AUTUMN '26
THE MEN'S SHOES TO KNOW
From Collegium to Saint Laurent, you’re invited to the season’s most exclusive edit of footwear, c/o FLANNELS.
Summer’s in the rearview and, if you ask us, not a moment too soon. Don’t get us wrong, we loved the long days and balmy nights, but we could have done without the heatwaves that had us wishing for AC. Autumn’s arrived, and that means the way we’re dressing is changing. It’s time to consign our shorts and short-sleeve shirts to the back of the wardrobe. Layered looks and heavier fabrics are in.
What we wear on our feet needs to be switched out too. Flip-flops and sandals won’t cut it (unless you’re escaping somewhere warmer, of course). But don’t reach for your fur-lined slippers or snow boots just yet. Autumn ’26 is defined by evolution, not revolution.
Summer’s key staple, the humble loafers, remain in the conversation for autumn. The key difference is that autumn makes them darker. Elsewhere, sports continue to influence our favourite designers' approach to trainers. And this season, they’re joined by streamlined, low-profile styles that add a hit of polish to your rotation.
New on our autumnal radar: boots. Dressier options like ankle boots and Chelsea boots are set to define formalwear, with both established and up-and-coming labels featuring minimalist leather silhouettes. And then there are the hiker-inspired designs. No longer exclusive to the trails and rugged mountain paths, they’ll become a key part of your look this season.
So, we’ve broken down the styles that you need to know about for Autumn ’26. Whether you’re looking for new shoes for the office or fresh sneakers for the weekend, we’ve got you covered. With options from FLANNELS favourites like Saint Laurent and Moncler to cult labels including Our Legacy and Collegium, this is how to nail autumn footwear.
THE LOAFER SHIFT
Summer ‘26 made loafers a favourite. This autumn, they’re keeping pace. It's easy to see why. They'll fit the brief for your 9-to-5 and then transition to laid-back weekend plans. The ideal low-effort, high-impact shoes, they're an easy way to sharpen your fit.
The key difference this season is colour. Summer saw us embracing lighter neutrals like beige, but now we're looking towards darker shades. Think rich chocolate, cosy burgundy and deep black. Tones that will bring warmth to your look when the temperatures start to cool.
Start with Saint Laurent. The Parisian label is enjoying a moment, thanks to its viral AW campaign starring the internet's favourite boyfriend Connor Storrie. Their new Le Loafer Batau shoes caught our eye straight away. Sumptuous red-brown leather. The laces that wrap around the collar and those hand-stitched toes take their cues from boat shoes. The Cassandre monogram. They're the pair we're going to be reaching for every time we leave the house.
Gucci take a more traditional approach this season. Smooth black leather. The classic saddle across the vamp. The easy slip-on profile. The stand-out detail? The house's iconic silver-toned Horsebit hardware. They're perfect for weddings, but you'll also find yourself pairing them with your favourite jeans to match autumn's smart-casual energy.
You can always expect an unexpected twist from Christian Louboutin. Take their Chamliboat Loafers for example. The metal collar pin is an inventive, punkish twist on a classic detail. And the white cupsoles are something you might find on your favourite trainers, bringing a relaxed edge. But it's the polished wine-red suede that really draws our eye. It feels like a fresh take that puts us in mind of autumn leaves.
And then there's Dolce & Gabbana. We're big fans of the duo's Derby shoes, especially in earthy brown. They feel quietly decadent, making an impact without shouting. The kind of shoes that feel so good to slip into you'll be reluctant to take them off. If you're planning a last-minute getaway to somewhere with more sun, these are the ones you'll want to take (and then wear everywhere else).
KEEP IT LOW
Sneakers aren’t going anywhere. They’re just slimming down this season. On the Autumn/Winter ‘26 runways earlier in the year, our favourite designers showcased a more streamlined take. Uppers were lower, widths were narrower and design details moved towards minimalism. Chunkier, bolder designs still earn their place (as you’ll see below), but the shift was unmistakable.
Nowhere is it more noticeable than at Prada. We've been thinking non-stop about their Montecarlo Trainers since they first dropped. A contemporary take on a classic mid-00s design, they pop in vivid caramel. Their football training shoe influences are clear from the off. Look no further than the swooping, fluid panels at the side or the way that the upper hugs the foot to keep it in place. And there's no denying that they look slick when worn with dark blue jeans. We'll take six pairs in every colour.
Off-White is making moves again. Their Out of Office and Be Right Back kicks will always have a place in our hearts, but their new End of Play sneakers are the ones to watch this autumn. Especially in black denim. Taking cues from both sports and streetwear, they're a slimmer take than we've come to expect from the Italian label. And no Off-White shoe is ever complete without a sweeping Arrow down the side and the signature zip tie at the laces. Consider these essential for the new season.
Tom Ford's new Aston sneakers make a compelling case. In a deep shade of ruby, they bring a quiet hit of Italian sophistication to your ensemble. The details are kept to a minimum: contrasting piping, the signature T at the heel and foil-stamped logos. And best of all, they sit on ultra-light gum rubber soles, so you won't be weighed down as you move through the day. So good.
