TRAVEL STYLE
The best way to see Paris is on foot so comfort is essential
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When planning a trip to Paris, selecting comfortable walking shoes is as important to the experience as choosing among the city’s culinary delights and exceptional museums. Paris is a large city but central Paris, where most monuments are located, is compact and the best way to explore is on foot. I travel to Paris regularly and walking is the main way I get around the city.
And good news— comfy walking shoes don’t necessarily require you to sacrifice style. I am sharing my favorite shoes for Paris, and they are both cute and comfy!
How Many Shoes to Pack for Paris
- 2 pairs you can walk in ALL DAY
- 1 comfy pair (for some walking) ie. ballet flat
- 1 pair for evening
I typically pack three pairs of shoes for a trip to Paris. Four if I am away longer. I want two pairs that I know I can walk in all day! Even with your most comfortable shoes, there is a chance of blisters with this much walking, so you’ll want a pair to alternate. In fall or winter, one of those would be a waterproof boot or bootie. (More on that below).
My third pair is usually something to wear in the evening. Depending on the season, this might be a dressier sandal or slingback a wedge heel, or a nicer, heeled boot. I know some people get by with two pairs of shoes, but looking chic in Paris is part of the fun for me, so I pack three. Don’t forget you might also want to buy a pair of Paris shoes — a special memento from your trip. I offer suggestions for Paris shoe shopping at the end of the article.
Note that Paris is not the place to break in a new pair of shoes. Make sure any shoes you pack are already very comfy and ready for walking. (Even then, I suggest you bring bandages and blister treatment, such as moleskin.)
Shoes for Walking in Paris, in Every Season
Paris Shoes for Fall
Loafers
In my experience, a comfy loafer is a shoe that will never disappoint you on a trip to Paris. This style works with almost every outfit and can be worn through much of the year. I prefer a classic style without trendy embellishments because they will look chic 5, 10, or 20 years from now.
If you like Gucci’s classic black horse-bit loafer, (more on that below) similar styles are available at many price points! Sam Edelman makes the Loraine, which comes in multiple colors and is widely available. Or the Ali Bit Loafer by Johnston and Murphy. For a budget-pick check out the Quince Italian Leather Horsebit Loafer. Love the bone color for summer!
Gucci and Gucci Dupe Loafers for Paris
After several years of consideration (and saving) I splurged on the Gucci Jordaan. These are by far the most expensive shoes I have ever purchased, and for me, they are worth every penny. I wore them walking 20,000 steps on a recent trip to Paris, and expect to wear them for the next 20 years. The craftsmanship is remarkable and the leather is buttery soft.
But that’s a lot of money and as noted above, the Gucci dupes are perfect for Paris travel—only you’ll know they aren’t the original. Make sure you break them in at home!
Another option for a great comfy loafer is Sézane, a Paris brand that has a U.S. website for easy ordering and returns. Love their Adam Loafer. In three colors.🤎
I also like the brand Cole Haan for stylish walking shoes; I own several pairs which have traveled with me to Paris. For a penny loafer style in suede (nice for fall) the Danby is chic with a cushioned sole designed for all-day comfort.
Ballet Flats
I like that ballet flats work with many outfits and can be dressy enough for the evening. I love them for early fall, as well as spring and summer. The fact that they are lightweight is a bonus.
For comfort, look for a ballet flat with some arch support. One of my current favorite flats are from Vivaia. I am wearing a pointed-toe style below in front of the blue door in the Paris Marais (photo below). I wore them all over Paris and they were very comfortable.
M. Gemi’s Danza Flats are also made for comfort and offer enough arch support for hours on your feet. I don’t own them (yet) but would love to.
Rothy’s are another option and well-priced. I own two pairs. There are many styles and color choices among their flats. I have their classic ballet style, The Daily Flat and love the The Bow Point II.
FYI, I’ve found that Rothy’s and Vivaia both run small, so if you haven’t ordered from them before and aren’t sure, size up half a size.
Margaux has wonderful shoes, an investment but exceptional quality. (I own their Darcy slingback.)
The Demi for a classic ballet style, and The Fonteyne for a more square to. Trés chic! They are hand-made of Italian leather at their factory in Spain. Endless 5-star reviews.
