Your Next Shoe Might Have a Wild Side
By Ana Harris
Image: Unknown Creator (Contact for Credit)
Animal print shoes are not new, but the way they are showing up this season feels like the start of a new chapter. Leopard, zebra, snake, croco, even cow are no longer just playful details. Designers are putting them front and center, and they have the power to turn a simple outfit into something interesting and current.
Image: Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images
Leopard is the one we all know and trust. It is fashion’s forever classic, the print that never loses its place. A leopard heel or loafer carries confidence, and there is a reason it returns every season with fresh energy. But what excites me right now are the other prints stepping into the spotlight.
Zebra has a graphic quality that feels bold and modern. A pair of zebra boots can transform even a flavourless all beige look into something unforgettable. Snake print has a quieter elegance. It is not as loud as leopard or zebra, which makes it incredibly versatile. My own snake boots have carried me through two seasons and continue to feel relevant. They mix with textures, colors, and moods in a way that proves their staying power.
Lace up Animal Print Sneaker - Link
Now, write that down. Croco was everywhere during fashion week. It feels like the evolution of animal print, sleek and modern, almost architectural. It is animal print reimagined for a polished closet, strong enough to hold its own while still subtle enough to live alongside minimal pieces. Shoes in croco texture carry weight. They suggest intention and authority.
Bottega Veneta Spring 26 - Vogue Runway
And then there is cow print. Playful, unexpected, and fresh. It announces itself without hesitation, and in a season where fashion is craving both nostalgia and fun, it feels perfectly timed.
Image: Unknown Creator (Contact for Credit)
This new era of animal print shoes is not about collecting every pattern. It is about finding the one that speaks to you and letting it define your look. These shoes are not background details anymore. They are the piece that sets the tone for everything else you wear.
Hailey Bieber / Vogue.com
Step into my animal print edit and see how these shoes bring personality and texture. Discover the pairs that will spark new life in your closet.
Nuggets of Style
by Ana Harris & Melissa Frós
Quick drops of fashion, beauty, and self-care to inspire your week—every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Curated by Ana Harris, Melissa Fros, and friends, with a shoppable catalog in every post.
