I’m a Fashion Editor—6 Elegant Shoe Color Trends I’m Buying This Winter and 6 I’m Skipping

I’ve always been a big shoe person—the kind who can walk into a store intending to “just browse” and somehow end up in the footwear section, arms full, debating between styles I don’t need but want. My love for shoes has gotten so out of control that I’ve dedicated an entire closet in my small NYC apartment to them, and even then, I somehow convince myself that it is never full enough. Naturally, that means I’m always looking for an excuse to add another pair (or two).

Lately, I’ve been updating my winter shoe collection, eyeing everything from sock ankle boots to high-vamp pumps, classic riding boots, and even suede sneakers. But silhouettes aren’t the only thing on my mind. As I build out my cold-weather rotation, I’m also thinking about what shoe color trends will make my outfits feel intentional and fresh.

For winter 2025, there are six hues on my radar thanks to the fall/winter runway shows and fashion influencers on my Instagram feed. Some shades feel fresh, while others are continuations of the color trends we’ve been wearing for a moment—great news for everyone who has already doubled down on burgundy and chocolate brown for this season. So without further ado, keep scrolling to discover the six winter shoe color trends you should buy and the six you should skip.

Skip: Metallic Shoes

Buy: Chocolate-Brown Shoes

The color of shoes I find most appealing right now is chocolate brown. Recently, I stopped reaching for my black shoes and started wearing my brown ones instead, and it made a big difference—especially during this time of year when nothing quite captures the cozy feel of winter like a rich, chocolaty brown. Whether I wear an all-brown outfit, a red sweater with tan trousers, a black blazer with white jeans, or a gray turtleneck with blue jeans, brown shoes ground my look and make my old pieces feel fresh and current. It’s not just I and fashion influencers who are loving brown shoes right now—brands like Zara, Reformation, and Toteme are adding stylish, sophisticated shoes in deep brown shades each week.

Shop the shoe color trend:

ZARA Leather Wedge Heel Ankle Boots

Reformation Inez Pumps

TOTEME Downtown Leather Knee Boots

nike LD 1000 Sneakers

Skip: Burnt-Orange Shoes

Buy: Red Shoes

Coming from a minimalist dresser, trust me when I say that one of the easiest colors to incorporate into your wardrobe is red, especially when it comes from shoes. There’s something about the pop of color on the feet that is surprisingly wearable but also looks polished and sophisticated. This season, insiders are gravitating toward red footwear, particularly sneakers. Case in point: Copenhagen-based influencer Emili Sindlev, who is seen here wearing ALO’s running sneakers. Adidas also refreshed its coveted Japan sneakers in cherry red, and Jacquemus and Nike, who launched a collaboration in the past two months, included a red sneaker that has suddenly become a must-have for every chic person on my Instagram feed, styled with jeans, sweatpants, or leggings.

Shop the shoe color trend:

adidas Japan Low Top Sneakers

The Row Round Ballet Flat in Leather

Khaite Mia Pumps

Nike x Jacquemus Moon Shoe SP

Skip: Gray Shoes

Buy: Black Shoes

This next one might be controversial since some don’t consider black a color. Still, it had to be on the list because chic dressers are wearing black shoes—more than any other type—and they’re never at risk of going out of style. While we’re seeing black suede shoes on the feet of fashion people in NYC, Paris, and London, black leather styles are taking over, especially ruched-leather loafers, croc-embossed ankle boots, knee-high riding boots, and elongated pointed-toe pumps.

Shop the shoe color trend:

Nordstrom Benson Loafers

TOTEME + Net Sustain the Riding Leather Knee Boots

Madewell The Emilie Glove Pumps

Tony Bianco Estelle Black Vintage

Skip: Off-White Shoes

Buy: Beige Shoes

One shoe color trend that’s subtler but equally popular is beige. This shoe color maintains the timeless quality of white but with a softer look, making it more versatile and giving it a more expensive appearance. A classic, neutral shade, beige consistently pairs well with a wide range of colors. For instance, you can wear Ugg’s new Micro slip-ons in beige with blue jeans or Schutz’s The Row–inspired suede zip-front boots with gray tailored trousers.

Shop the shoe color trend:

UGG Classic Micro Genuine Shearling Lined Slip-On

Schutz Farrah Booties

The Row Liisa Pumps

Staud Wally Boots

Skip: Pink Shoes

Buy: Burgundy Shoes

Burgundy isn’t a new winter color, but this season it’s set to be everywhere, especially on footwear. Designers are embracing the rich, wine-like shade, with Saint Laurent showcasing glossy patent-leather burgundy boots throughout its collection. Reformation’s new collaboration with The Millennial Decorator also features the color in shoes, debuting a standout pair of croc-embossed burgundy pumps that insiders have already gotten their hands on. Even Adidas has updated its cult-favorite Samba sneakers in burgundy leather.

Shop the shoe color trend:

ADIDAS ORIGINALS Samba Og Suede-Trimmed Leather Sneakers

Saint Laurent Le Loafers

Gap Kitten Heel Pointy Boots

Reformation Julia Tassel Pumps

Skip: Lime-Green Shoes

Buy: Army-Green Shoes

Lime green may have had its moment during the spring among footwear from Prada, Jacquemus, and Roger Vivier, but a slightly deeper shade for shoes is on the horizon as we head into the colder months. Now, fashion people are reaching for army-green styles to pair with black leggings, dark-wash jeans, and even khaki-colored bottoms. While we wouldn’t recommend opting for army green knee-high boots, we do love the shade on sneakers, ballet flats, and even snow boots.

Shop the shoe color trend:

Mansur Gavriel Dream Ballerina

New Balance 471 Sneakers

Gucci Women’s Horsebit Ankle Boot

Moon Boot Icon Low Snow Boots