Sneakers for Paris
Sneakers have become fashionable, so you don’t have to sacrifice comfort when choosing shoes for Paris. I bring a pair of sneakers on every Paris trip because I want something extremely comfortable for days with lots of walking.
I don’t think there’s a wrong way to go regarding sneaker style for Paris. If you have a comfy pair you love, they will be perfect. If you are in the market for a new pair, here are some options.
If you like a white sneaker, I suggest Cole Haan. I’ve worn their Grand Crosscourt Sneaker on several trips to Paris (pictured above ). They are comfy and incredibly lightweight, perfect for travel.
If you like color and a slightly retro style, my current faves are by Toms! TRVL LITE Retro Runner Sneaker. Very lightweight, lots of color combos and water resistant! I took them to Europe last fall for three weeks; they were fantastic. I have two pairs I loved them so much.
For French sneakers, the brand Veja is very popular; you’ll see the “V” on the side of many chic-looking women in France. They are widely available in North America, including at Madewell. For a classic style consider the Veja Vesplar. I’ve found it’s easier to keep leather sneakers clean than canvas.
Boots for Paris - Fall & Winter
Yes, it rains in Paris, and it’s still beautiful. I suggest taking boots to Paris if you visit between late September through early April. And ideally, they should be waterproof or water-resistant.
Paris does get some snow in winter months; January is the coldest and you can see snow. I like a flat boot for exploring Paris, but a low heel or wedge could work too. I prefer a rubber sole for better traction on wet cobblestones.
I was very glad I packed waterproof boots for a September trip to Paris with freinds. It poured rain on several days and we walked everywhere, despite the wet weather.
For tall boots, my favorites are Aquatalia — my feet stayed warm and dry in the Paris rain. Aquatalia are fantastic quality, and an investment. Another great option for tall waterproof boots are Blondo.
I recently polled women travelers on social media and the brand they most recommended were Blondo. Blondo Cammie are waterproof, attractive, well-priced and well-reviewed. If you prefer something with a heel, look at the Alida Waterproof Bootie — great reviews, multiple colors.
Budget pick: Quince Italian Suede Chelsea Boot. Three colors and water repellent.
Shoes for Spring & Summer in Paris
Walking Sandals
Cute enough to pair with a dress, and comfy enough to wear all day — in summer, a comfortable sandal is your most important Paris shoe because with hotter weather, it’s likely what you’ll wear the most.
I am wearing a Franco Sarto platform sandal (above in front of the Eiffel Tower).
Budget Pick: These ones by Quince are the same style, water resistant, and $70: Italian Leather Platform Sandal.
Naturalizer are a great option, as they are super comfy and cute. Here is a current budget-friendly option: the Neila.
Fortunately for any of us who love the comfort of Birkenstocks, the “ugly duckling” of sandals is currently considered fashion-forward. And they now come in a rainbow of colors: white, gold, blue, and pink are all great shoes for summer in Paris. I took a gold pair (pictured above) on a recent trip to Europe and they were chic and comfy.
I think the Madrid is especially chic. And the Mayari, a strappy sandal that comes in pretty colors, as well as the classic ones.
Loafer Mules for Spring & Summer in Paris
Loafer mules are a great summer alternative to traditional loafers. These could be comfy enough to wear all day, or might be the “third pair” of shoes I’d bring to Paris, when I wanted to dress up a little.
Again, Gucci makes a classic pair, Princetown Leather Slipper, but there are lovely options that are similar for a fraction of the price. I bought this pair last year by BCBG Generation, the Zorie Mule, which I recommend. And Sam Edelman does a nice, affordable pair, the Linnie Mule, available at Nordstrom. Love the color French Sand.
Susan wearing the BCBG loafer mule in spring outfits she packed for Europe.
Espadrilles for Paris
An espadrille is a lovely choice for Paris; it’s a summer shoe that never goes out of style in Europe. Although these originate in Spain, Parisians love their espadrilles; in summer you’ll see them everywhere. I appreciate that they come in varying heights because although I love a low wedge heel.
