The One Sneaker Brand French Women Always Reach For

Ever since I saw Phoebe Philo walk out at the end of Celine shows during her tenure wearing Adidas Stan Smith shoes, I've kept a pair in my closet—just like many other chic women I know. The style embodies elevated fashion and captures that certain je ne sais quoi of modern-day dressing. I've effortlessly paired mine with tailored jackets and office-ready trousers and with jeans and oversize sweatshirts for busy errand days. If a pair of sneakers could represent a French woman, it would undoubtedly be a pair of Adidas sneakers.
Beyond its simple white leather shoes, the entire Adidas brand has become synonymous with cool French-girl style in recent years. Its Sambas embody the spirit of fun-loving, trend-forward individuals hanging out in the Marais neighborhood. Ultraboosts grace the feet of stylish on-the-go moms picking up produce and taking their impeccably dressed babies to the Louvre. For the fashion-savvy, the Stan Smiths reign supreme. (Although, I do have a soft spot for colorful Gazelles.)
If you're anything like me, you want affordable sneakers that can complement any outfit. Fortunately, nearly all of Adidas's best-selling styles are priced at $150 and below. If these looks can't convince you of French women's love for Adidas shoes, I honestly don't know what will. Below, explore all the pairs waiting in their virtual shopping carts.
What you need: Adidas Stan Smith sneakers
What you need: Adidas Superstar sneakers
What you need: Adidas Samba sneakers
What you need: Adidas Gazelle sneakers
I can totally see this pair on the streets of Paris under some straight-leg, light-wash denim.
Shop more Adidas shoes:
This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Ana Escalante is an award-winning journalist and Gen Z editor known for her sharp takes on fashion and culture. She’s covered everything from Copenhagen Fashion Week to Roe v. Wade protests as the Editorial Assistant at Glamour after earning her journalism degree at the University of Florida in 2021. At Who What Wear, Ana mixes wit with unapologetic commentary in long-form fashion and beauty content, creating pieces that resonate with a digital-first generation. If it’s smart, snarky, and unexpected, chances are her name’s on it.
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