schuh Buyers’ Picks: Autumn/Winter 2026

New season? New rotation. Autumn/Winter ’26 is officially here – that means the temperature’s dropping, the layers are back, and there’s a good chance your footwear line-up is due an upgrade. 

Need some new-season inspo? You’ve come to the right place. Our schuh Buyers have done the trend-spotting for you, rounding up their favourite pairs in this expert-approved guide to AW26. So, whether your line-up is calling out for a fresh pair of trainers, boots you’ll wear on repeat, or something that practically screams cosy season, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get into it. 

Nike Shox

We’re kicking things off with Senior Sports Buyer Amberley’s top trainer pick of the season. Fresh Nike drops are firmly on our Buyers’ radar right now – and taking the top spot is none other than the iconic Nike Shox. A cult-favourite Y2K silhouette with serious staying power, the Shox TL feels made for AW26 – techy, sporty, and just the right amount of statement.

This season, it’s the colourways doing the most. Brown is an instant autumn-coded win, while beige softens things up without losing that signature techy edge. Then there’s the red checked colourway – a full nod to the heritage-inspired trend we’re seeing everywhere this season. Checks + colour + Y2K tech = an elite combo.

Styling-wise, lean into the contrast. Pair yours with wide-leg denim, parachute trousers, or a maxi skirt, then throw on an oversized leather jacket or chunky knit. The iconic Swoosh does the rest of the talking for you.

“The Shox is practically the definition of cool. For AW26, we’re seeing this iconic silhouette move into a more autumnal space, with bold and neutral colourways both coming through – the red checked print has to be my standout pick. It’s one of those shoes that can completely level up an outfit with minimal effort.”

Amberley, Senior Sports Buyer

UGG Lowmel

Cosy season without UGG? Couldn’t be us. The UGG Lowmel takes that classic UGG energy and remixes it into a chunky trainer silhouette – and according to our Senior Lifestyle Buyer Daniel, it’s a serious contender for your AW26 everyday go-to.

This season’s shades are basically autumn in shoe form: dusted cocoa taps straight into the rich chocolate browns we’re seeing everywhere right now, while light bronze keeps things softer with an easy neutral finish. And for maximum chill vibes, the UGG Lowmel Mule in chestnut brings that iconic UGG colourway to an easy slip-on shape. We’re officially obsessed.

Style yours with loose jeans, a fitted tee, and an oversized trench for coffee runs and lecture days, or lean fully into cosy mode with flared leggings, chunky socks, and a big knit. 

“Is it a trainer, is it a boot? We love it either way. With textures like suede and shearling having a major moment this season, the Lowmel fits right in. The classic colourways feel so right for AW26 – warm, easy to style, and perfect with the neutral tones people naturally reach for at this time of year.”

Daniel, Senior Lifestyle Buyer

Saucony Ride Millennium

If you thought metallic trainers were clocking off after summer, think again. Saucony is keeping the tech-runner trend firmly in rotation with the Saucony Ride Millennium – a retro-running-inspired silhouette that hits that sweet spot between sporty, techy, and street-ready.

The white and silver colourway keeps the chrome obsession going into the new season, bringing the perfect balance to darker autumn ‘fits. White and burgundy switches things up with a hint of one of the season’s classic rich tones, while the Ride Millennium Armor in beige takes things in a more rugged, gorpcore-coded direction that we’re loving for AW26.

Styling-wise, use them to break up heavier cold-weather looks. Think washed black denim, baggy cargos, quarter-zip knits, and oversized wool coats. Alternatively, lean into AW26’s return to smarter dressing by pairing them with tailored trousers, a midi skirt, or a more structured coat.

“Honestly, we can’t get enough of Saucony right now. The Ride Millennium is one of those styles that just works: it’s got that techy, retro-running look that’s going nowhere for AW26, but it still feels super easy to wear day-to-day. The white colourway with burgundy details is a really nice way to bring one of the season’s key colours into the mix without going full statement.”

Amberley, Senior Sports Buyer

Blundstone Classic Chelsea

AW26 is having a major heritage moment. Checks, countryside references, equestrian influences, and classic tailoring are all back – but this time, they’re being mixed with bigger proportions, richer textures, and a lot more attitude.

That puts Blundstone exactly where it needs to be. The Classic Chelsea boot has just landed at schuh, and it’s bringing that rugged feel into a silhouette that still looks polished – making it an easy fit for AW26’s heritage revival.

The brown colourways play straight into the season’s earthy palette, while the classic black style is the all-rounder you can throw on with almost anything. Think checked midi skirts, oversized knits, and barrel-leg denim to really tap into that countryside-coded aesthetic.

“The Chelsea boot is officially back, and Blundstone feels spot-on for the new season. I love that the Classic Chelsea has that rugged, heritage vibe that’s taking over AW26 right now. The brown shades work perfectly with autumnal earthy tones – practical, timeless, and just really easy to wear on repeat.”

Daniel, Senior Lifestyle Buyer

Vans Checkerboard Classic Slip-On

Some silhouettes never really leave the conversation. Case in point: Vans – and especially the Vans Classic Slip-On. The OG skate-wear icon is back on our Buyers’ radar for AW26, with its low-profile shape landing perfectly as slimmer footwear continues its reign as the go-to silhouette of the moment.

When it comes to colourways, every variation of the checkerboard print is a winner – black and white combos keeps things classic, while bolder picks like red and white give the checkerboard look a fresh update. Familiar, but definitely not boring.

The styling move? Don’t overdo the nostalgia. Pair yours with baggy denim or carpenter trousers, then layer up with a loose-fit hoodie, workwear jacket, or oversized leather jacket. Add some crisp white socks for just the right amount of extra throwback energy. 

“We’re so here for the Vans checkerboard comeback. The Classic Slip-On feels perfectly timed for the continued shift towards low-profile footwear, and the checkerboard print is such a fun wardrobe addition for AW26. It’s nostalgic, but it still feels really current – basically the perfect combo.”

Amberley, Senior Sports Buyer

Shop Autumn/Winter Staples at schuh

Whatever your vibe, AW26 is all about shaking up your footwear rotation. Techy trainers are still going strong, rich browns and autumnal neutrals are taking over, cosy textures are officially everyday staples, and classic silhouettes are getting a fresh-season remix. 

Ready to give your rotation the refresh it deserves? Shop the Autumn/Winter edit at schuh and find the pair you’ll be reaching for all season.