12 French Shoes All the Parisian Girls Are Wearing

Repetto

Established in 1947 by Rose Repetto, this French brand quickly carved a niche in the world of dance, gaining the admiration of leading ballet dancers for its high-quality dancewear and ballet shoes. The creation of its Cendrillon ballerina flat, specifically designed for Brigitte Bardot’s role in the 1956 film, Et Dieu… créa la femme, propelled Repetto into mainstream fashion. The brand has collaborated with major fashion houses from Issey Miyake to Noir Kei Ninomiya.

Today, Repetto has expanded its shoe offerings to include a wide variety of styles, including its popular ballet pumps, Camille Heels. Still, its iconic flats continue to be a favorite among a new generation of it-girls, with trendsetters like Lily-Rose Depp and Hailey Bieber among its admirers.

Roger Vivier

Roger Vivier, the esteemed French luxury footwear brand, is renowned for its innovative and elegant designs that have left a lasting mark on the world of high fashion. Often credited with the invention of the stiletto heel in the 1950s, Vivier brought a unique artistic flair to shoe design, influencing fashion icons and major luxury houses alike. His creations such as the iconic buckle pumps famously worn by Catherine Deneuve in the 1967 film Belle de Jour have been worn by Joséphine Baker, Queen Elizabeth II, and Brigitte Bardot. 

In recent years, Roger Vivier has continued to redefine luxury footwear.  The brand’s newer styles, which include crystal-adorned designs and sky-high platforms, have found a following among A-listers like Nicole Kidman, Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, and Rihanna, to name a few.

Veja

French women favor a blend of fashion and function in their footwear choices. To embody this effortlessly chic style, consider adding a pair of sleek white sneakers to your wardrobe. Enter Veja: the chic French sneaker brand crafted in Brazil. Known for its commitment to sustainability, Veja uses organic and eco-friendly materials, making it not just a fashionable choice but a conscious one, too.

Vejas have been spotted on some of our favorite celebs such as Meghan Markle, Emma Watson, Emily Ratajowski, Reese Witherspoon, and Kate Middleton. The sneakers retail for around $150 but can be found on sale often from a wide assortment of retailers ranging from Nordstrom, Saks, Matches, Ssense, to Anthropologie, Free People, and Zappos.

Christian Louboutin

Christian Louboutin is undoubtedly one of the biggest shoe designers of all time. His creations are celebrated for their bold and daring designs, characterized by sky-high heel heights and dramatic shapes. And the brand’s iconic red-lacquered soles have become a universal symbol of status and style.

Louboutin himself has been quoted saying that feeling sexy in his shoes is more important than comfort. This philosophy underscores his belief in shoes as a powerful tool for empowerment and confidence. Adored by A-list celebrities like Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Rihanna, and Oprah—to name a few—Louboutin’s shoes are more than just a fashion statement; they are a work of art.

Pierre Hardy

Pierre Hardy (not to be confused with Ed Hardy) began his career illustrating for fashion magazines before transitioning to shoe design in the mid-1980s. He launched his label in 1999, which is celebrated for its architectural and geometric styles in both women’s and men’s footwear. Known for his artistic approach, Hardy draws inspiration from visual arts and architecture, evident in his bold and innovative designs. 

Laurence Dacade

Launched in 2008, Laurence Dacade’s eponymous brand reflects her celebrated Parisian design ethos, honed from her time designing for Chanel and Givenchy. Her creations artfully blend French-inspired sensuality with chic sophistication, often incorporating vibrant colors, patterns, and textures for an unexpected twist.

Drawing inspiration from the dynamic lifestyles of women in airports and train stations, Dacade designs for the “woman on the go.” A graduate of the AFPIC School, she excels in the technical craftsmanship of shoemaking, ensuring each pair of shoes—such as its Androgynous Loafer—is as comfortable as it is stylish.

Sézane

Parisian brand Sézane epitomizes a modern femininity. Morgane Sézalory’s fashion journey began with selling vintage pieces on eBay, eventually leading to the creation of her website, Les Composantes, where she sold reworked vintage items in popular monthly drops or rendezvous. These exclusive sales quickly became a sensation in Paris, with pieces selling out within minutes. Riding on this wave of success, Sézalory launched Sézane in 2013, a direct-to-consumer brand that has since become  synonymous with “French girl fashion.”

With its carefully curated selection of clothing, accessories, and jewelry, Sézane has garnered a cult-like following. The brand is known for its accessible pricing, embodying Sézalory’s belief in “je ne sais quoi for all.” Its footwear, priced between $170 and $300+, ranges from classic loafers to chic flats. Beyond fashion, Sézane’s commitment to sustainability is a core aspect of its identity. As a B-Corp-certified company, it champions the use of eco-friendly materials and practices. For those seeking both style and sustainability, Sézane offers a perfect blend, making it a go-to choice for fashion with a conscience.

K.Jacques

If you’re looking for the perfect summertime sandal look no further than K.Jacques. The brand boasts a rich heritage in the sun-drenched streets of Saint-Tropez, France. Since 1933, this family-run business has built its reputation for crafting artisanal leather sandals. Renowned for their timeless design and exceptional durability, K.Jacques shoes are the epitome of effortless French Riviera style. Each pair is meticulously handmade, showcasing the brand’s commitment to quality and tradition. 

K.Jacques sandals are designed to last, with styles ranging from $185 to $330 due to a wide range of leather options, studs, and straps. These are a summer wardrobe essential, perfect for both beachside strolls and chic urban outings for years to come. Of course, you don’t have to travel all the way to Saint-Tropez to get your hands on a pair of K.Jacques. These French shoes can be found at Bloomingdales or on Net-a-Porter, Farfetch, Shopbop, and even Amazon. 

Clergerie

Founded in 1981 by Robert Clergerie, the brand has become synonymous with innovative, architectural shoe designs that challenge conventional aesthetics. Known for combining masculine and feminine elements, Clergerie shoes are celebrated for their unique silhouettes, exceptional comfort, and use of high-quality materials. The brand is particularly famous for its reinterpretation of classic styles, like brogues and loafers.  

Bobbies

You don’t have to forgo style for sustainability thanks to Bobbies. Although based in Paris, the brand crafts its footwear and leather goods in Portugal using sustainable practices and high-quality materials. Sought after for its ultra-chic boots and suede-paneled sneakers, the brand is known for incorporating vintage touches into contemporary designs for both men and women alike.

Jonak Paris

Jonak, a family-run business in Paris since 1964, is coveted for its fashion-forward yet accessible footwear. Jonak’s diverse collection caters to all styles, ranging from timeless classics to contemporary trends. Current favorites include its Pointed Ballerinas With Straps and any of its loafers. Consider styling with socks to nail a trending style. Lastly, in a noteworthy collaboration with Schott NYC, known for their leather jackets and motorcycle apparel, Jonak introduces the trendy Biker Boots.

Sartore

With humble origins as a small cobbler shop in the Nicean countryside, Sartore has grown to become an internationally recognized French shoe brand. Established in 1959 by Paul Sartore and his wife, Marcelle, Sartore began rolling out men’s moccasins before gradually expanding its repertoire to include women’s riding boots.

Today, Sartore stands as a testament to evolution and innovation in fashion. The brand has diversified its collection, offering clogs and western-inspired boots that merge masculine and feminine style elements into unique designs (Think: patchwork leather adorned with silver studs and embossed patterns accented with red details, respectively). Fusing rustic charm with modern sophistication, Sartore’s footwear has and continues to remain at the forefront of fashion trends.