French Women Always Seem to Wear These Classic Sneakers

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(Image credit: @annelauremais)

Regardless of your stance on the decades-long French-girl-style obsession, you have to admit that they have plenty of easy outfit ideas up their chic sleeves. In opposition to the stereotypes in which French women only wear ballet flats and espadrilles, many of their easy outfits involve sneakers.

We've published dozens of stories about French-girl outfits over the years, so you probably know the drill there, but perhaps you're curious about their sneaker-buying habits since they've become such a staple shoe style in everyone's wardrobes. Accordingly, we scrolled through hundreds of chic French-girl outfits and kept seeing seven specific sneaker styles on the streets of Paris and beyond. As expected, most of them veer toward classic, but there are a few surprises in the mix, and all are relatively affordable, which is always a plus.

Keep scrolling to see how French women style their favorite sneakers, and shop them for yourself. 

Veja

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(Image credit: @basicstouch)

The only actual French sneaker brand on this list, Veja is beloved around the world for its minimalist, classic white sneakers, which are also much more sustainable than most. Aïde wears the Campo style in the picture above, but we've seen V-10, Nova and Rio Branco styles too. The common thread? They're always white.

Converse Chuck Taylor

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(Image credit: @annelauremais)

Chuck Taylors give any outfit they're paired with that cool vintage edge that so many of us love, French or not!

New Balance 990v5

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(Image credit: @slipintostyle)

There's no surprise here, as the entire world has been enamored with these New Balance sneakers for over a year now, French people included.

Nike Cortez

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(Image credit: @camillecharriere)

Nike Cortez sneakers give a cool '70s vibe to any outfit. They're a bit hard to find these days, though, so if you find a pair, snag them.

Vans Authentic

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(Image credit: @frannfyne)

These canvas sneakers will truly never go out of style, so you don't ever have to feel unsure about whether they look good or are worth buying.

Nike Air Force 1

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(Image credit: @aude_julie)

These celebrity favorites are also a top choice in Paris right now. They look especially good with baggy jeans but are great with summer dresses too.

Vans Old Skool

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(Image credit: @salome.mory)

Another canvas classic, Vans Old Skool sneakers are a clear favorite (especially of French women who love '90s fashion). 

This story was originally published on Who What Wear U.S. and has since been updated.

Next up: The Biggest Sneaker Trends of 2021

Allyson Payer
Senior Editor

Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.