Best Walking Shoes For Paris
One question I am asked a lot about Paris is what are the best walking shoes for the city. Today, I am telling you about my favorite walking shoes for Paris for each season and what shoes Parisians are wearing now.
First, whichever shoes you decide to pack with you, make sure they are comfortable. The last thing you want to do when you get to Paris is wear a pair of shoes that aren’t comfortable and you end up with blisters by the end of day one.
Also, don’t try and break in a new pair of shoes on the streets of Paris. Make sure your shoes have been worn a few times so your feet are used to them.
Lastly, shoe comfort is different for each person so I can tell you which shoes I think are the best walking shoes for Paris but ultimately that’s up to you.
These are the shoes I have packed for Fall, Spring, and Summer in Paris. Also, don’t forget things like gel insoles, moleskin padding, and band-aids.
Best Walking Shoes To Wear In Paris
Boots
Waterproof Bootie
During Fall/Winter and Spring, it’s best to have a waterproof bootie on hand in case it rains. Weather during these months can be sporadic and you never know when it’s going to rain in Paris so it’s always best to be prepared.
I wore this pair of Aquatalia Booties (yes, they are an investment), on my last two trips to Paris in the Spring and late Fall. The bootie has a pointed toe which always helps to elongate the legs and a height of 1.5″, not too high and not too small.
I prefer a lower boot to fit perfectly under flare or boot-cut denim, trousers, or even with tights and a skirt or dress. For this boot, I take my normal size of 6.5.
Other options for booties are these Naturalizer, these Blondo, or these as well.
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Sneakers
Adidas Stan Smith
There are several sneakers that Parisians are always wearing and the Stan Smith is one of them. In all the years I have been to Paris, this has never changed. You will find them being worn in the Navy or Green styles.
If Parisians are wearing them all over to walk the street then they must be good right? Personally, these are the most comfortable sneakers I have worn in Paris. I have taken my VEJA several times but the Stan Smith still wins out for me.
VEJA V-10 Leather Sneakers
VEJA is one of the most popular sneaker brands in Paris and everyone is wearing them. There was even a line outside and around the corner to get into the store. However, not all VEJA are created equally. I have found this exact pair is the most comfortable for walking all day.
I have two other styles of VEJA, the Esplar, and the ones with velcro which are not comfortable enough to walk all day.
These shoes do take time to break in so you want to make sure you do that before you wear them around Paris all day. I went down a size in these and wear the same ankle socks.
New Balance
New Balance has become quite popular in Paris over the last year couple of years I have noticed during my trips there. Last spring I bought this exact pair in Navy when I was visiting.
The 574 is a great sneaker especially if you are in need of more support to walk all day. They are easy to wear and look classic with denim and trousers.
Axel Arigato Sneakers
During our month in Paris, I bought these Axel Arigato sneakers at Le Bon Marché. I have been looking for a new pair of unique sneakers yet still comfortable enough to walk around.
The sales lady told me these are a brand all the Parisians are wearing now and since then I have actually noticed more and more Parisians with them on.
High Top Converse
Converse is another highly debatable shoe when it comes to comfort. For me, these are comfortable enough to walk around all day. I know others have said differently and my friend who I traveled with said she isn’t able to wear them all day.
If you are though, you will be wearing what the Parisians are wearing. I saw so many people of all different ages wearing these black Converse high tops.
One tip, put gel insoles in them if you like the look but want them to be more comfortable.
Sèzane Jack Trainer
The Jack Trainers are a great option for Paris especially during the warmer months. I took these to Paris in the Summer and walked about 25,000 plus steps a day. Not once did I get a blister or any kind of rub from these sneakers.
These trainers have a bit of a lower profile so I feel they are best worn in Paris during the Summer months. Plus, they are not as heavy as some sneakers so make it a bit easier to take them when traveling.
They are beautiful leather sneakers that I took my normal size of 6.5. These sneakers are more of a cream vs. true white but you will not regret purchasing these sneakers.
SHOP SHOES
Sandals
During the summer months, it’s highly acceptable to wear sandals walking around Paris. Of course, you still want to make sure you are wearing ones that are comfortable to walk around all day.
K Jacques St Tropez
A few styles I have worn in Paris during the summer months are these K Jacques St. Tropez, which are definitely an investment pair, but very comfortable. Lots of French women are wearing this French brand during the warmer season with their summer uniform of skirts and dresses.
Hermès Oran Sandal
I also own the Hermès Oran Sandals which are very comfortable in my opinion. For a similar style, you can try these leather sandals. Usually, I will wear these with dresses, skirts, and even jeans when in Paris.
Sèzane Sandals
During the summer months, I have worn the Low Adeline to walk around the city and they are always comfortable to me. I have also worn these sandals to climb up castles in Provence over cobblestone streets.
SHOP SHOES
During the Summer, your feet can sweat walking around all day so it’s nice to have a pair of sandals that are comfortable enough to wear.
What About Shoes For Pictures
If you want to take pictures with shoes that aren’t great for walking all day, then here’s my trick. I carry around this Longchamp tote with me every day and inside I always carry another pair of shoes.
There are times when I want to wear nice shoes for pictures but won’t be going back to the hotel to change during the day. So, I just take them with me. Put them on for the picture and then take them off again and put them back on my sneakers.
What Shoes The Parisians Are Wearing Now
If you want to go to Paris and look like a local then you want to take these shoes with you on your next trip. Lots and lots of sneakers including, VEJA, Stan Smith, and Converse.
Also, Parisians love their booties and there was no shortage of those as well. I didn’t notice as many ballet flats this time around but maybe it was because it was still a bit chilly some days. I will look to see if I see people wearing those in June.
I always look at the Parisians to see what they are wearing before I pack for my trip. I figure if the shoes are comfortable enough for them to walk all day every day, then they must work.
Hopefully, this has helped with the best walking shoes for Paris and some things to think about next time you head to the city of lights.
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Hi Noelani
Thank you so much for joining us and sharing your shoe options. You have great style. Unfortunately, I have a bunion, so now have to order a wide width so my options are limited darn it!
Hi Cindy!
Thank You! Yes, I had one last year and I was so mad because there were so many of my shoes I couldn’t wear, so I understand!
Wonderful post! So informative. I have some issues with plantar fascists and comfortable shoes are a must. I am waiting for my Veja Campo which is in back order, but I see that you prefer the V10. Should I change? Or do you recommend I get the Stan instead? Thanks!