The 5 Shoe Trends That Define Parisian Style

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(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)

Years ago, I spent a summer living in Paris. During my time in the city, I found an apartment in the Marais and made a point of trying to live like a local. I make regular stops at the boulangerie on the corner and walked everywhere to really learn the city for myself. During those walks down sweeping boulevards of St. Germain and through the paths along the Tuileries, I encountered stylish Parisian women and made mental notes about the outfits they were wearing.

Since Paris is a city where the locals walk everywhere, outfits always strike a balance of stylish and cool with comfortable and stylish. So, I quickly learned that the towering heels I’d packed in my suitcase were not very “French.” I’ve since given up wearing any shoes that are uncomfortable. Instead, I’ve taken inspiration from the stylish Parisian women I came across and added their go-to shoe styles into my own closet. Ahead, see the Parisian shoe trends I still wear today.

ANKLE BOOTS

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(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)

Perhaps one of the most Parisian shoes in my closet: ankle boots. No matter what time of the year, these are an essential to pair with everything from jeans to dresses.

LEATHER SANDALS

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(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)

For warm weather and vacations, leather sandals are key. You'll be sure to spot the classic Hermès Oran sandals on plenty of French girls—or you can opt for the Zara version I picked up last year.

Related: 16 Classic Pieces French Girls Would Never Toss

SLINGBACK HEELS

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(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)

If you want to slip on some heels, there are a few styles French women wear on repeat. First up: slingbacks that are both practical and stylish.

KITTEN HEELS

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(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)

Another key heel style? Kitten heels. What makes these popular is perhaps unsurprising: They're more comfortable than sky-high silhouettes.

STRAPPY HEELS

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(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)

The other heel staple French girls wear? Strappy styles that have a delicate, barely there look.

Up Next: French Fashion: 10 Secrets to Dressing Like the World's Chicest Women

This story was originally published onBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing U.S. and has since been updated.

Associate Director, Special Projects

Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. BeforeBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.