The Best Kicks for Autumn

Autumn might just be the greatest season for outfits. Leaves are changing colours, and temperatures are dropping meaning you can layer up and get a good fit off. When picking out kicks for autumn you want to leave yourself with somewhere to go in winter – so stay away from blacks (looking at you, Melbourne), and instead look for natural, earthy tones. Those sneakers are going to be easier to pair with the rest of your outfit and should be a little more scuff and mark resistant than the crispy white joints you were rolling in summer. 

Let’s get into our list of the best kicks for autumn.

Nike SB Dunk Low Pro Paisley Brown

Are these even out yet? I don’t know, it doesn’t matter because you can cop them right now on StockX, and the Nike SB Dunk Low Pro Paisley Brown are a beautiful pair and perfect for mid-late autumn. Brown from a distance, but with close up paisley pops of pink, green, and blue, these are a certified hit. The white laces brighten things up and tie into the white midsole perfectly. And then there’s those two words every sneakerhead loves to read: gum soles. When it comes to the best kicks for autumn, there’s no question. It’s these. 

Jordan 1 Retro High 85 Georgetown

A classic silhouette in a classic colour – you can almost feel a young Patrick Ewing yelling at you to feed him the rock when you wear these. Nostalgia aside, I love the Jordan 1 Retro High 85 Georgetown for its utility. The muted tones are perfect for autumn, and the combo of navy and grey are easy to pair with a wide range of apparel. Plus, you’re wearing Jordan 1’s. You’re never losing when you’re wearing Jordan 1’s.

Birkenstock Boston Clog Stussy Caramel (2021)

This right here is the reason the acronym IYKYK exists. ‘Birks’ are a gift sent down to us from above, with their step-in-comfort and convenience, and their suitability for almost any occasion. The Birkenstock Boston Clog Stussy Caramel could be the best autumn footwear you’re going to find, with a luxurious suede upper, a brushed nickel buckle, and the classic Birkenstock anatomically designed cork footbed. Picture yourself meandering through the park without a care in the world as shades of yellow, orange, and brown leaves float whimsically down to rest on lush green grass. The birds are chirping, crisp autumn air fills your lungs, and you look down to see the Birkenstock Boston Clog Stussy Caramel on your feet. This is autumn, and life is good.

New Balance 2002R Nightwatch Green

You thought we were going to put some grey New Balance’s on this list, didn’t you? While Boston’s Finest might celebrate Grey Day every autumn (May 15, in case your calendar doesn’t come pre-loaded with fictional sneaker holidays), we’ve got a real thing for the deep green hues of this New Balance 2002R Nightwatch Green. This right here is another example of New Balance dropping some of their best releases as general release products – while a lot of brands drive hype and sell out on collabs and major releases, New Balance seems to deliver absolute heat with their wide release products. Thanks, New Balance. 

Anyway, go cop these and I guarantee your friends will be impressed, but also envious that they didn’t know about this pair.

New Balance 993 Aime Leon Dore Taupe

Yet another chapter in the collaborative history between New Balance and Queens based fashion house Aimé Leon Dore, the 993 in Taupe was seemingly made for autumn. These heaters dropped last November alongside a brown colourway, and feature premium pig suede upper with dark purple tumbled leather overlays. At the base, a black responsive ABZORB midsole and rubber outsole adds support. Aimé Leon Dore branding on the heels and inserts complete the design.

adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2 Sand Taupe

Mmm, earthy. Possibly the OG autumn lover, Ye has always had a thing for muted, balanced tones whether in his apparel releases or his sneakers. The adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2 Sand Taupe is a beautiful example of that – it’s a shade you can pair with blue or black denim, but can easily accommodate other earthy tones as well.

Basically, we all need a pair of Yeezy 350’s in our wardrobe, and you can get great mileage out of the Sand Taupe colourway in autumn – if you do get stuck in some dodgy weather you don’t have to worry about them showing dirt, and if you end up with a peach of a day these are not so dark that you’ll look like you skipped the weather forecast.