These Are the Shoes Parisian Women Actually Wear
Plus, where to find them online (even if you’re on a budget).
Image design: Canva
Affiliate disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting my blog.There’s this idea that French style is complicated or unattainable. It’s not. Most of it comes down to a few simple choices, like getting the right shoes.
And by that, I don’t mean 97 pairs. I mean half a dozen styles that are actually comfortable and work with everything.
That’s what Parisian women do.
They rotate a small selection of styles, and it works because their shoes are part of their capsule wardrobe. If you get the shoes right, the rest of the outfit usually falls into place.
So, here’s what we actually wear (and where to find affordable versions).
1. Ballet Flats
Ballet flats are extremely popular in Paris and have been for decades. No logos, no fuss, just a clean shape that works with everything from jeans to midi skirts.
The key is keeping them simple:
black, nude, or soft neutral
almond or round toe
nothing overly “girly”
If your outfit feels too casual, swapping sneakers for ballet flats usually fixes it instantly.
Affordable options:
2. Low Block Heels
French style isn’t anti-heel, but it is anti-impractical heel. That’s where block heels come in. They give you a bit of height and structure, but still feel completely wearable for a full day out.
You’ll often see them paired with simple dresses or even jeans, especially when someone wants to elevate a look without making it feel too “done.”
The beauty of a block heel is that it doesn’t demand attention. It just subtly sharpens the outfit.
Depending on the look you’re going for, you can choose block-heeled sandals or closed-toe. Both look really Parisian.
Here are my top picks:
3. Simple Sneakers
Not running shoes. Not bulky trainers. Just clean, minimal sneakers.
This is what you wear when you’re walking all day but still want to look like you made an effort.
They go with literally everything:
jeans + trench
dresses + cardigan
trousers + button-up
Sneakers are hugely popular in cities like Paris because they’re really comfortable but also look cute.
I’ve hand-picked a few affordable options here:
4. Low-Heeled Slingbacks
Slingbacks are a really popular style in Paris, and for good reason: A small heel (think 3–5 cm) is enough to change the entire feel of an outfit without making it impractical. If you want some height without going for a block heel, this is the style I’d recommend.
Best options:
black or beige slingbacks
pointed or almond toe
low, walkable heel
A few of my favorites:
5. Kitten Heel Boots
This one surprises people, but boots can absolutely be worn year-round, especially if you live in a climate that gets a fair amount of rain (like Paris). What makes kitten heels great is that, while they look elegant, they’re as easy to walk in as clunky snow boots. (But no one has to know!).
Here are a few favorites to shop the look on a budget:
6. Strappy Sandals
When it finally gets warm, everything gets lighter, including shoes.
French women tend to go for:
simple, delicate sandals
neutral tones
nothing overly chunky or embellished
These are less about statement and more about finishing an outfit cleanly. I’d pair them with a midi dress or flowy skirt for an easy, summer-y look.
7. Espadrilles
I’ve been wearing Castañer espadrilles ever since I moved to France in 2023, and I simply love them. They’re so well designed and really comfortable once you break them in!
Espadrilles are one of those shoes that feel deeply tied to French style, especially as spring turns into summer. They’re romantic and work beautifully with dresses, skirts, or even cropped pants.
What makes them so wearable is their lightness — both visually and practically. They never feel heavy, and they don’t compete with the rest of the outfit. Instead, they just complete it.
Flat versions are the most common for everyday wear, but a low wedge can work just as well if you want a bit of height without sacrificing comfort.
Here are a few budget-friendly options:
How This Actually Comes Together
As I said earlier, you don’t need a million different pairs of shoes to build a French-style wardrobe.
All you need are classic shoes that you can mix and match endlessly: espadrilles and sandals for warmer months, boots for cooler months (or when it rains), and sneakers, flats, and low heels for everyday style.
That’s it.
No need to have a mountain of shoes you’ll never wear or twenty variations of the same style.
If You’re Building a Wardrobe from Scratch
Start with:
ballet flats
simple sneakers
espadrilles or sandals
boots
You can build almost every outfit from there.
Final Thoughts
If your outfits don’t feel quite right, it’s often the shoes.
Not the jeans, not the top — the shoes.
Don’t underestimate the power of a great pair of shoes; they can make or break your outfit.
What’s missing from your closet? I’d love to know!
Xoxo,
Luba