Best Walking Shoes for Paris: 2025 Guide

Finding the right walking shoes for Paris is a smart move. Because a trip to Paris inevitably involves a lot of walking, and nothing ruins your experience like uncomfortable shoes. However, determining the ideal walking shoes for Paris can be a bit of a puzzle.

Because it’s not just about comfort. Ideally, your footwear should also complement your outfit, offering the versatility to dress up or down, seamlessly fitting whatever plans you have in store.

As a Parisian who has a particular fondness for shoes, I’m sharing my insights on the best walking shoes for Paris in this article. My recommendations are drawn from daily observations of what Parisians wear and my experiences with travel, hiking and strolling the Parisian streets for hours.

---

Shoes for Paris: The Complete Guide

Paris is often synonymous with fashion, and of course, the Eiffel Tower. The image of a French fashionista, stylish enough to grace the pages of Vogue in her everyday streetwear, is a powerful one.

This sets the bar high, and it’s no wonder many visitors ponder over the best shoes to wear in Paris. A trip to this city involves extensive walking, and balancing fashion with comfort can be a tricky affair.

Paris is one of the most walkable cities. Many of its residents rely on public transportation for their daily routines. Flats and sneakers are the go-to footwear choices in this city. For instance, a pair of simple white sneakers, such as this model from Lacoste, can be an ideal choice.

What are the best walking shoes for Paris? Which shoes should you pack that are appropriate for Paris? What kind of shoes are women wearing in Paris? Read on and know exactly what works in Paris. Know which shoes you need in every season!

What Shoes are Parisians wearing?

The Parisian everyday fashion is a combination of (intentional and well-placed) effortless, a lot of class, and comfort. This does not only apply to their clothes but also their shoes. They are an essential part of the overall outfit and are picked accordingly.

Check our packing guide for Paris if you require some inspiration on what to pack!

In Paris, people choose sneakers not just for comfort, but to complete their look. Whether it’s to soften a business outfit, accentuate a casual style, or match the occasion, their choice is intentional.

Parisians wear sneakers frequently, contrary to the persistent rumor that they don’t. So, for your shoes for Paris, consider sneakers as a stylish and most versatile option.

Good news: If it matches your outfit, sneakers are completely acceptable in fancier restaurants and events.

The Best Walking Shoes For Paris

Great, here’s the revised version with the added keywords “Paris Shoes” and “shoes to wear in Paris”:

The great news for your Paris trip is that you can comfortably leave your high heels at home. Unless you’re attending an exceptionally grand event, high heels, or any uncomfortable Paris Shoes for that matter, aren’t necessary. When looking for suitable shoes to wear in Paris, a pair of simple white sneakers is often enough (check out this link for options).

Most locals commute using public transportation daily, with some navigating the Paris on bikes. Considering the heavy traffic, it’s not a surprise that most Parisians use their cars only occasionally. Or may not even own one, as it’s not uncommon to meet residents without a driver’s license.

Living in Paris, you simply don’t need a car. The Metro provides convenient travel from one point to another and typically involves some walking, so high heels are not a common sight among shoes to wear in Paris.

So, what do Parisians wear instead? Let’s explore!

The Best Sneakers for Paris

It’s fantastic news for tourists: Sneakers are absolutely fine in Paris. A few years ago, I might have suggested only stylish fashion sneakers, but now, all kinds are seen around the city. Many hipsters even sport vintage-style running shoes from the ’80s.

Shoes like Stan Smith or sneakers from the popular French brand Veja go well with almost any outfit. I’ve observed that Veja is particularly favored by women over 35 and men of all ages.

Classic Reebok sneakers are also a common choice among Parisians, with a particular Reebok model being quite popular. If you’re looking for something less casual, consider slippers from Michael Kors or those from Armani.These offer a chic alternative while still keeping comfort in mind.

Generally, all the sneakers mentioned earlier are acceptable for casual evenings in Paris, whether you’re visiting bars or restaurants. However, more sporty shoes, like running shoes, are typically better suited for daytime exploration in the city. It’s all about how you pair them.

Combining slim jeans with runners? That’s a great look for daytime. Pairing a summer dress with running shoes? Maybe not the best choice. (unless you don’t care because you can be sure no one else does either)

To give you a clearer picture of the sporty sneakers Parisians wear in their everyday life, I’ll provide links to a few models below. These are not only popular on the French Zalando website, but are also the styles I frequently see while walking through Paris.

Overall, white sneakers are very popular in Paris. With a simple pair of white sneakers, you can’t do anything wrong. Be it a model from Adidas, classic Stan Smith (especially for men), or Nike Airforce1 for younger folks.

New Balance is also a brand that I often see in Paris. Many are wearing sportive models like the one in the picture, but also the New Balance classic sneakers are still popular. click here to see the available colors. 

The Best Flats for your Paris Trip

It’s a good idea to include a pair of simple flats in your luggage. I recommend packing a pair of derbies or loafers, as they offer both comfort and style. Ballerinas are another option, though they’re not as commonly worn in Paris these days.

While still perfectly acceptable, they might not be the top choice for a contemporary Parisian look.

Classic brogues – the most versatile travel shoes

Brogues or Oxfords make excellent travel shoes due to their versatility. They can be effortlessly dressed up for an evening in a high-end restaurant or dressed down for a day of sightseeing. These shoes pair well with jeans, slacks, and skirts, making them a reliable option during the shoulder seasons. Click here for more models and choices.

Loafers – comfortable shoes for every situation

Just like brogues, a pair of classic loafers are an insanely practical choice as shoes for Paris. They look effortlessly chic for daytime wandering, and equally elegant paired with a dress or slacks for your evening outings in the city.  Check here for more ore choice on nice leather loafers 

Or you could just go with a pair of Doc Martens oxfords, my favorites!

