit look 10-times cooler, but it's also (usually) 10-times more durable. And in this case, the rubber sole has ample traction to get you through snow, ice, and sleet safely and fashionably. Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Lugged Boot Courtesy Available at Nordstrom, Converse, Amazon I've been eyeing these Converse for months now, and I think I'm finally ready to make them mine. They still have that tried-and-true look of classic Converse, with a thick sole that makes them slightly more fall and winter appropriate. Plus, they're a reasonable $70, and given how much I've worn my classic Chuck Taylors, I think the price is well worth it. Hunter Short Waterproof Rain Boot Courtesy Available at Nordstrom, Amazon, Walmart Meghan Markle loves her Hunter boots; I love my Hunter boots. Everyone — and I mean, everyone — should invest in at least one pair of rain boots, because there will be plenty of moments when they're going to come in handy. Rain! Snow! Slush! Whatever the weather is doing outside, your feet will remain unfazed. The sole has ample grip, while the buckle adds an eye-catching touch (stylish). P448 Jackson Shaka Courtesy Available at Us.p448 If you're not familiar with P448 just yet, commit the name to memory: It's the next Italian sneaker brand that's going to blow up. The celeb fan list is growing fast, with big names like Ben Affleck and Chelsea Handler aboard the P448 train — maybe J.Lo will be next? Before that moment comes (which means the sneakers will be so in demand, it's going to be hard to snag a pair), heed my advice and check them out. Whether you like high-tops, low-tops, or anything shearling-lined, there's a P448 sneaker for you. Nothing New Nova Sneaker Courtesy Available at Nothingnew If you know me, I'm a sucker for a white sneaker. Correction: I'm a sucker for a cute, sustainable white sneaker, which is exactly what these Nothing New Nova kicks are. They're made from upcycled Italian leather (which means no new leather was made) and the laces are crafted from recycled polyester. In addition to being easy on the earth, they're also easy on the eyes. I'm obsessed with the sleek upper, and that platform sole is simply *chef's kiss*. M.Gemi The Georgina Courtesy Available at Mgemi I love Italian shoes — hey, the quality is simply superior — and anything and everything from M.Gemi. Why? Because the brand has managed to create the most drool-worthy footwear that's actually also comfortable. I tried these black heels, and was shocked by the fact that I could wear them for 8-hour days; now I'm eyeing these boots that have a similar structured heel but in a more weather-appropriate silhouette. Jeffrey Campbell Tanked Chelsea Boot Courtesy Available at Nordstrom I'm always on the lookout for a simple but cool Chelsea boot, and this style from Jeffrey Campbell hits the nail on the head. It has that classic silhouette, but with an edgy twist thanks to that lug sole that looks like it can withstand anything. I'm wearing these with everything from dresses to skirts to leggings. Larroude Kate Boot Courtesy Available at Larroude, Nordstrom, Farfetch Larroude is the brand to know — at least Dr. Jill Biden thinks so. She carried around the brand's famous bags on a few occasions (which of course, sold out shortly after the sighting), but the shoes should not be missed, either. In fact, Gwyneth Paltrow just wore Larroude boots. I'm obsessed with these tall white ones: They pair perfectly with pleated skirts, culottes, and jeans. Alohas Block Boot Courtesy Available at Zappos, Alohas, Verishop I've waxed poetic about Alohas before, but I have to do it again. The sustainable shoes, made-to-order in Spain have a quality that makes them irresistible. Take a look at these boots and you'll see what I mean. They're classic, but also feel very of-the-moment with a croc-leather effect and square toe. Bonus: They're on sale right now! Allbirds Trail Runners Courtesy Available at Allbirds I love any and all sneakers from Allbirds, and I'm very much into the brand's latest style. The Trail Runner, a hiking-shoe-meets-sneaker-combo that's beyond comfy, and also has a stylish comfy sole. Timberland Euro Swift Hiker Boot Courtesy Available at Nordstrom, Amazon, Dsw I love actually hiking, but even when I'm not trekking up the trails, I'll reach for a hiking boot like this one from Timberland, because I know that no matter what I encounter on my city walk — puddles or piles of leaves — I have the proper footwear to get me through it all. These Timberlands also have a steel shank for arch support and a super light interior cushion. Thursday Heartbreaker Boot Courtesy Available at Thursdayboots If there was ever a shoe that could break my heart, it's these Heartbreaker booties from Thursday Boots. The name feels apt, because if the brand ever stops making this style, my heart would break into a thousand pieces and I wouldn't know what to do with myself. I own two pairs, and I knew it was the perfect boot the second I put them on. Comfy? Check. Cute? Hell yes. A compliment magnet? Oh yes. If you're going to splurge on a shoe, I suggest you do so on the Heartbreaker boot.