Where French women buy shoes in Paris: 5 top stores!

It’s no secret that shopping is one of my favourite pastimes. But even more thrilling than a purchase is the hunt – not for new things, but for new and exciting shops.

I’ve been buying shoes at some of them since I was a teenager; I discovered others as recently as last year! I’ve decided to start the series with my favourite shoe stores – because a girl can never have too many!

Christian Louboutin‘s red-soled shoes have become synonymous with the epitome of French style.

A pair of Louboutin’s ‘Simple Pumps’ in basic black has long been on my wishlist, but until my dream-world budget becomes a reality, I stick to buying my shoes at more economical – but equally chic – shops when I’m in Paris.

When in Paris, shop for shoes at…

We recommend our update of this article:
Where do French women buy shoes in Paris: Insider guide for shoe addicts – top 13 stores

Candice

You won’t find any expensive shoes at Candice. There are no brand names. Some of the shoes come without boxes. But in spite of the plethora of man-made fabrics and blatant knockoffs, the French have a distinct advantage when it comes to low-priced merchandise that North Americans never will. The shoes at Candice are all made in Europe.

Granted, they are made by underpaid and overworked Europeans, a fact that is evident upon close inspection, but these shoes will surprise you. They are immediately comfortable and shockingly durable. If you really feel like you need a pair of red patent Oxfords, even though you know in your heart of hearts you’ll only wear them once, Candice won’t disappoint – and the prices are low enough that you can avoid buyer’s remorse entirely.

Jonak

If you’ve been admiring the motorcycle boots all girls in Paris seem to own in every imaginable neutral shade, head to your nearest Jonak location to find a pair of your own.

A veritable institution in Paris, the Nakam family has been making quality footwear since 1964. Buying a pair of their boots is like buying a Parisian souvenir – and it’s a much better investment than an Eiffel Tower key chain.

Kerstin Adolphson

Scandinavian style is admired all over the world; Nordic women have a knack for combining practical pieces in the most stylish ways. If you’re looking to emulate that easy chic while you’re in Paris, look no further than Kerstin Adolphson, a fashionable Swedish boutique on the left bank that sells a seemingly endless range of au courant clogs, from simple basics in wood and leather to wild floral and plastic styles.

Minelli

Minelli has a lot in common with North American Aldo. They offer low-to-mid priced basic and trendy footwear – some of it is leather, while some of it falls into the ‘other’ category. But, being that this is a French business, the store has a decidedly stylish twist. You won’t find any fuchsia satin pumps in their window display; all of their shoes come in pleasing neutral tones – black, brown, beige, charcoal… – with the occasional glaring exception. Minelli is fond of purple. And they adore red.

Repetto

The old standby of European ballerinas, this dancewear company recently expanded their line to include fashion footwear and handbags. Money cannot buy you a better pair of ballet flats than the ones Repetto makes, and they come in every colour in the known universe. They aren’t cheap, but in this case, you get what you pay for. (Consider your Repettos an investment in the health of your feet. Or, if you aren’t a fan of thinking practically, just consider them really pretty shoes. The strappy salomés are to die for.) The store offers serious service – they will measure your feet to ensure you get the best possible fit.

Swildens

Truly high-quality footwear at a reasonable price is a rarity in the fashion world. I often struggle with the modern shoe paradox; to buy multiple pairs of trendy shoes in man-made fabric, or a single pair of high quality, leather-soled shoes with a designer label and inflated price tag. Swildens offers a welcome happy medium; their shoe range isn’t extensive, but the styles are at once modern and simple, the construction is high quality and the prices are relatively budget-friendly. I’ve never gone wrong in their shop!

Do you have any other favourite boutiques to buy shoes in Paris? Add to our list by commenting below!