Long live the animal print trend. Embrace your wild side and choose a signature print. Animal prints aren’t just for scarves or handbags. They can make a serious statement on your feet as well.
You have virtually the entire animal kingdom to choose from – with cheetah, zebra, cow print, and tiger, to name but a few.
A vibrant collection of animal prints featuring cheetah, giraffe, tiger, zebra, leopard, Dalmatian, cattle, and jaguar patterns, showcasing nature’s diverse designs (Credit: LenaSunagatova / Shutterstock)
It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the different types of animal print available. There’s something for everyone, whether you want the chicness of Dalmatian or the quirkiness of butterflies.
We’re sharing the must-have animal print shoes that everyone needs to have in their closet, from the classics to the alternatives.
1. Cheetah Print Shoes: Subtle and Chic
One of the most popular animal prints of all time is the cheetah. This print is often confused with leopard print, which we’ll touch on next. Cheetah differs because it features a subtler print and a cooler tone compared to leopard.
Cheetah prints are characterized by solid black spots, unlike the black and brown rosettes of leopard prints. If you want a minimalistic animal print for your shoes, check out these “Martin” loafers by Aquazzura.
Cheetah prints feature bold black spots that exude sophistication, perfectly showcased in Aquazzura’s chic Martin flat loafers
2. Leopard Print Shoes: Versatile and Timeless
By comparison, leopard print is a common choice in the fashion industry. This print has a warmer undertone and black spots with a brown in-fill.
What we love about leopard print is its versatility. You can easily dress this print up or down depending on the occasion.
With their irregular, clustered rosettes, Nine West’s leopard-print heels effortlessly pair with both elegant dresses and casual jeans for versatile styling
Need proof? Zara Martin, a British DJ and model, made waves at the Suicide Squad premiere with her daring leopard print heels, perfectly complementing her pink-carpet look.
For a classic everyday option, the “Trendz” pointed-toe pump by Nine West offers a functional block heel and a timeless leopard print design.
Zara Martin stuns at the European Premiere of Suicide Squad in London, pairing her floral-embroidered velvet dress with bold leopard-print platform heels (Credit: Joe Alvarez / WENN / Mario Mitsis)
Zara Martin’s bold heels inspire daring footwear choices—would you incorporate a similar look into your style?
Zara Martin flaunts a flawless red pedicure paired with towering leopard-print platform heels, featuring bold spots and sleek black trim for a striking finish (Credit: Joe Alvarez / WENN / Mario Mitsis)
For more inspiration on how celebrities incorporate leopard print into their ensembles, explore our detailed guide on styling leopard print shoes, featuring six stylish celebrity outfits. Additionally, discover how Jennifer Lawrence embraced a chic leopard-print coat from Dior’s Pre-Fall 2024 collection, exuding power and sophistication.
For a bold approach, see how Kim Kardashian turned heads in Paris with a striking all-leopard ensemble by Azzedine Alaïa. These articles provide insights into celebrity fashion, helping you incorporate leopard print into your own style with confidence.
3. Zebra Print Shoes: Neutral-Wearing and Stylish
Zebra print is a neutral-wearing girl’s best friend. It’s a subtle animal print that makes a statement in black and white. Like the leopard, this animal print is a timeless choice that comes back in the latest trends every season.
These striking zebra-print mules by Nasty Gal feature a bold black-and-white design and a comfortable block heel—perfect for everyday style
Experiment with zebra print shoes if you’re not ready to commit to head-to-toe animal print. For example, see how Katie Holmes elevated her look with Khaite’s zebra-striped calf hair boots, showcasing a chic and modern approach to this bold pattern. For a daring statement, check out how Kelly Osbourne turned heads with her Charlotte Olympia zebra pumps at the VH1 Divas event.
4. Cow Print Shoes: Bohemian Chic and Bold
Are you a fan of zebra print but want to try something bolder? Cow print is the one for you. You can channel your inner cowgirl and embrace the bohemian chicness of the print.
It’s easy to think of cow print as a micro trend, but it’s a quirkier take on the classic leopard and zebra prints.
Add a bold twist to your casual look with Vans’ cow-printed sneakers, featuring a striking black-and-white design perfect for laid-back outfits
Cow print was a major trend for fall 2021, and we’re excited to see where it goes this year. Ready to add it to your closet?
To help you get started, see how Ashley Benson elevated her casual look with Simon Miller cow-print sandals, showcasing a chic and modern approach to this bold pattern.
5. Crocodile Print Shoes: Understated and Elevated
It’s easy to think that animal prints are bold – but they don’t have to be. Experiment with crocodile print if you prefer a more understated and elevated look.
This animal print trend is one that you’ll see everywhere this year. This print is different because it’s as much about the texture as the look.
Understated but chic, these Michael Kors Scarlett ballet flats come in a chestnut brown crocodile print that can elevate any look
You can find crocodile print in every color of the rainbow, whether your heart bleeds pastels or if you’re a neutral lover. The “Scarlett” crocodile-print ballerina by Michael Kors is a classic style you’ll reach for every day.
6. Snake Print Shoes: Edgy and Fashionable
While snake print isn’t getting the same attention as cow’s print, it still deserves a space in your closet. Snakeskin is one animal print that will never go out of style. It’s just as timeless as crocodile print but offers an edgier feel.
