Here are the best spring shoes that are found in every French wardrobe and on every Parisian street! Spring is in the air ;)! Warmer days are right around the corner, and it’s officially time to switch up your wardrobe, pack away your winter shoes, and start hunting for some chic shoes for spring.
In order to help you prepare your wardrobe for spring and decide which shoes to add to your rotation, in today’s article, I’ve compiled a list of five classic yet timeless spring shoes you can borrow from French women’s wardrobe. From Mary Janes to chunky loafers and sneakers, these styles are super-transitional and can be easily paired with tights or socks (in case spring dressing may still seem far away).
Keep scrolling to see and shop the best French-style shoes you definitely need to incorporate into your wardrobe this spring.
1. Ballet Flats

Ballet flats are one of the footwear of choice for spring! They are one of those classic styles that hardly ever feel dated. And this iconic Parisian style is a bit of a wardrobe icon and a staple that continues to be trendy. No matter if you prefer square, rounded, almond, or pointy styles, and whether paired with jeans or a dress, they’re just what you need this spring ;)!
For iconic French ballet flats, opt for the Roger Vivier Trompette ballerinas or the Très Vivier babies ballerinas. The Cendrillon ballerinas, initially made for Brigitte Bardot by the Maison Repetto are also iconic. If your budget allows it, you can opt for the Chanel ballerinas or the gorgeous Manolo Blahnik Hangisi embellished satin point-toe flats.
2. Slingback Pumps

Slingback pumps are a great alternative to ballet flats if you want comfortable shoes but still want to wear heels. They are the perfect shoes for in-between weather and they can go with absolutely anything; from jeans to tailored pants to skirts and dresses.
This season, I love these Aeyde Alessia beige & black slingback pumps which are great (and cheaper alternatives) to these iconic Chanel beige & black slingbacks. For a more modern silhouette, you can opt for these Dior J’Adior slingbacks.
3. Loafers

Loafers are one of my favorite shoe options to wear in spring —I just bought these Tod’s Gomma Pesante loafers which I adore! What I love about these shoes is they add a very polished vibe to any outfit and they will never really go out of style.
This season, consider opting for a pair of loafers set on cleated rubber soles —which add a little height— like Saint Laurent’s loafers, or Isabel Marant’s glossed-leather loafers. Alternatively, if you prefer a more classic and feminine silhouette, consider opting for these Sézane Vicky loafers or Gucci Jordaan loafers
4. Mary Janes

Mary Janes have definitely made a comeback over these past years! They are the perfect shoes that provide the height to get that feminine allure while still being very walkable. I do love Mary Janes and especially those Kina Mary Janes from the French shoe brand Carel. Alternatively, consider opting for these gorgeous Reformation crystal-embellished Mary Janes or these Roger Vivier Très Vivier pumps.
5. White Sneakers

You might know that uncomfortable high heels are not very “French”. And in Paris, it’s far more common to see women wearing flat shoes such as sneakers than stilettos. To make their outfits look “chic décontracté” (smart casual), French women opt for white sneakers that make their feet look thin, small, and classy.
Consider opting for minimal plain white sneakers like these Sézane Jack trainers, these Adidas Stan Smith, or these Veja Esplar metallic-trimmed leather sneakers. For a more modern silhouette, I recommend these classics Nike Air Force 1 leather sneakers.
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Bonjour and bienvenue (welcome) to Leonce Chenal, a modern lifestyle platform created and curated by a French woman for lovers of everything French. My name is Leonce, and I’m originally from Annecy, France. I created Leonce Chenal to share my love for France and the French art de vivre (the art of living) with you. I genuinely hope my enthusiasm for this beautiful country encourages you to experience its wonders for yourself. Merci for visiting. Bien à vous, Leonce.
My favorite are the ballet shoes and the white sneakers. Am living in Naples, Fl and it is too hot for heels.
Bonjour
I am so happy to see these shoes – because I have every style – except for the white Trainers – maybe at my aged (66) I am too old but don’t feel it.
Denise
Bonjour Denise,
Thank you for your comment! I’m sure a nice pair of white trainers will suit you very well 🙂
White trainers are the most comfortable shoes in my collection, that I always wear those very busy days when I know I’ll walk everywhere.
But as you said, it’s important to wear whatever makes you happy and wherever you feel comfortable!
xo