Women’s Footwear in Paris

What footwear do think the most fashionable Parisians are wearing? Designer heels? Classy pumps? Chic flats? Anything in black?

To my surprise, Converse and similar retro-style sneakers were by far the most popular when I toured France in July, 2014. I saw them in every color imaginable, in high tops and low, and even with platform soles, worn by men, women and children. I spotted them in Paris and cities outside of Paris. Girls were wearing flats with skinny pants and shorts, and the high tops with short skirts. Brand new and badly frayed.

Which made me very happy because, at the last minute, I had tossed my own Converse sneakers, designed by the fabulous Finnish textile company Marimekko, into my suitcase. They are great casual shoes, but most importantly, I can replace the insoles with my custom made orthotics from Lou the Shoe, which I can’t do with any other big-name walking shoes, like Clark, Ecco, Mephisto or Dansk!

So, if you’re traveling to France, and someone tells you not to wear your tennis shoes (which happened to me), go ahead and wear them.