Are you looking to upgrade your footwear fashion? When it comes to shoes, French brands are known for their unmatched elegance, attention to detail, and timeless designs. In this article, I’ve compiled a list of the top 15 French shoes brands to help you find the perfect pair of shoes that will give you that effortlessly chic look.
French shoe brands are synonymous with high standards, combining impeccable craftsmanship with contemporary designs. From Christian Louboutin’s iconic red-lacquered soles to Repetto’s range of ballet flats, these brands mastered effortlessly blending chic designs with unparalleled craftsmanship.
Whether you’re walking down the streets of Paris or simply channeling that iconic French girl look, owning a pair of shoes from the best French brands is a must for anyone looking to elevate their style.
15 BEST FRENCH SHOE BRANDS
Below, I’ve rounded up the top 15 French shoe brands, categorized by luxury and affordable options, to suit every budget and style.
Affordable French Shoe Brands:
1. Sézane
Price: $100 – $250
Quality: Sustainable materials, excellent craftsmanship
Sézane has become synonymous with Parisian style, thanks to its effortlessly chic designs, attention to detail, and commitment to sustainability. From clothing to footwear, everything Sézane creates embodies the essence of French elegance.
Their leather ankle boots, ballet flats, and loafers bring a hint of Parisian charm at reasonable prices, making Sézane a go-to brand for the stylish French woman.
2. Bobbies
Price: $120 – $250
Quality: Playful designs, great craftsmanship
Bobbies is a Paris-based brand that crafts its shoes in Portugal using high quality leather. Founded in 2010, Bobbies is Known for blending vintage charm with contemporary designs and offers colorful and playful designs that truly stand out.
Whether you’re looking for classic loafers or stylish summer sandals, their footwear seamlessly combines fun, fashion, and lasting durability.
3. Jonak
Price: $80 – $200
Quality: Trend-driven styles, good value
For those looking for trendy styles without breaking the bank, Jonak is the go-to brand. With a diverse range of designs, from chic ballet flats to sleek stiletto heels, Jonak offers the latest trends at affordable prices.
Known for striking the perfect balance between fashion and quality, Jonak offers affordable shoes without compromising on craftsmanship. Famous for their designer-inspired slingbacks and loafers, that offer the perfect blend of interesting designs and quality leather. Whether you’re after something trendy or timeless, Jonak’s collection has something for everyone.
4. Veja
Price: $100 – $160
Quality: Eco-friendly materials, sustainable production, vegan selection
Another French girl favorite is Veja, a sneaker brand founded in 2005 with production mainly based in Brazil. Renowned for its strong commitment to sustainability, Veja focuses on eco-friendly materials, incorporating recycled bottles and polyester into the materials of their shoes without sacrificing style.
Veja’s sleek white sneakers, especially the Campo and Esplar models, have gained worldwide popularity in recent years, worn by celebrities like Emma Watson, Meghan Markle, and Kate Middleton. And it’s no wonder—these sneakers are not only incredibly comfortable, but they also pair effortlessly with any outfit.
5. Minelli
Price: $90 – $250
Quality: Stylish and durable
Minelli offers a broad selection of leather goods, including boots, sandals, and loafers, all designed with both fashion and practicality in mind. Their shoes are a great investment for those seeking high-quality, fashionable footwear at a reasonable price.
6. Rondini
Price: $150 – $300
Quality: Comfortable designs that mold to your feet, long lasting
Famous for their handmade leather sandals, especially their Tropezienne sandals, Rondini has been around since 1927 and is loved for its classic, understated French style. If you are looking for the perfect summer sandal, Rodini offers great value for well-crafted shoes that will last forever.
7. Salomon
Price: $100 – $250
Quality: Sporty, durable
Salomon, founded in 1947, initially specialized in ski shoes before expanding into outdoor sports in 2013 with the launch of the now-iconic XT-6 trainers, still their most popular sneaker today.
For those who value durability and comfort, Salomon offers high quality sneakers and hiking boots perfect for activities like hiking, trail running, and mountaineering. Their sneakers are designed to withstand tough outdoor conditions and last a long time.
Though originally designed for outdoor sports, Salomon shoes have gained popularity in the fashion world, after being spotted on style icons like Bella Hadid, Hailey Bieber, and Emily Ratajkowski. Their rugged aesthetic has seamlessly blended into street style, making them a go-to for both function and fashion.