Elsewhere, Bottega Veneta have reworked their iconic Orbit sneaker. This season, the Orbit Flash keeps the sporty lines, but switches mesh out for Italian suede. They're a typically low-key design for a house that puts craftsmanship ahead of obvious branding. These are the ones you'll want if you're looking to upgrade your everyday go-tos.
SPORTING FORM
Between the World Cup, the Grand Slams and the British Grand Prix, Summer ’26 was defined by sport. In footwear, we saw our favourite houses embracing the mood with sneakers that channelled running shoes and vintage Y2K styles. For autumn, they're continuing to play with sporting silhouettes. It’s easy to see why, with comfort becoming a luxury and the clean, technical shapes of sportswear offering plenty to play with. Only this time, they're broadening their horizons.
Casablanca has long been inspired by tennis, so it was a surprise to see their Del Mar sneakers channelling classic skate styles (yes, it's a sport). Not that they've forgotten about the on-court mood. Paring back the design to a palette of earthy beige and brown, they evoke the French Open's clay courts. It's a left turn for a house known for their bold use of colour, but it's a welcome one that we're quietly obsessed with.
Then there's Moncler. It shouldn't surprise you that the label, known for a preoccupation with skiing and mountaineering, would give us trainers that channel trail runners. Enter the Trailgrip LP. Its lineage is writ large. The lightweight mesh and nubuck build. The technical sole. The pull tab at the laces. We're booking a trip to the Alps as we speak.
We loved Prada's Americas Cup shoes this summer. We still love them now. The original "designer sneaker" has staying power for a reason, with those fluid lines and understated detailing. They're proof that you don't need a busy design to make an impact. For autumn, opt for a pair in sandy beige to bring this nautical pair onto dry land.
THE BOOT UPGRADE
As much as we hate to admit it, there are some occasions where trainers don’t work. Trust us, trying to explain away your favourite Off-Whites at a family wedding or in the boardroom never works. When the dress code reads formal, you’ll need options that match the mood. For Autumn ’26, we’re returning to the classics: ankle boots. They might not be the showiest, but when the brief is sleek and minimalist, they don’t need to be.
Burberry have nailed the brief. The second we saw their new Pembroke Boots, we had them on pre-order. The smooth Italian calfskin in that clean black finish. The traditional almond toes and that low block heel. Even the house’s iconic check on the elasticated panels has been pared back to sophisticated touches of grey. It’ll be this pair you slip into before you set off on your morning commute.
Don’t overlook Prada. They’ve reinterpreted the Chelsea boot for 2026. Setting it on a textured Cuban heel is an inspired touch, as is the shorter cut that hits just below the ankle. But it’s that rich burgundy goatskin leather that has us coming back to them over and over. It’s arguably the most understated boot of the new season, but perhaps the one that lands with the most impact.
If you want something with a little more height, then check out Collegium. The Californian label is new to FLANNELS and are perhaps best known for their signature sneakers. But it’s their Stilvale Chelsea Boots that we rate. Especially in that walnut brown shade that puts us in mind of the Wild West. These will be the workhorses of your collection. They'll take you from the office to dinner plans, and will carry you through to the weekend too.
Loop back to Christian Louboutin if you want a fresh approach. In rich coffee suede they look sharp. And the pull tab at the heel is a welcome touch. But it's the chunky rubber lugs that set them apart, blending Monsieur Louboutin's flair for the disruptive with functional detailing. And set into the rubber? That iconic red sole embellished with his signature. Our wish list just got longer.
TAKE A HIKE
You might have found that one of the biggest surprises on the AW26 runways was the emergence of hiking-inspired boots. At first glance it might have felt like the trend came from nowhere. But dig a little deeper and you’ll see we have gorpcore to thank: high-performance outdoor clothing, but styled with intent. In fact, the entire movement started with throwaway references to trail culture. So, not all that unexpected. And with the major luxury houses and cult favourites both embracing hiking’s rugged energy, it looks like it’s here for the long haul.
Moncler has articulated the mood perfectly with its Peak City Boots. The khaki nubuck and suede uppers look ready for autumn’s increasingly unpredictable weather. And those rugged outsoles look ready to tackle whatever the great outdoors throws at you. They might look built for the trails, but they’re ready for the city. The hero detail? The tag dangling from the laces. It’s straight out the urban streetwear playbook and it lands perfectly. Lace these up when you’re going to be out all day.
Rick Owens always knows how to create a stir. Fashion’s “prince of darkness” never plays it safe, as his Lace-Up Bogun Boots prove. Taking cues from combat boots, they hit at the mid-calf and sit on exaggerated creeper platform soles that make a statement. And then there are the laces. Not content with being threaded through more than two dozen eyelets, they wrap around the back to really lock you in. These are the ones you want when your look needs a little more edge.
But it’s Collegium’s Summit Hiker Boots that captured our attention this autumn. And what’s not to love? A design that blends classic hiking silhouettes with modern sneaker culture. Then there are the uppers, combining smooth leather with textured, hair-like suede for a cosy finish. Boldly contrasting laces that bring a hit of colour to any grey autumn day. And that’s without even mentioning the fact that they’re handmade. In Italy. Our autumn footwear just got more interesting.
