The 5 Shoe Trends That Define Parisian Style

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

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

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

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

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

STRAPPY HEELS

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 on Who What Wear U.S. and has since been updated.