Here are the most stylish shoes French women love to wear in summer. From strappy sandals that pair well with white jeans and summer dresses to city-appropriate sporty sandals to on-trend espadrilles, in today’s post, I’ve put together the ultimate shortlist of the chic French-style sandals that will see you through the entire season and many more summers to come.
Whether you’re looking for the next perfect pair of sandals or you just want to get a better sense of the summer shoes French women are wearing with simple outfits, this article is for you! Keep scrolling below to shop my edit of the five shoe styles that are essential to a French look this summer.
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1. The Espadrille
Despite being Spanish in origin, espadrilles are beloved by French women almost as much as ballet pumps. Espadrilles with heels will give you a little extra leg length, while flat ones are perfect for walking all day across uneven cobblestones of the South of France.
These comfortable shoes can carry you over from day to evening with no issues, with a French Riviera flare. For a classic pair of wedge espadrilles I’ll recommend these Castañer Chiara 80 espadrilles. For flat espadrilles, I’m in love with these Castañer Kenda canvas espadrilles.
2. The Sporty Sandal
If, in the past, the sporty-style sandals or Birkenstock-style slides have been deemed “ugly,” they’re now super trendy. Chunky sandals started making tracks a few years ago, but it was only when Chanel brought out its own pair of chunky sandals —emblazoned with the iconic double-Cs and finished in bouclé— that this shoe style fell under the “chic” category.
For a more classic style, opt for Birkenstock Arizona suede sandals. Also, check out these gorgeous Roger Vivier Slidy Viv crystal-embellished leather slides. In a similar style, Sézane created these beautiful Judith low sandals.
3. The Slide Sandal
Slip-on sandals are the must-haves to slide into summer with style. These are an elegant and comfortable alternative to flip-flops and other rubber options to wear to the beach or the city.
You can choose from many styles, including leather options, ergonomically designed sandals, and even designer slides. One of my favorites this summer is this pair of Roger Vivier crystal-embellished espadrille slides. If you like wearing bright colors in summer, consider these chic Sézane low Miranda mules in satin fuchsia.
4. The Gold Sandal
Whether contemporary to high-street brands, flat or heeled, gold sandals are a chic and glamorous shoe option for further summer days. They can go with any outfit: from super-casual ensembles to party dresses and wedding guest outfits. This season, I adore these Capri leather sandals by Souliers Martinez and these Sézane low Adeline sandals.
5. The Strappy Sandal
Strappy sandals are one of my favorite footwear options for summer. Thanks to their easy-to-wear silhouettes, they can bring any outfit to the next level. Strappy sandals can go with your favorite white dress just as well as your kaftan and white denim. This season, I love these gorgeous Isabel Marant Jools studded leather sandals and these Chloé braided leather sandals.
Et voilà! I hope this guide to the best French summer shoes will inspire you! Please let me know in the comments below if you have any questions.
Bonjour! I’m Leonce, the editor of Leonce Chenal, a website dedicated to French style, beauty, and much more. I’m French and originally from a small town near Annecy. I started Leonce Chenal in 2018 to fulfill my passion for fashion and beauty while I was working as a data analyst in London. After living in Paris for a few years, I now reside in Amsterdam. I hope this space brings you the inspiration you need and infuses your life with a touch of joie de vivre. Merci for visiting! À bientôt, xo.
I love your posts!!! Hoping to get to France again as soon as they let US citizens back in! This article has me really thinking…I’m long retired so I’ve gotten very used to being very comfortable, perhaps a bit sloppy, with my clothes…especially shoes. I am a flip flop fan, wearing ones with good support, but…the slide sandals and flat espadrilles look spectacular!! And the photo of the woman in the black pants and blazer…that could have been ME back in my working days!!!
I loved suits, blazers, slim pants, pencil skirts…and heels!! Always heels!! I dressed up when many of my colleagues dressed more casually!! Since retiring, I realize I’ve gotten a bit sloppy.
So…THANK YOU for your amazing posts…I’m realizing that I need to get back to my more polished style!
Now to figure out a way to do that, still be very comfortable, and cool!!
Bonjour Chris, thank you so much for your lovely feedback <3 xo Léonce
Just started with your newsletter and I absolutely LOVE it. SO nice to see beautiful, classi clothes and shoes this has been my style all my life!
Merci bien, Leonce – magnifique!
Thank you so very much Cassandra <3 I'm glad to hear you love the newsletter! Merci beaucoup 🙂