21 Best French Shoe Brands You Need To Own
Want to add a pair of French shoes to your collection but not sure what to opt for? This post will show you all the best French shoe brands list to choose from!
The French are known for their sense of fashion, and all fashionable outfits need a chic pair of French shoes.
While haute couture is something everyone is aware of courtesy of Paris Fashion Week, you might not be aware of the number of famous French designer shoes.
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As with everything French, French shoes are also made to be stylish, chic, and comfortable while also taking durability into account.
After all, French people or Parisians specifically don’t want to just look good without being comfortable and the reverse is also true.
So, if you’re looking for that perfect pair of stylish shoes to pair with your outfit or you just want to expand your shoe collection, this article will give you a list of the 21 best French Shoe brands to consider.
[lasso ref=”worldnomadstravelinsurance” id=”6330″ link_id=”8458″]Best French Shoe Brands
This list of French footwear brands has something for everyone — be it a sleek pair of loafers, a long-lasting pair of sandals, chic heels, stylish wedges, or a durable pair of sneakers that can be used to walk around all day.
With the right pair, you’ll be able to complete your look in no time. So, without any further ado, here is my favorite list of French shoe brands.
1. Christian Louboutin
Christian Louboutin is one of the most famous French shoe designers known for its iconic bright red soles and luxury stilettos.
Louboutin opened his first store in 1992 and captured the luxury market right from making footwear in staple colors to bright, bold, and colorful pieces.
The brand has created such a name for itself that many Hollywood A-listers wear them, and now, almost every fashionista worldwide wants to own at least one pair of Louboutins and strut around with them.
Their iconic collections include So Kate, Pigalle for women, and Greggo and Dandelion for men.
They have expanded into the beauty, accessory, and bag segments too creating some of the most luxurious French handbags.
With shops all around the world, Christian Louboutin is one of the best French footwear brands. In fact, it’s safe to say that they make the most famous French shoes for women.
2. Sézane
Established in 2013 by Morgane Sézalory, Sézane is another addition to French footwear brands that are affordable and stylish.
This brand started out and continues to be an online-dependent brand because that’s how most of its sales happen.
It all started with a suitcase of vintage clothing that Morgane altered and made slight adjustments to before selling them. Since then, the brand has had monthly drops called “rendez-vous”.
Sézane is a B Corp certified brand which means that it has passed stringent checks that ensure its environmental impact is minimal to nil while maintaining high standards across the board.
While a number of French shoe brand names on this list are glamorous and seem out of reach for ordinary people, Sézane took another route.
Their shoes are affordable, made of high-quality natural materials, and are made to last long while offering ultimate comfort to the wearer.
So, if you’re looking for affordable French shoe brands, don’t look further than Sézane.
3. Roger Vivier
Roger Vivier is another one on the list of famous French footwear brands in the luxury segment.
Roger’s footwear-making journey started in the 1930s when he made custom shoes for French singer and actress Joséphine Baker, after which he opened his workshop.
However, his first big break came after being the sole designer commissioned to create special footwear for the coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. He produced a stunning bejeweled pair of gold pumps.
Roger even had the privilege of being the sole footwear designer for Christian Dior from 1953 to 1963 before they started making their own.
He also made the famous low-heeled, thigh-high, black crocodile boots for Yves Saint Laurent’s collection in 1963.
Of the many successes, Roger Vivier is also credited for designing the first-ever stiletto heel in 1954.
The brand is known for creating elegant and luxurious heels of different types from ballerinas, buckle pumps, loafers, and of course stilettos with the most famous ones being the Boule, Aiguille, Choc, and Virguile heels. So, if you’re looking for the best French fashion shoes, be sure to pick up a Roger Vivier.
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4. Repetto
Repetto was founded in 1947 by Rose Repetto as a ballet shoe company. This brand is one of the most famous among French shoemakers which focuses solely on ballerinas.
So, naturally, ballet companies like the National Opera of Paris and other French ballet companies get their shoes supplied by them.
The story goes that Rose wanted to create ballet shoes for her son after he came home with sore feet from wearing uncomfortable ballet shoes, and that’s how the brand was born.
Repetto added pointe shoes, ballet flats, pumps, leotards, and tutus to their collection while staying true to ballerinas.
Eventually, they expanded to selling all kinds of shoes, bags, and even athleisure products.
5. Amélie Pichard
Amélie Pichard is one of the best brands for custom shoes made in France. They are a young brand, establishing themselves in 2011 by creating shoes and then making bags the following year.
They make fun, chic yet quirky shoes that are fancied by young women. They even have a collection of vegan shoes, a collaboration between the brand and Pamela Anderson. They also created jelly sandals made of hemp plastic a couple of years ago.
The brand believes in sustainability and being environment-friendly, so they’ve adopted practices that align with those beliefs and goals including allowing people to resell their old shoes as second-hand products on their website.
6. Jonak
Jonak is one of the most popular brands to make affordable French shoes. But just because they make affordable footwear does not mean they compromise on quality.
