Footwear in France?

Question

I'll be going to France in a couple weeks, and I'm looking for suggestions on footwear. I'd like to wear shoes that are comfortable for walking around/touring, etc. but I'm wondering if flip-flops are considered tacky. (I know not to wear sneakers!) Any advice on what the french wear- or how I could blend in (comfortably)?

Answer 1

I've been living in France for 10 years and I actually have bad feet (need surgery, putting it off for ages!) so I need comfortable and practical but I don't want to stand out.

I swear by these (but not the first model they show, keep scrolling to see examples of what I mean!)

http://www2.ecco.com/UK/ss2007/Products/Womens/Casual.htm#articleid=10153&colourid=01302

You can wear athetic-ish shoes as long as they don't look too garish. I wear a one-color shoe with long pants, again Ecco.

Flip flops are super-tacky here, although lately I've seen fancy ones in the stores. To be safe, just skip them. I don't think they're ideal for lots of walking anyway, which is what you'll probably doing a lot of.

Be aware that Paris will be stricter with unwritten dress codes than elsewhere in France, especially the countryside.

Just please don't wear shorts in Paris. Soooo touristy. I always wear capri-style pants with leather sandals when it's really hot. Long skirts and dresses are also in vogue here. You also don't want too-skimpy tank tops. Covering your shoulders is a good idea in case you want to visit any churches while sight-seeing.

You also will be more comfortable with plain cardigan-style sweaters rather than sweat-material or other atheletic style tops. Those will scream "tourist" to the French too!

Be aware that the weather can change quickly here and I keep a rolled up rainjacket in my bag when out for the day. Flipflops might make walking on slippery surfaces tricky.

Answer 2

I've been to France, but not in the summer. Forgoing the sneakers seems like an excellent plan. It seems to me that flip-flops ought to be fine fashion-wise if you are young (say under thirty) and the place that you're visiting doesn't require that you be "dressed-up". If you're walking a lot, though, will flip-flops be comfortable?

If I were planning a summer trip to France, I'd be looking at the shoes available through Dansko and similar companies. They are cute--well, reasonably cute--and they're designed to be good for walking and kind to your feet.

The other thing you might do, if you speak some French, is post this same question on Yahoo! France (just click at the bottom of this page) and ask actual French people, in French. Good luck and have a great trip!

Answer 3

I am French and I always wear flip-flops because that's what I find the most comfortable.
We don't really care about people shoes you know. Maybe people will look at you if your shoes really don't fit with your clothes but that's all.

Answer 4

hello,
I live in France and i can tell you that latelly the weather is very cold and cloudy but should be better soon...
french wear a little of every thing sneakers or sandals will do just fine the french footwear isn't really different than the american
hope that my info helps
nevagas

Answer 5

I'm not particularly fashion conscious, but my preference is a pair of good quality walking sandals. You should be able to find some at a good hiking/camping equipment store. They aren't dressy enough for more formal clothing, but will blend with causal to slightly dressy clothing.

Most important to me, they are unbelievably comfortable and long lasting. (In fact, I'm wearing a pair right now that I wore for the first time six years ago.)

Answer 6

Excellent question, something most people don't even realize until they get there. Paris being a fashion capital, shoes are important around there. Definitely no sneakers or athletic shoes. They wear them, but only for the sport. Flip-flops are ok, but you'll see most people wearing "diesel" style shoes. Low or no sole of the shoe, a simple pattern on the side and very small and light.

See http://www.diesel.com/#

Answer 7

Sneakers are fine to wear. Or a comfy pair of sandals. Their styles are very similar to ours. Jeans and sneakers are fine.

One thing. Do not wear high, white, tube socks with your sneakers! You will stick out! LOL
Or socks with sandals for that matter.

Good luck and have a great time.

Answer 8

Personally, I would go with a low-key (like all black) tennis shoe (sneaker). They will be a lot more comfortable walking about.

Answer 9

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