4 Controversial Shoe Trends French Women Seem to Be Into

We obviously worship at the altar of French style when it comes to fashion that’s chic and classic—button-down shirts, trench coats, perfect jeans, yadda yadda. But as I’ve said before, I don’t think Parisians get quite enough credit for the charming quirk they so often add to their looks. From Cartier watches layered with flea market bangles to Birkin bags adorned with bag charms that look like they were made on a rainy day at summer camp, this is where I feel French style gets really good.

As any proponents of the “Wrong Shoe Theory” will attest, getting a little bit weird below the ankles is the perfect, low-stakes way to take a look from polished to cool. So if classic loafers, polished Chelsea boots, and regular old ballet flats are your thing, you won’t find any of those here—but what I do have to offer you are four of their weird and delightful little brothers and sisters that are at the ready to make your winter looks just a little bit more interesting.

Technical Sneakers

In a world of Sambas, be a Salomon. Get a bit weird. Embrace some funky color combos. Google “Gore-Tex” (and rejoice that it’s waterproof and therefore perfect for winter). Take this moment to add an inch or so of rubber between you and the chilly ground, remind yourself what a little arch support feels like, and just lean into the chunky, dad-ness of it all. It’s hard to go back.

Uggs

Don’t get mad, but there are Uggs. Out and about. In Paris. But because it’s Paris, the vibe was less “let’s roll out of bed and pop to Starbucks before class” (no hate, we’ve all been there) and more “models waiting to have their makeup done.” I don’t know what to tell you except that the desire to be cozy is apparently universal.

Boat Shoes

French style and loafers naturally go hand in hand—the perfect dose of menswear-inspired footwear that leans just a bit preppy. But thanks to Miu Miu (and many years of commitment from Sperry), boat shoes have carved out a place in our hearts and our wardrobes—which maybe seems a little out of place in Paris, but when you think of them as a loafer’s scruffy little brother, it actually makes perfect sense.

Tabis

As if we were going to get through this story without mentioning Tabis. There’s maybe no better example of classic French style made just a little bit weird than Maison Margiela’s Tabi ballerina flats. Love ’em or hate ’em, they remain a staple of the fashion set—and there’s a whole lineup of toe-separating style for winter, from Mary Janes and loafers to some not-so-everyday Chelsea boots that have somehow found their way onto my shopping list. Oups.