The brand became popular because it made high-quality shoes and sold them at reasonable prices while balancing design and comfort, which is an amazing combination if you ask me!
The brand was established by Marcel and Josette Nakam in 1964. Eventually, their eldest son, Joseph joined the business.
The name “Jonak” is a portmanteau of his wife’s/his son’s first two initials and the first three initials of their family name. They have since remained a family-run business.
When Joseph took over, they started making simple yet on-trend footwear, and the brand ethos was carried forward by the grandchildren.
7. Veja
Veja is a sneakers brand that was established in 2005 by Sébastien Kopp and François-Ghislain Morillion.
It is one of the best French shoe brands to provide affordable footwear while keeping its focus on street style.
Their comfortable and stylish designs ensure they can be worn every day, so it has become the go-to brand for many young people.
Apart from regular people, you might have even spotted the peculiar V-marked sneakers on actress Marion Cotillard and royalty like Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, and Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex.
The brand has an environment-friendly approach in terms of the material used in production and even has a vegan collection.
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8. Bobbies
Bobbies was established in 2010 as a footwear and leather goods brand. They have collections for both men and women, with a focus on being fashionable yet timeless. Their varied collection ranges from sandals and wedges to boots and heels.
Although designed in Paris, the shoes aren’t manufactured within the country, but their craftsmen utilize traditional methods while manufacturing them in Portugal.
Apart from this, as a brand, they are sensitive to the environment, so they use sustainable materials.
The inspiration for their collections comes from travel and adventures around the world.
9. Carel
Carel was established in 1952 by Georges Carel and his wife, Rosa Carel. They opened their first women’s shoe store on Boulevard Saint-Michel to cater to young women and students.
The USP of the brand was making made-to-last classic staples. The Carels also wanted the wearers to have affordable and comfortable footwear that could be worn daily to college or work.
They made classics like ballets, Mary Janes, and pumps look elegant with bright colors.
When high heels made their appearance, Carel did not want to deviate from their stance, so they introduced the “trotter” heel so women could have the feeling of wearing heels while being able to strut in them all day long. After this, they added boots to their collection too.
10. K. Jacques
K. Jacques has been creating affordable French made shoes since 1933, when the brand was established by the Armenian duo Jacques and Elise Kéklikian in Saint-Tropez, France.
They have since expanded into French-made jewelry, leather, accessories, and customized shoes.
Their designs are chic and have a sense of Greek style, especially their strappy sandals. Their Epure and Ebene collections will give you an idea of what I’m talking about.
Anyone who came to St. Tropez for the summer would return with a pair of K. Jacques.
Various writers, poets, painters, and other famous individuals including, Brigitte Bardot, Oliver Hardy, Picasso, and even former Minister of Culture, Françoise Giroud, have adorned their shoes.
11. JM Weston
Founded in 1891 by Édouard Blanchard, JM Weston, started by making French designer shoes for men.
But since they did not want to leave the women behind, years later, they tweaked the designs while maintaining a masculine style and marketed their loafers and sneakers to women.
Their iconic 180 Penny Loafers, created way back in 1946, is still a bestseller.
The name is a tribute to a Massachusetts town where Édouard’s son, Eugène stayed in.
When Eugène, took over, he expanded operations to sell footwear in the USA too. Since then, the brand has proved to be a big hit in both countries.
12. Minelli
Affordable French footwear brands have another great addition to them — Minelli.
The brand was established in 1973 and, since then, has been the favorite brand for trendy and stylish footwear. They make all kinds of footwear, accessories, and leather goods for both men and women.
Not only has the brand taken an ecological-friendly stance, but they’re also trying to ensure their partners, workshops, tanneries, and suppliers all comply with environmental and human rights.
While they haven’t reached the optimum goal of 100% yet, they want to soon enough. They are also trying to use sustainable and eco-friendly materials in their collections.
Besides fun and colorful mules, they also make wedges, pumps, sandals, and sneakers.
13. Clergerie
Although Clergerie was established a little more than 4 decades ago in 1981 by Robert Clergerie, its ateliers are probably some of the oldest in the business with some dating back to 1895.
Their designs are artistically crafted, and it was the first brand to use Goodyear welt for their leather goods and raffia palm fiber in their shoes.
The brand is known for its excellent craftsmanship and has maintained its quality through the years.
Their signature footwear are backless leather flats and loafers which are both ideal as workwear.
14. Chatelles
Founded by François du Chastel, Chatelles is one of those Paris shoe brands that exude cuteness.
It caters to young women who love chic and feminine shoes with designs and bows at the top while keeping comfort as the primary focus.
That’s not to say that Chatelles does not have plain Jane Mary Janes or Furlanes. However, they only have a flats collection or barely-there heeled shoes, no high heels.
The brand also has a men’s and kids’ collection, but a limited one since they primarily cater to women.
If you want the option to customize your pair, Chatelles allows for that too. You can add colored tassels or get your initials embroidered on your slippers.
The brand even caught the fancy of Pippa Middleton, the younger sister of the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton.
