Cheetah to Cow Print: 10 Must-Have Animal Print Shoes for Every Style

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, from the classics to the alternatives, that everyone should have in their closet.

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 prints feature solid black spots evenly spaced on a tan or golden background. On the other hand, leopard prints are characterized by distinctive black rosettes with brown centers. In fashion, cheetah prints often feel subtler and more minimalistic compared to the bolder, more detailed leopard patterns.

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, which perfectly complemented her pink-carpet look.

The “Trendz” pointed-toe pump by Nine West offers a functional block heel and a timeless leopard print design for a classic everyday option.

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 confidently incorporate leopard print into your style.

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 leopard print, this animal print is a timeless choice that returns 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

If you’re not ready to commit to head-to-toe animal print, experiment with zebra-print shoes. 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. If you prefer a more understated and elevated look, experiment with crocodile prints.

You’ll see this animal print trend everywhere this year. However, 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 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, 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 inspire 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

You might ask, how is reptile print different from snakeskin? 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-heeled wearer to appreciate reptile print. Superga’s reptile print sneakers prove that it is possible to wear animal print daily.

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 but still want to be outspoken about 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

Check out Rocsi Diaz’s ensemble if you want to see how celebrities incorporate butterfly motifs into their footwear. At the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards, she paired a black cutout bodycon dress with Sophia Webster’s ‘Chiara’ butterfly heeled sandals, 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, which have captivated 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 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, in which 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. She paired a colorful paint-splatter dress with Bionda Castana’s ‘Daphne Bis’ pumps in Dalmatian print, showcasing a fearless approach to mixing patterns.

Rosario Dawson flaunts her legs at a photocall for her film Captives at the 67th Annual Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, on May 16, 2014 (Credit: WENN)

With the Cannes Film Festival in full swing in May 2014, we saw many noteworthy looks, but none was quite like the ensemble Rosario Dawson offered.

Rosario Dawson’s Sportmax peplum dress with a colorful paint splatter print was complemented by Bionda Castana’s “Daphne Bis” harlequin printed pumps (Credit: WENN)

Rosario confidently mixed two bold, statement-making prints in a surprisingly cohesive look. Her Sportmax peplum dress, featuring a colorful paint-splatter design, was paired with Bionda Castana’s “Daphne Bis” harlequin-printed pumps.

While the combination may sound daring, Rosario pulled it off effortlessly, creating a vibrant ensemble that stood out without overwhelming. She completed the look by debuting a sleek undercut, further showcasing her fearless approach to fashion.

Rosario Dawson showcases Bionda Castana’s “Daphne Bis” pumps, featuring a bold black-and-white harlequin print and sleek pointed toes

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?