So many questions in the France Travel Planning Facebook group are about the best shoes to pack for France. So in this post I’m talking the best shoes for travel for France. And of course, they also need to be the most comfortable walking shoes for France because even if you are not an active person, you will be doing a lot of walking on your France vacation. My choices will give you maximum comfort and maximum choice, with minimal effort.
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How to decide on the best shoes to wear in France
While it obviously depends on where you are going, and your personal style, there are some general principles to think about in choosing the best shoes for France:
- Comfort is key: always choose shoes that will be comfortable, that you can walk in all day, and that can cope if your feet are inclined to swell a little.
- Choose shoes that suit your itinerary: unless you are going to a wedding or some other formal occasion, leave the heels at home. Similarly, if you know you are going to be doing a lot of walking on cobblestones (such as all those romantic villages most of us love to visit in France, make a good quality pair of walking shoes your number one priority.
- Choose shoes that multitask: don’t choose shoes that will only go with one outfit, or suit one travel situation. The best shoes will keep you comfy all day, and then take you out in the evening.
- Choose shoes that go with your clothes: I must admit, when I’m traveling, I decide what shoes I’m taking first, then choose clothes that I know will go with my shoes. While it may seem a bit around the wrong way, I find I think about my packing wardrobe in a very different way once the shoes are locked in. It’s one of the key ways I normally manage with just two pairs of shoes.
- Think about the time of the year you are travelling and climate you will be travelling to: the shoes you need for Provence in summer are very different to what will work best for you in Paris in February. I love espadrilles when I am in France, but they are pointless in the winter. Similarly, the ankle boots I love to wear in France for the bulk of the year are not right for summer.
The Best Walking Shoes for France
When I first started writing packing lists on my old frugal first class travel blog back in 2012 I never recommended sneakers as the best women’s walking shoes for travel. Remember them back then? Hard, thick, clunky things that were fine for the treadmill but just looked horrible in the sophisticated cities of Europe. Fast forward to now, and the fashion wheel has turned. Sneakers are now a viable option to pack and make a good walking shoe choice for France travel. The best sneakers for France are water proof and have support in the inner sole. Choose carefully, and they will also go with a casual skirt, and still be smart enough for casual evening meals.
Obviously, with sneakers now being a fashion staple for all but formal occasions, the fashions for sneakers change with the seasons. My suggestion for the best sneakers for France is to choose something waterproof (or that can be waterproofed easily) with a good thick sole that is as fashionable as you want.
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- MODERN STYLE, ALL-DAY EASE: A sleek blend of elevated sneaker and everyday essential; Smooth leather and minimal design offer a polished look that transitions effortlessly from the office to outings, errands, or evenings out
If you prefer a coloured sneaker Ecco have a good range of coloured leather sneakers.
- LEADER IN PREMIUM LEATHER: ECCO owns and manages all our tanneries where we craft and create innovate, premium leather materials.
- COMFORTABLE EVERYDAY FIT: The Soft 7 is the perfect elevated sneaker made of 100% rich, full grain and nubuck leather. It molds to your foot beautifully for the most comfortable all-day fit.
- CUSTOMIZABLE, CUSHIONED SOLE: Leather covered inlay sole with ECFS that is removable for the option of extra width.
Don’t be afraid to go for a coloured sneaker depending on your own personal style or the fashion of the season – just make sure it will match every item of clothing you want to wear sneakers with. And of course, a darker colour such as black, navy or brown won’t show the dirt and dust as much.
If you like a bit of glamour in your life, don’t shy away a gold or silver option if that is what you like – they work well on the Côte d’Azur in particular.
- Sporty womens fashion sneakers with lace-up styling
- Metallic synthetic or synthetic upper with a closed round toe
- All-Thru Comfort: soft foam lining, arch support with memory foam, lightweight and flexible outsole
The best sneakers for France for men and kids? While everyone can wear sneakers in France, it is always a bit tricky for men in particular because men’s shoes tend to be just so big – they take up so much room in suitcases. Rather than pack multiple pairs of different sneakers for different occasions, Mr Francetravelplanning tends to favour either black or brown Ecco leather sneakers. They are comfortable for walking all day, easy to keep clean and are dressy enough for all but the most formal occasion. Depending on the time of year, Mr Francetravelplanning packs either two pairs of sneakers (white and a colour leather), or a sneaker and a pair of sandals. (In winter we would swap out the second sneaker and the sandals for winter boots)
- Crafted from premium ECCO leather
- Come with a stylish, easy lace-up system for a secure fit
- Extra width offers plenty of room, for your feet to relax and breathe
Teenagers will undoubtably want whatever is the current season’s must have sneaker, so just stick to the principles I’ve set out: waterproof, good inner support and proper soles, and then let them wear whatever they want – they will not be out of place.
Younger kids can go for whatever they normally wear at home, as long as they stick to the principles. Let them have colour or themed if that is what they want. Kids are kids everywhere……. You may wish to consider packing an extra pair in case of puddles or other water play, and do make sure whatever you pack fits properly – that pair they’ve almost grown out of is not the right choice if you want them to do a lot of walking. For children, I think it’s worth paying the money to go to a specialist shoe shop and have your childrens’ shoes properly fitted.