An iconic Louboutin silhouette, these Kate pumps are timeless in pristine white snake-embossed leather
What we love about snakeskin shoes is that they can instantly transform your look and take it to the next level. Louboutin’s white “Kate” snakeskin pumps are the perfect splurge purchase for your closet.
To explore this print in more detail, check out our feature on Alesha Dixon’s snake-print sandals, where she pairs them with a chic ensemble during a ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ audition. Additionally, see how Jessica Lowndes rocked strappy snakeskin sandals at New York Fashion Week, adding an edgy touch to her outfit.
7. Lizard Print Shoes: Subtle Detailing and Elevated
Lizard print is a go-to choice for those who love crocodile and snakeskin prints. It gives you the best of both worlds with the texture of a crocodile but the look of snakeskin.
Chunky chain detailing and rugged heels bring a modern edge to these timeless lizard-textured loafers, blending classic and contemporary style seamlessly
If you want subtle detailing that effortlessly elevates your look, you want to invest in lizard print shoes. Kurt Geiger’s “Maddox 2” loafers use vegan leather with a lizard print texture for everyday wear.
Perhaps Marion Cotillard’s ensemble will inspired you. She paired a black high-low dress with striped lizard-effect boots, showcasing a chic and modern approach to this textured pattern.
Additionally, Kylie Jenner’s appearance at the 2013 Wango Tango featured red Alexander Wang sandals with lizard-print leather ankle straps, adding a bold touch to her outfit.
8. Reptile Print Shoes: Everyday Animal Print
How is reptile print different than snakeskin, you might ask? While snakeskin is a type of reptile, what we consider ‘reptile print’ within the fashion industry typically has more scales and a rougher texture.
Featuring an all-over reptile print, these Superga sneakers will offer a playful yet fierce addition to your wardrobe
You don’t have to be a high-heel wearer to appreciate reptile print. Superga’s reptile print sneakers prove that it is possible to wear animal print every day.
Looking to see how celebrities wear this print? Consider Kelly Rowland’s ensemble, where she paired a burgundy sequined dress with matching reptile print-embossed sandals, showcasing a chic and modern approach to this textured pattern. Additionally, Olivia Wilde’s casual look featured snakeskin leather Vans, adding a stylish twist to her denim shorts and gray tee ensemble.
9. Butterfly Print Shoes: Unique and Feminine
Perhaps the most unique animal print of them all is the butterfly. Thanks to brands like Sophia Webster, butterflies aren’t just a print for children’s fashion.
This whimsical print is perfect for those who prefer a more feminine aesthetic while still wanting to be outspoken with their fashion choices.
These chunky peep-toe booties are elevated with whimsical pink butterfly prints, adding a playful and feminine touch to any bold ensemble
Dolls Kill’s “Downton Dive” heels blend masculinity and femininity with a peep-toe ankle boot complete with butterfly prints.
If you want to see how celebrities incorporate butterfly motifs into their footwear, check out Rocsi Diaz’s ensemble, where she paired a black cutout bodycon dress with Sophia Webster’s ‘Chiara’ butterfly heeled sandals at the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards, showcasing a chic and whimsical approach to this unique pattern.
Additionally, explore our feature on Sophia Webster’s ‘Harmony’ metallic butterfly leather sandals, highlighting the designer’s signature butterfly designs that have captivated both celebrities and fashion enthusiasts alike.
10. Dalmatian Print Shoes: Refined and Wearable
Channel your inner Cruella with a hundred and one spots. Dalmatian is the more elevated sister of cow’s print, making it an ideal choice for those who want a more refined look.
Sticking to Dalmatian’s classic white-with-black dots can help you create a transitional closet that works for every season and occasion.
Cute and quirky, these Amina Muaddi Marni mules feature Dalmatian prints and crystal buckle fastenings
Dalmatian print is among this list’s most wearable and is a perfect entryway into wearing animal prints. Amina Muaddi, the darling of luxury footwear, even added Dalmatian print mules to her latest collection.
If you’re looking for the ultimate pair of Dalmatian print shoes, these are them. Its minimalism means that Dalmatian print is effortlessly chic and wearable every day.
Many celebrities have shown us how to incorporate Dalmatian print. Consider Kate Middleton’s ensemble, where she wore a Hobbs London Dalmatian-print coat paired with black Stuart Weitzman pumps during a tour of the Turner Contemporary art gallery. Additionally, explore Rosario Dawson’s bold fashion choice, where she paired a colorful paint-splatter dress with Bionda Castana’s ‘Daphne Bis’ pumps in Dalmatian print, showcasing a fearless approach to mixing patterns.
There’s an animal print for everyone. It’s all about finding the one that works with your style and making it your signature. These ten animal prints are ones that everyone needs in their closet. Which of these animal prints will you be adding to your shoe closet?
Explore More Animal Print Trends on Your Next Shoes
For more insights on incorporating animal prints into your wardrobe, explore our guide on how to wear animal print shoes, offering practical styling tips for various occasions.
If you’re curious about the distinctions between popular patterns, our comparison of cheetah and leopard print shoes provides a quick and stylish guide.
Additionally, our article on calf hair shoes delves into the luxurious texture often used in animal print footwear, explaining what they are and where they come from. These resources will help you confidently embrace animal prints in your fashion choices.