Luxury French Shoe Brands:
1. Christian Louboutin
Price: $800 – $1,500+
Quality: Iconic red-lacquered soles, premium materials
We can’t talk about French shoe brands without mentioning Louboutin!
Christian Louboutin is the definition of luxury and high fashion, instantly recognizable by its signature red soles. known for their high-end stiletto heels and elegant designs. The brand is adored by celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Nicole Kidman making every pair a symbol of glamour and elegance.
2. Repetto
Price: $250 – $500
Quality: Elegant craftsmanship, classic ballet flats, vegan selection
Another iconic French brand is Repetto, founded in 1947 by Rose Repetto and renowned for its dedication to both comfort and elegance. Crafted in France from high-quality leather, Repetto shoes are the epitome of refined craftsmanship.
The brand is especially famous for its ballet flats, with the iconic Cendrillon flats designed at the request of Brigitte Bardot. Known for their graceful blend of style and comfort, Repetto’s shoes are beloved by both ballet dancers and French women alike.
3. Roger Vivier
Price: $700 – $1,500+
Quality: Luxury craftsmanship, timeless designs
Often referred to as the “Parisian Manolo Blahnik” Roger Vivier is a French luxury shoe brand renowned for its signature buckle-adorned designs. The visionary designer Roger Vivier is credited with creating the modern stiletto heel, revolutionizing women’s footwear with its sleek, slender shape.
Roger Vivier is a master of timeless elegance, known for its luxurious embellishments and iconic buckle design. Loved by royalty and fashion icons such as Kate Middleton and Reese Witherspoon, the brand’s shoes are synonymous with sophistication and luxury.
4. Yves Saint Laurent
Price: $600 – $1,200+
Quality: High-end materials, sleek designs
Yves Saint Laurent is a French brand that is a staple in luxury fashion, offering sleek, modern heels and boots. The brand’s footwear is synonymous with timeless elegance, making them a worthy investment.
5. Robert Clergerie
Price: $400 – $1,000
Quality: Contemporary designs, exceptional quality
Another Parisian brand, founded in 1981 by Robert Clergerie, is famous for its unique designs inspired by abstract geometric principles and sleek, clean lines.
Robert Clergerie’s shoes are known for their modern aesthetics and premium materials. The brand’s innovative designs set it apart, offering a bold yet timeless appeal for those who crave something truly unique in their footwear.
6. Georges Carel
Price: $250- $500
Quality: Playful yet refined designs, quality leather
The ultimate French girl shoes, Known for its chic ballet flats and unique designs. Carel Paris perfectly blends classic French elegance with a fun twist, perfect for women who love chic yet wearable shoes.
The ballet pump made famous by Alexa Chung, comes in a variety of styles and colors, adding versatility and personality to any wardrobe. As this iconic Mary Jane shoe continues to rise in popularity, it has become a must-have for those looking to channel that chic French girl look.
7. Laurence Dacade
Price: $700 – $1,200
Quality: Handcrafted, bold designs
Laurence Dacade, originally hired by Karl Lagerfeld, has been the lead designer for Chanel footwear since the early 2000s. However, Laurence Dacade’s eponymous brand is where her talent truly shines. Known for it’s chic ankle boots, Western-inspired boots, and statement high-end shoes, Laurence Dacade’s collections are synonymous with bold luxury.
Her signature use of metallic leather, combined with gemstones and the finest materials, gives each pair a unique, opulent feel. Every shoe is meticulously crafted with precision, striking the perfect balance between style and functionality.
8. Pierre Hardy
Price: $500 – $1,000
Quality: Architectural designs, innovative materials
Founded in 1999, Pierre Hardy offers luxurious, avant-garde designs that push the boundaries of traditional footwear. The brand is known for its artistic approach to shoe design, combining bold aesthetics with exceptional craftsmanship to make shoes that work for every occasion.
With a mix of innovative designs and unique materials, this brand continues to redefine the landscape of modern footwear, appealing to those who appreciate style, sophistication, and originality.
Final Thoughts
This list of the top French shoe brands gives you a curated selection of the best affordable and luxury options. Some brands offer high-end shoes at premium prices, while others provide more affordable options without compromising on quality.
So whether you’re after timeless ballet flats, chic ankle boots, or iconic stiletto heels, you are sure to find chic options to channel that effortlessly chic Parisan look.
