10 French Shoe Brands to Know

Perfectly Parisian pumps, loafers and heels to finish off your Aurélie outfit the chic way 

If you’re well on your way to curating an effortlessly chic French wardrobe full of Aurélie’s stylish shirts and beautiful Breton stripe jumpers, it would be a shame to ruin the look with the wrong footwear. Parisian women are constantly on the move, walking to meetings and lunch dates and jumping on and off the metro so their shoes aren’t ever an afterthought. To nail the look you need to find the holy grail of footwear - something that looks smart, but is seriously comfortable and long lasting. You’ll want to invest in a pair that will go with multiple outfits too. While we might not have shoes in our collection (yet!), thankfully there are plenty of French boutiques that ship to the UK or even have British stores where you can find the perfect chassures to give you that authentic Parisian look. We’ve rounded up some of our favourite brands below. Happy shopping! 

1. Bobbies

Bobbies is a relatively new Parisian shoe brand, but their shoes are simply divine. You can tell they’re good quality from ten paces away thanks to the soft Italian leather they use and the stylish design. We love the beautiful little details - a touch of rose gold leather here and a chunky stylish wooden heel there. The summer ‘22 collection is particularly alluring. You can buy them online and they also have a store on Marylebone High Street in London.  https://www.bobbies.com/en/

2. Rivecour

At around the £150 per pair, Parisian brand Rivecour makes sublimely elegant heels, sandals, wedges, sneakers, pumps and Mary Janes in a range of sumptuous fabrics - think soft suede, decent velvet and striking cord. Rivecour shoes are all feminine and classical in style and luxurious to slip your feet into. https://www.rivecour.com/en/ 

3. Minelli Paris

This brand is a good option if you’re looking for something affordable but that still fulfills the brief of both looking and feeling good to wear. Minelli has both classic, timeless footwear as well as more trend-led directional designs that change with the seasons. You can buy direct from the brand or via La Redoute online in the UK.  https://www.minelliparis.com/

4. Bocage

Bocage shoes hail from the Maine-et-Loire region of France, an area known for its classical architecture and traditional French values. This is reflected in the 50-year-old Bocage brand, where you’ll find classic shoes made using traditional techniques that promise a supremely comfy fit. There’s nothing old-fashioned about Bocage shoes though - pastel-hued sneakers sit alongside leopard print moccasins and black leather boots with chunky soles. https://www.bocage.eu/

5. Repetto

If you grew up doing ballet classes you’ll recognise this French name as the make of your satin ballet slippers. However, Repetto also makes ballet pumps, boots and heels for everyday wear outside the studio. Aurélie founder Lucy has been a fan since she was 21, even before she moved to Paris. They are also known to be worn by the likes of Sienna Miller, Alexa Chung and Adele to name a few. and There’s a huge range of colours and fabrics to choose from, as well as a new vegan option and all of them will add a classic French touch to your look. 

 https://www.repetto.com/uk/

6. Isabel Marant

French fashion designer Isabel Marant is known for her beautiful boho designs that embody that elusive, effortlessly chic I-just-threw-this-on look that women the world over covet. Her range of shoes are just as iconic and definitely worth the investment - think the most beautifully cut boots, standout sneakers, and bright wow-factor occasion shoes. https://www.isabelmarant.com/gb/isabel-marant/women/shoes 

7. Clergerie

This brand is extremely well-established in Paris so you can be sure they’re masters of their craft. The style of their shoes is a little more androgynous than some of their competitors - think chunky soles and lots of brogues - and each pair is definitely made to be delightful to walk in and last you a long time. https://uk.clergerieparis.com/

8. K Jacques

These are the sandals you’ll find any fashionable Parisian packing into her suitcase for les grands vacances at one of the glitzy resorts along the Cote d’Azur. The brand was started in St Tropez in the 30s by an Armenian husband and wife and has since become a much-loved summer staple for celebs and fashion models around the world thanks to their fabulous collaborations with the likes of Karl Lagerfeld, Balenciaga, Givenchy and Paco Rabanne. https://www.kjacques.fr/en

9. Chatelles

Chatelles is all about fabulous flats. The motto of founder François du Chastel is: "Reject the dictatorship of high heels and say no to the banality of ballerinas” and the brand that he launched in 2012 does just that. Chatelles reinvents the classic Albert slipper by allowing you to customise them with different colours, tassels, pom poms, interchangeable patches, and monograms. https://www.mychatelles.com/

10. Veja

You’ll have seen Veja trainers before thanks to the standout V shape cut into the side of their shoes and the fact that everyone from Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton to Emma Watson and Reese Witherspoon have been seen in them. What you might not have realised though is that this sustainable sneaker brand hails from France. For an everyday Parisian look opt for the classic white trainer with a V in black or a pretty pastel for spring and summer. https://www.veja-store.com/en_uk

Please note that due to Brexit there could be import and duty charges to ship to the UK from these websites. Please check with each brand individually about their international shipping and duties status before you buy.