I Love Adidas Sambas, But What's Next? French Women Weigh In on the Next It Buy

Slowly but all at once, we watched Adidas Sambas take over the fashion world. It started with just a few French women on my Instagram feed, and before I knew it, these sneakers had made their way toward a takeover. I've made a living out of predicting trends and It buys, but when many of the seeds are planted abroad in Paris, it takes connecting with the local fashion set to stay on track. Since the Sambas have peaked and seemed to have started with the French, I decided to ask my favorite Parisians what we might see next.

If anyone can predict the next big It buy, it has to be these women. We talked about everything from ballet flats to even cooler sneakers, and there's so much more to discuss. Below, find the five It buys in the footwear department that French women are telling me will take over quickly.

"I have been very much into flats lately, wearing my Alaïa mesh flats a lot! They are so comfortable. Even during the warmest days, I wear them with dresses jeans, shorts, literally anything." — Géraldine Boublil

Shop Mesh Flats

"Actually it's pretty good timing because the new Nike x Martine Rose Shox MR4 [shoes] just came out. And the new Scuba Blue colorway is crazy!!! Also, the Nike Shox are a classic for me, and the cool twist they give with MR makes the perfect kicks. So I would go for those ones.

"But I also know that they will not please everybody. For those who are looking for a more low-key style, you can upgrade the Samba style with the ones from the Wales Bonner collaboration for example. I think the Sambas are going to stay a bit longer on the scene. 

"You can look for vintage Adidas styles with the boxer- and golf-inspired sneakers like the early '00s Yohji Yamamoto x Adidas pieces. They will probably make a comeback." — Laberiane Ponton

Shop It-Girl Sneakers

"As a French girl, I believe that the essence of true style lies in the perfect balance of comfort and chic elegance. While I have an unwavering love for Adidas Sambas, my attention now turns to ballet flats as the next It buy in fashion. Although often mocked or denigrated, I think that these classic and versatile shoes effortlessly embody the Parisian spirit, seamlessly transitioning from the cobblestone streets to the glamorous soirées." — Léna Farl

Shop Ballet Flats

"The not-so-new thing I would recommend buying would be a pair of Mary Jane flats. Ballet flats have been coming and going over the past few years, but these days, I feel attracted to the variation with a strap. To me, they have this little je ne sais quoi that makes them a little more interesting than regular flats and a bit more versatile in their style. It can range from very modern to romantic to '90s to academic, depending on the models and how you style them. I already own two pairs (black and red, both in velvet) and would love to get a new pair for autumn, either made of leather or patent." — Mélodie Bance

Shop Mary Janes

"I know we've collectively sworn off ballet flats for years, but I fully believe 2023 is going to be the year of the ballerina flat with a side strap. When you think about it, they're flat shoes like the Samba sneakers—just as comfortable and easy to wear but more feminine and more classic, less trendy than Sambas. The ones from Alaïa and Pêche have been flooding my feed. The need for ballet flats really has this je ne sais quoi that makes any outfit instantly chic! I can't believe I'm saying this, but ballet flats are back, and they are a wardrobe staple [you] really don't want to sleep on." — Ellie Delphine

Shop More Ballet Flats