France Travel Planning travel tip
The Best Ankle Boots for France
Unless I’m traveling in the summer, I love to pack a pair of ankle boots to wear in France. Chosen carefully they can be worn in place of a walking shoe and are a better choice for a winter shoe to pack for France. Just as for walking shoes, the best ankle boots for travel to France have a nice thick sole, and some support in the arch.
- Crafted from full-grain or hand-finished crust leather, made in our own tanneries
- Lightweight sole provides cushioning and flexibility, using innovative ECCO FLUIDFORM Direct Comfort Technology
- Features ECCO comfort shank technology for added bounce
If you prefer something dressier, these are a good choice. They still have good solid soles, but are definitely more dressy:
- Durable synthetic black crinkle patent upper with hardware detail
- Ultimate Comfort foam footbed delivers lasting cushioning
- Stretch gore insert lends a comfortable, flexible fit and assists easy on/off
Are you planning a trip to France? My France Travel Planning Facebook group is a vibrant and friendly group where you can ask questions, learn from others and get great advice. You can join here >>
The Best Flat Shoes for France
My favorite flat travel shoes are normally a ballet flat. But for France I only pack them as a third shoe option if I really need them beside my sneakers and either espadrilles or boots. They make a good third shoe option as they pack very flat. Despite being a very chic “French” option they are hopeless for walking all day in. Where they are good is if you are going somewhere more formal without adding bulk to your packing. I tend to tuck a pair in on cruises – they make a good choice to pack for a river cruise.
- Many Colors Choices: There are many nice suede colors for your choices, you can always easily find a color to match your daily dressing in elegant way. You can take several favorite colors as your daily wardrobe for a vivid outfit, easy solution, affordable.
- Cozy Comfort: These flats have a 5mm memory foam cushion insock, premium soft velvet upper and faux suede lining which can give your feet finest soft and cozy touching. By lightweight, flexible, comfortable and healthy design concept, these ballets can relax your feet all day with no limit.
- Design For Relax: With a 0.5CM flat heel, non-slip outsole, flexible structure, you can always get a relax experience for your tired feet, especially after a tortured high heel time, very friendly for walking or driving
If you don’t want a sneaker or boot, loafers are very fashionable in France at the moment. Chosen carefully (think good thick rubber sole) they make a great alternative to a sneaker or boot in all but the coldest weather.
- PLACEHOLDER PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
- Heel Height: 1.6 inches
- Synthetic Rubber sole
A pair of mary janes can also be a good alternative to a sneaker or ballet flat be a good option, especially for those who need or prefer an ankle strap. Again, choose something with a good thick sole for better support.
A Velcro closure obviously works best in case your feet swell (if you are prone to swollen feet by the end of the day, assume they will swell in France – a lot).
France Travel Planning travel tip
- Flat
- Heel Height: 1.8 inches
- Premium black leather upper
The Best Sandals for France
Depending on your own personal style and wardrobe, don’t be afraid of buying a colourful sandal for France. These ones look dainty and smart enough for a nice summer dinner out, but still have the sole and support you need (they also come in an extensive range of colours):
- Lightweight sole provides long-lasting cushioning and flexibility, using innovative ECCO FLUIDFORM Direct Comfort Technology
- RECEPTOR technology for excellent stability and dynamic support from ground impact to toe-off
- Durable rubber outsole for outstanding grip and traction on varied terrain
Unless you are planning on some serious hiking, there is no need to hit the outdoor stores for their utilitarian options.
An espadrille sandal is also a good choice, and is my preferred summer shoe for France.
- Classic Look: Featuring a closed round toe and a 1.25-inch low wedge heel, these sandals offer a comfortable fit with a touch of elegance, providing both style and support for all-day wear.
- Sturdy & Slip-Resistant: The lightweight sole is designed with anti-slip technology, ensuring stability and durability, perfect for any occasion.
- Customizable Fit: Equipped with an adjustable elastic ankle strap, these sandals offer a customizable fit, ensuring easy slip-on and off for ultimate convenience.
While children can get away with any sort of sandal with a nice thick sole, it’s harder, in our experience to find decent sandals for men that don’t look like hiking shoes. Mr Francetravelplanning tends to go for brands such as Ecco or Clarks, although Teva and Dockers also seem to have appropriate options.
- Lightweight, cushioned and flexible sole, created with innovative ECCO FLUIDFORM Direct Comfort Technology
- RECEPTOR technology for excellent stability and dynamic support from ground impact to toe-off
- Lightweight molded EVA footbed with soft microfiber cover for supreme cushioning and superior stability
- Placeholder Product Description
I’ve deliberately not written about the best hiking shoes for France. It is not my area of expertise, and serious hikers have a much better idea of what is going to work for their individual needs. What I would say though, is that if you are planning on doing some serious hiking and are not experienced, do go to a proper outdoor store and have a discussion about what will suit you best. Slipping and hurting yourself, or ending up with horrible blisters is not good for you or your vacation.
While my choices may not be exactly to your taste or budget, hopefully they give you a good idea of what to look for when choosing the best shoes for Paris and all of France for that matter.
Last update on 2026-10-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
