Leather, Suede, GORE-TEX, And More: Nike’s Fall Footwear Essentials

Fall is the perfect time to rethink your sneaker rotation. As temperatures drop and the weather becomes less predictable and those sunny days make way for brisk afternoons and chilly evenings, leather uppers, rugged outsoles, weather-resistant materials, and darker color palettes become especially appealing.

For October, Sneaker News has curated four Nike footwear releases that feel particularly suited for the season, selected to match your layered looks and autumnal tones. From climbing classics to a weatherproof Air Force 1 and an entirely new Air Max silhouette, these choices offer something for just about every rotation.

The Air Force 1 has been a year-round staple for decades, but Nike has taken the iconic silhouette into serious cold-weather territory. For 2026, the Air Force 1 Mid receives a rugged transformation with GORE-TEX-protected uppers and a Vibram outsole, essentially turning the familiar basketball classic into a winter-ready boot. The combination provides added protection against the elements while maintaining the unmistakable look of the AF1.

For those who prefer a lower profile, Nike is also offering the classic Air Force 1 Low with the same GORE-TEX and Vibram upgrades across several styles. Whether you’re preparing for rainy Fall days or looking ahead to winter, these are built with the colder months in mind.

Straight from Nike’s outdoor footwear archives, the Lahar Low is making a welcome return. The rugged silhouette resurfaced in early 2021 as a women’s-exclusive release, quickly becoming a popular choice thanks to its distinctive hiking-inspired design and everyday versatility. After spending a few years out of circulation, Nike has decided to bring this favorite back into the fold.

The latest return includes two seasonally appropriate colorways: a versatile Black and an earthy Cacao Wow brown. Both are natural fits for Fall, combining outdoor-inspired styling with colors that work effortlessly alongside the season’s wardrobe. More colorways could follow, but for now, these two are more than enough reason to revisit the Lahar Low.

For those looking to add something completely new to their rotation, Nike has introduced the Air Max Metro for Fall. Designed with the city dweller in mind, this new silhouette combines everyday durability with the comfort expected from Nike’s Air Max family. A rugged outsole is built to handle city streets, while a near-full-length Air unit sandwiched by Cushlon 3.0 cushioning provides ample underfoot comfort.

The result is a modern lifestyle sneaker that prioritizes practicality without sacrificing the unmistakable Air Max aesthetic. With several colorways already available, the Air Max Metro offers a fresh alternative for anyone ready to explore something beyond the usual Nike classics.