A Brief Lesson in Grade-A Back to School Shoes (2024)

As the seasons change and your favorite warm weather fits fade into obscurity, it's time to redirect that big summer energy towards autumn and get yourself in gear for going back to school. Aside from the anxiety of seeing new faces and having to endure the annoying commute, there are a few things to look forward to like getting your best outfits together, and you can’t really have a good ‘fit without having the best back to school shoes.

Sneakers will always have a place amongst back-to-school footwear (if your school allows for them), but when considering the best shoes for school, it’s an entirely different state of mind. You can play it safe by lacing up a pair of America’s Cup or your typical Dr. Martens release, but the shoe world is an ever-expanding one with new options available every few weeks.

With that in mind, we’ve spared you the trouble of searching far and wide to provide you with a list of the best luxury shoes for school from brands like Marni and Maison Margiela along with some more affordable options.

Scroll To Shop The Best Back to School Shoes

Dr. Martens Adrian Snaffle Westminster

Made in England at the brand’s Wollaston factory, this shoe presents Dr. Martens' expertise in shoemaking. The chunky tassel loafer isGoodyear-Welted for extra durability and has anAir-cushioned PVC sole for comfort.

Clarks Originals Wallabee Desert Boot

For anyone who grew up in the United Kingdom, Clarks were effectively the gold standard of school shoes.The brand's iconic Wallabee will always be a great pick for wearing at school and beyond.

Martine Rose Square Toe Mule High Shine

There's never a bad time to add mules to your rotationand Martine Rose makes some of the best around. Let your heels enjoy the freedom of slip-on footwear with these shiny, square-toed loafers.

Timberland Authentics 3 Eye Classic Lug

Thanks in part to fashion's continued preppy obsessionalong with collaborations by the likes ofUNITED ARROWS,Aimé Leon Dore, and A-COLD-WALL*, the boat shoe is on its way back. While loafers have undoubtedly been at the fore of pushing for a post-sneaker society, boat shoes are starting to gain similar amounts of popularity.

Maison Margiela Broken Mirror Tabi Boots

There most certainly wasn't anyone wearing Tabi Boots when I went to school, especially not in a mirrored finish like this. If I could go back to school, though, these are what I'd want to walk in wearing on the first day.

J.M. Weston x Highsnobiety Not In Paris Penny Loafer

If you're looking for a high-end shoe to accompany you through the year, it doesn't get much more luxurious than a pair of loafers from J.M. Weston. The French company is theonly shoemaker with its own sole leather tannery and continues to champion traditional shoemaking techniques.

Stetson Tina Flame Embroidered Cowboy Boot

Looking for something statement-making for the first day back a school? These embroidered cowboy boots will do the job.Handcrafted bythe brand'sbootmakersusing vintage leather, these shoes let you join in with the current cowboy trend.

Marni Sabot Black

Crafted from calf leather, these slip-ons from Marni will undoubtedly have you crowned as the most high-end of the muleboyz on campus. Simply one one of the best back to school shoes out there.

G.H. Bass & Co. Weejuns Heritage Larson Penny Loafers

The first-ever pair of penny loafers, G.H. Bass & Co. Weejuns are a piece of fashion history. This pair keeps that same iconic look with a contrasting white top providing a more eye-catching finish.

Acne Studios Berylab Leather Buckle Shoes

A shoe you probably remember from your elementary school days, the Mary Jane has beenincreasingly finding itself stocked in luxury stores. This pair from Acne Studios comes in supple calf leather.

Dries Van Noten Fur Loafers Black

Once winter comes around, these cozy slip-ons are sure to become your go-to footwear model. While others get cold feet, you have a pair of Dries Van Noten fur loafers.

Prada Opaque Brushed-Leather Lace-Up Shoes

Re-inventing an archive footwear model, the exaggeratedstitched raised edge that runs along the top of this shoeprovidesa unique twist. So why not going back to school with a pair of Prada shoes.

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