Katie Couric and Dakota Johnson Ditched Boring Flats for an Alternative That’ll Dominate Fall 2026

 

Katie Couric and Dakota Johnson side by side
Credit: Getty Images

  • Podiatrist-Approved Brand: Vivaia Margot 3.0 Flats, $129
  • On Sale for $21: Old Navy Faux-Suede Mule Clogs, $21 (Originally $35)
  • Not-Your-Average Clogs: Seavees Tiburon Trekker, $175
  • Need These Now: Adidas Barreda Mary Jane Sneakers, $70

Fashion loves to have a genre. And by that I mean, Coastal Grandma was all about breezy, summery staples you’d find in a Nancy Meyers movie. Balletcore was inspired by, well, ballet, taking on soft pastels, wrap silhouettes, and, of course, ballet flats. But there’s one genre that I’m most obsessed with. Enter: Cowboycore, and while cowboy boots are certainly included in this, a more rich-looking style is proving to be the most popular of all…cow-print shoes. 

Katie Couric holding a book sitting indoors Dakota Johnson walking outside with a companion
Backgrid / Instagram @katiecouric

Just take a look at in-the-know fashion girls—they’re all wearing cow-print shoes. But the latest piece of photo evidence that had me convinced there’s no stopping the moo-inspired footwear? Katie Couric. The media mogul posted a video on her Instagram about her latest book cub read—which, BTW, is worth taking note of—but given my keen eye for fashion, I couldn’t help but spot (pun intended) her cow-print flats from J.Crew (which are sadly sold out now). They stood out among her simple, all-black look; she styled black skinny jeans with a black turtleneck for the perfect base. On top, she had a brown suede jacket that was also very in line with the Western aesthetic. 

It Girls have been wearing cow-printed styles for a while now; remember when Dakota Johnson stepped out in her non-boring Adidas cow trainers? So chic! And, pretty much anyone with taste, like fashion girlies and influences, has also made the swap, trading basic black styles or leopard-print for the moo-re versatile animal print (sorry, I had to). Even though the pattern isn’t technically a neutral, I find the colors muted enough to wear on repeat and with everything you own. Stripes and cow print? I’m into it. 

So, if you want to elevate your look with very little effort, start with your shoes. Shop some cow-print style inspired by Couric and Johnson’s pairs.

Don’t want to lose these finds? See more shoe trends we recommend on Picksy, a new place to compare items you’re eyeing and save favorites for later.

Vivaia Margot 3.0 V-Cut Flats

Vivia Square-Toe Margot V-Cut Flats

Credit: Amazon

$129 at Vivaia.com

I was shocked to find these well stocked, as most cow-print flats I found were flying off the shelves. These are made from a soft, stretchy upper that prevents blisters, and has the APMA stamp of approval, so you know they’re comfy. Bonus: These also have a square-toe, which a podiatrist once told me is ideal for ultimate comfort. 

Lucky Step Classic Retro Gum Sole Sneakers

LUCKY STEP Women Classic Retro Gum Sole Fashion

Credit: Amazon

$38 at Amazon

If you prefer to combine the luxe cow-print material with a sporty silhouette like Johnson did, these Lucky Step sneakers from Amazon are a must-buy. The retro gum sole has superior traction, while the cushioned insole provides ample support. For $38, you can’t go wrong with these. 

Steve Madden Rafe Loafers

Steve Madden Rafe Loafer

Credit: Amazon

$110 at Amazon

Okay, I know these are slightly divisive, but hear me out: These loafer mules are going to be the only shoe you’ll want to wear this season. They offer the easy-on convenience of a classic slide but with a slightly more refined silhouette. It’s the best of both worlds, and they can be dressed up or down. 

Below, shop more cow-print shoes you’re going to wear to death.

Seavees Tiburon Trekker

Tiburon Trekker

Credit: Seavees

$175 at Seavees.com

Adidas Barreda Mary Jane Sneakers

Adidas Barreda Mary Jane Shoes

Credit: Adidas

$70 at Adidas.com

Kenneth Cole New York Jasper Flats

Kenneth Cole New York Jasper

Credit: Amazon

$109

$57 at Amazon

Old Navy Faux-Suede Mule Clogs

Faux-Suede Mule Clogs

Credit: Old Navy

$35

$21 at Old Navy

Sam Edelman Michaela Flats

Sam Edelman Michaela

Credit: Zappos

$150 at Zappos
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