Slippers – Comfortable Alternative to Sneakers

If classic sneakers are not your style, slippers are a great choice as well. they are sporty, yet classy and they assure that you are comfortable. These ones from Dr.Scholl are a great pick if for a trip to Paris.

Boots – Great for Winter and Shoulder Seasons

If I had to rank them, classic ankle boots might be the second favorite among comfortable walking shoes for Paris, following closely behind sneakers.

These boots are a common sight on Paris’ streets, especially in winter and the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn, providing a stylish yet practical alternative to loafers.

Ankle boots are as versatile as loafers and derbies, but are more appropriate for colder weather. They look fantastic with slim jeans and are equally flattering with skirts and dresses, making them an essential choice for comfortable and fashionable walking shoes in Paris.

Waterproof ankle boots for rainy winter days

Traveling to Paris in December, you might be surprised to find that it’s not the coldest month, but rather the wettest.

Autumn shares similar conditions, and waterproof boots can be incredibly helpful for keeping your feet dry and warm while sightseeing in Paris. The ones from Blondo are my favorites, but the Chelsea boots from Sorel are nice as well

If you’re planning a trip to Paris in winter or early spring, you might encounter some cold weather, but there’s no need to worry about snowproof boots. Snow in Paris is extremely rare. Having lived here for 15 years, I’ve only experienced significant snowfall twice.

Chelsea Boots – the indispensable!

With a pair of Chelsea boots, you simply can’t do anything wrong in Paris. They are appropriate for the cobbled stone alleys, they are matching nearly every outfit, and they are comfortable but not as casual as sneakers! Click here for more choice!

What Shoes to Wear in Paris in Spring (April, May, June)

See our monthly guides for April, May, and June for more detailed information

Spring in Paris is famously unpredictable – it could be freezing, warm, or somewhere in between. This fluctuating weather indeed poses a challenge when deciding what shoes to wear in Paris during this season.

If you’re visiting in spring, it’s wise to bring along a pair of ankle boots or Chelsea boots, a set of derbies, and, without fail, a versatile pair of sneakers.

But, depending on your exact travel dates in spring, you might find that warmer footwear or more summery options are more suitable.

Shoes for Paris in Summer (July, August, September)

See our monthly guide for July, August, and September for more detailed information

Summer in Paris is the perfect time for sandals and open shoes, particularly flats, aligning with the local style.

When it comes to shoes for Paris, especially in summer, it’s best to avoid anything overly flashy. The Parisian preference leans towards simplicity and minimalism. Examples like the slingback sandals from TOMS or classic flats are ideal and comfortable.

But even a pair of Birkenstock is completely ok for sightseeing. They are actually quite fashionable. 

I wear mine all summer – it’s not just me, in case you wondered, haha. A few years ago many wore the Gizeh model, but I noticed that since a couple of years it’s rather the Madrid and Arizona Models.

They are definitely good to wear during the day and for casual evenings. Depending on the location, you can even wear them when going to the restaurant.

Shoes in Paris during Fall (October, November, December)

See our monthly guide for October , November and December for more detailed information

Visiting Paris in the fall can mean encountering chilly and rainy weather, with streets potentially becoming slippery due to fallen foliage, especially on cobblestone paths. However, you might also be pleasantly surprised by the beautiful Indian summer weather.

Regardless, this season isn’t the time for sandals or warm winter boots. Much like in spring, you’ll be well-prepared with a versatile pair of flats that can be dressed up or down and a comfortable pair of sneakers.

Best walking shoes for Paris in Winter (January, February, March)

Also see our monthly guides for January, February, and March

Winter in Paris can be quite chilly and rainy, with a rare occasion of snowfall. However, snow in Paris typically doesn’t last long, often turning into a cold, gray slush within a few hours, and it’s rare to see a lot of it in most winters.

Nonetheless, there’s little worse than walking around with wet and cold feet, so it’s wise to travel to Paris with appropriate winter shoes. Personally, I’m a fan of waterproof shoes from Blondo; their ankle booties are both cute and practical for winter!

While it’s still completely acceptable to wear sneakers on most days, I recommend packing something warmer, just to be on the safe side.

What Shoes to Avoid for Walking in Paris

Firstly, there’s no need for concern. No one is going to pay much attention to what shoes you’re wearing.

The best shoes for walking in Paris are simply those in which you feel comfortable. If fashion isn’t your main concern, just wear whatever you like and what makes you feel your best.

This being said, there are some shoes that you won’t see in Paris:

Uggs – it’s just not a thing in Paris. You see them from time to time in Winter, but that’s about it. They are certainly not the best shoes for Paris. Update 2023: I saw them a bit more often this winter, maybe they are becoming hip again?

Flip-flops – nope, unless you are at a swimming pool

Crocs – At least not the classic models – these sandals (click for info) are totally ok. Update Summer 2023: who would have thought, but I saw a very fashionable girl yesterday with crocs. They are back!

Spike heels – even though, women wear of course high heels in Paris, especially in business areas and fancy locations.

But it’s not a piece of day to day attire. So if you are traveling to Paris, you don’t have to wear uncomfortable shoes to blend in.

Just think about all those cobbled, stoned roads! Heels are not the best shoes for walking in Paris, and you can leave them at home without regrets.

Et voilà, my recommendation about what shoes are the best for Paris. I want to insist again on the fact that no one really cares what you are wearing.

Wear what you feel comfortable in. My recommendations are only to give you an idea of what works best in Paris. Prioritize your personal comfort and you’re good 🙂

FAQ Best Shoes for Paris

Do you find this post useful? Pin it!

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. This means – at no additional cost for you – I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. I am independent and the opinions expressed here are -if not stated otherwise- my own.