Is it just me, or is it not really fall until the first pair of boots of the season is bought? The shorter days, changing leaves, chill in the air, and talking of pumpkin spice this and that are all enough to jolt you out of summer, but it's the switch from summer's sandals to something more substantial that's one of the most significant signals that fall is here (at least to this fashion fiend).
There is a plethora of beautiful designer fall shoes on the market right now, but if you have designer taste but more of a fast-fashion budget, there are truly a significant number of affordable fall shoes to add to your wardrobe as well. To ensure your fall shoe needs are met, I searched the internet far and wide for the best affordable flats, boots, and heels of the season, so the next time you're boredand in need of shoes (might as well use that free time wisely), you can give your fall wardrobe a boost. Scroll to shop my picks, all of which are under $200 (and most well below that).
Sam Edelman
Leahla Slouchy Boot
Seriously—snag these perfect boots while they're on sale.
Everlane
The '90s Flat
They had me at '90s flat.
& Other Stories
Square Toe Kitten Heel Mules
Words can't express how much I love this It color.
ASOS
Extra Suede Platform Chelsea Boots in Tan
Take my word for it and get yourself a pair of platform boots before all your friends do.
Birkenstock
Arizona Shearling Sandals - Narrow
These are basically the definition of transitional shoes.
Charles & Keith
Mini Square Toe Mary Jane Pumps
These look like something Cher Horowitz would wear, and I'm here for it.
Chinese Laundry
Krafty Knee High Boots
Good news for minimalists: The beige trend is still going strong.
Time and Tru
Lace Up Boots
Combat boots for the price of lunch take-out? Sold.
Chinese Laundry
Erin Booties
I love the heel on these snake boots.
Dr. Martens
1461 Bex 3 Eye Shoe
Channel the Hadid sisters and Kendall Jenner by pairing these with loose jeans.
Mango
Lace-Up Leather Boots
Prepare to get a lot of compliments in these dusty lilac boots.
Everlane
The '90s Loafer
Yep, Everlane makes '90s loafers too, and I support.
Matisse
Vegan Stormy Platform Boot
Two trends (snake and platforms) are better than one.
H&M
Suede Boots
Everyone will be wearing knee boots in a matter of days.
Jaggar
Tread Slide Sandals
Not quite ready to say goodbye to summer? These are for you.
Jeffrey Campbell
Cloudy Waterproof Chelsea Rain Boots
Rain boots, but make them cool.
Mango
Strap Leather Mules
These look even cooler on the foot.
Khaite
+ Adidas Originals Suede Sneakers
One of the hottest designer brands on the planet teamed up with Adidas, and I immediately added to cart.
Topshop
Jude Leather White Knot Mules
Wow, Topshop does it again.
Karl Lagerfeld Paris
Maki Genuine Calf Hair Pump
Don't have the funds for Bottega Veneta? No worries, these exist.
Mango
Croc-Effect Boots
Sorry but no one will believe you when you tell them these are $100.
Michael Michael Kors
Buchanan Penny Loafers
Currently planning which socks I'm going to pair with these.
Schutz
Dira Pointed Toe Stiletto Booties
I've been seeing this gathered detail all over the street style scene, via both pants and boots.
Steven
Follow Mules
The coolest way to wear leopard print this season? On your feet.
H&M
Ballet Flats
Ballet flats are back, and these are $13. You know what to do.
Topshop
Gabby Tan Closed Leather Platform Clogs
Clogs are a microtrend that's on the rise.
Zara
Animal Print Heeled Leather Sandals
Something fun for those warm fall days to come.
& Other Stories
Pointed Suede Heels
It's probably time for a new pair of black pumps. Just a hunch.
Urban Outfitters
Gigi Crocodile Platform Mules
I'm telling you—platforms are about to be everywhere.
Vince Camuto
Rastel Boots
Want to try the slouchy-boot trend but keep it subtle? Now you can.
Sam Edelman
Ackley Loafers
Can you tell that I love loafers?
Franco Sarto
Indigo Boot
With the subtly square toe, these are so forward.
Vagabond Shoemakers
Kenova Loafers
The addition of lug soles makes these loafers both classic and on-trend.
Miista
Miista Harper Mid-Heel Mules
Mary Janes are another trending shoe style that should be on your radar.
Vaneli
Cap Toe Flats
If you love Chanel, you'll probably love these.
Zara
Heeled Lug Sole Ankle Boots with Zip
Yes, you really need a pair of lug-sole boots this season.
Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater arts. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.