15. Ba&sh
Best friends Barbara Boccara and Sharon Krief wanted comfortable all-day footwear that could easily transition from workwear to casual attire and that’s how Ba&sh was born in 2003.
All their shoes are made of real leather and come with comfortable cushioned insoles so they can be worn while walking around the city all day.
The high-quality leather used is either vegetable-tanned from different countries in Europe or comprises a mix of soft and suede leather.
The bestselling shoes are their chic cowboy boots. Apart from shoes, they also have a wide range of clothing, bags, accessories, and jewelry to complement the shoes you buy.
16. Laurence Dacade
While listing famous French shoe designers, one cannot forget Laurence Dacade’s exquisite brand.
She launched it in 2008, and like Ba&sh, this brand also focuses on footwear that can transition from day to night.
Their shoe collection can be described as glam and sexy but also comfortable, which is a great combination! Did you know that Laurence was also an official footwear designer for Chanel and Givenchy?
Price-wise, the brand has placed itself between the affordable and luxury segments leaning towards the latter. Their iconic shoes like Helie, Angie, and Merli have been bought in huge numbers.
17. Pierre Hardy
In 1999, French designer Pierre Hardy launched his eponymous luxury French footwear brand.
His collections are art in themselves — beautifully sculpted and graphic. He prefers and works with volume giving each piece of footwear a unique touch.
They’ve got a metallic collection and a color-paneled boots collection apart from the iconic monochromatic collection.
Being an environment-friendly brand, he’s got an entire collection dedicated to the Planet, manufactured with upcycled and recycled materials.
Given the time taken to produce one piece, this is a limited edition, order-only collection.
18. Michel Vivien
After working at brands like Christian Dior, YSL, and Lanvin, famous French shoe designer Michel Vivien launched his eponymous brand in 1998.
What makes Michel Vivien unique is the brand’s focus on craftsmanship and design while maintaining durability.
The shoe styles not only focus on modernity and elegance that is both wearable and timeless, but they are also incredibly comfortable with cushioned soles. Each shoe is designed to be long-lasting by using only the best materials.
You’ll find a range of high-quality offerings from heels to sandals and Mary Jane pumps, to boots making them one of the best French boots brands.
19. André
André, founded in 1896, is a brand known for its affordable and stylish shoes designed for men, women, and children.
So if you’re looking for high-quality French shoe brands at an affordable price, this is one to consider.
They offer a variety of shoe styles, including boots, sneakers, loafers, and sandals (if you’re looking for French sandals brands) which are designed using high-quality materials such as premium leather and suede while focusing on style and comfort.
Their footwear versatility will help you switch from day to night with ease. As a brand, André will appeal to those who appreciate classic, understated style and quality craftsmanship.
20. Sartore
What started as a small shoe and repair shop in Nice ultimately led to Paul Sartore establishing the Sartore brand with his wife Marcelle in 1959.
They began by creating moccasins for men and then slowly added boots for women. Then, they started making classic Chelsea boots and clogs.
Their dedication to craftsmanship ensures the usage of premium leather and suede in their creations.
Although the original factory in France shut down and operations shifted to Italy, the brand’s ties to France haven’t been severed with a boutique in the 8th arrondissement of Paris still there. Today, they’re known worldwide as one of the best French brand shoes.
21. Bocage
Finally, on our list of French footwear brands, we have Bocage, a 50-year-old brand that the French still gravitate towards while looking for elegant and timeless shoes.
Bocage’s design philosophy is based on 3 factors — quality, comfort, and creativity that combine well to create unique and unforgettable footwear.
Using traditional craftsmanship and attention to detail reflects in the brand’s signature designs, which feature unique embellishments and intricate stitching.
Bocage also supports local communities by sourcing materials from local suppliers and artisans.
FAQs About The Best French Shoe Brands
What shoes to buy in France?
The best French shoes to buy in France really depend on your taste and what you’re currently looking for! If you want sneakers, you won’t go wrong with Veja, but if you’re looking for fancy stilettos then Christian Louboutin is the ultimate best. For Loafers (for both men and women), I recommend JM Weston. But to be honest, you’ll have to go through my complete list of French shoe brands to choose the best depending on what you’re looking for.
Are Veja sneakers French?
Yes, Veja is a French shoe brand for sneakers.
Are shoes cheaper in Paris?
If you’re looking for French shoe brands, chances are high that they’ll be cheaper in Paris compared to buying them outside the country.
Is it OK to wear sneakers in Paris?
Yes, it is definitely ok to wear sneakers in Paris. In fact, most locals were sneakers on a daily.
Final Thoughts on the Best French Shoes
It was no easy feet to put together this list of the 21 best French shoe brands (as France has quite many), but I totally laced it, didn’t I? (Pun intended!) Alright, I’ll stop.
From workwear to casual wear to streetwear, these French shoemakers have thought of it all.
So, the next time you are wondering what to wear for your lunch date or what to rock while partying with your girls, pick one of these made in France shoes as they guarantee comfort, elegance, and longevity.
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