For a Spanish classic, the Canvas Espadrille Wedge by Barcelona-based Viscata is available at Nordstrom. I recently bought them in grey and have worn them lots already. Looking forward to packing them for my next trip to Europe!
Shoes for Evening in Paris
Wedge & Block Heel Shoes
If you have some nice dinners planned for your trip to Paris or just want to look extra chic after dark, consider bringing a pair that are a little more elegant. I like having a change from what I wear exploring all day.
Given this may still involve some walking, a wedge or block heel is a Parisian classic. Pictured above, I wore Vivaia’s Julie Chunky Heel to dinner at a charming historic restaurant in Paris, Bouillon Julien. They are comfortable thanks to a special insole with cushioning and arch support. I found them fine for a short walk to and from the Paris Metro and out to dinner. (Size up half a size.)
(photo: Sézane)
Modern Mary Jane's
My current shoe crush is a modern Mary Jane like these Paula Babies with a low block heel from Sézane. They feel special enough for Paris and look equally great with a wide-leg jean and a dress. The right pair should be comfy enough for leisurely Parisian strolls, exploring the museum or a walk to dinner.
I tried them on at Sézane in polished camel, on my recent trip and found them very comfy. (Very tempting but I ended up buying a trench coat instead).
Dress Sandals for Paris
It may be a little hard to see these low wedge were perfect for the warm weather on my June trip to Paris. They comfortable enough for walking, dressy for evening and practical enough to ride a scooter. (Wisely, scooters have since been highly restricted in Paris). Anything with a low wedge typically works great.
A few options for evening sandals for Paris: Reformation makes sustainable clothing and shoes. I own several pieces from them (not yet shoes) and have been very impressed with the quality. Their shoes are chic and perfect for a summer evening in Paris. I love the Millie Lattice Flat Sandal. It comes in seven colors, including gold, which is having a moment right now. It’s on my wishlist. Size up a half size.
The City Sandal by Margaux are another block heel option and a cult favorite. They’re designed for pounding the pavement, in the best way — while on vacation. This budget-friendly option is a similar style by Quince and only $80.
Parisian Shoe Brands
Paris is known for its beautiful design and excellent quality. If you are in Paris and looking for shoes, here are some options:
I love Bobbies Paris (the Jill loafers ) and there are several locations on the left and right banks of Paris. They are well-made, affordable and offer classic styles you’ll use for years. The sneakers and sandals are very cute, and they have great block-heel styles — trés practical for Paris cobblestone.
Jonak is another great affordable Paris shoe brand. I was admiring their fall styles on my recent trip to Paris.
Parisian shoe brand Repetto began by creating shoes for dancers, and their ballet flats remain their signature Paris shoe. They have broadened their collection to include loafers, pumps, oxfords, sandals and espadrilles, and other styles depending on the season. Repetto shoes are an investment but beautifully made. They have stores in Le Marais and in the 6th on rue du Four. They are also carried by several of Paris’s most elegant department stores: Le Bon Marché, La Samaritaine, and BHV.
Sézane is mid-priced with lots of beautiful shoes, most under $300, including more classic styles: loafers, sneakers, boots, espadrilles, and flats, which they call ballerinas, as well as some more on-trend options such as clogs. I also have a guide to Shopping at Sézane Paris.
Carel is another iconic Paris shoe brand that is also widely available outside France. Again, these are an investment, but the designs are gorgeous and trés French. They have several boutiques in Paris and you’ll find them at Le Bon Marché as well as the Galeries Lafayette Haussmann and Printemps Haussmann.
Finally, for fun, or possibly a splurge, visit the Roger Vivier boutique on Rue Faubourg Saint-Honoré, appointments required. Monsieur Vivier made shoes into works of art. He studied sculpture at the Paris School of Fine Arts before he became a shoe designer. He created shoes at Christian Dior from 1953 until 1963, and is credited with igniting a new interest in women’s stiletto heels.
I hope these ideas for Paris walking shoes have you dreaming of the many miles you’ll comfortably meander through the city of light. One of my favorite French words is “flaneur”, which means to wander without a particular destination. Make sure to leave time in your itinerary to just wander through Paris, enjoying its sublime beauty, in your comfortable shoes.
Bon voyage!
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