Are you looking for the best French shoe brands?
People have been wearing foot protection since the early civilizations. However, the shoemaking trade was only developed in the 18th until the early 19th centuries.
Back in the day, most shoes made were interchangeable – meaning there was no left or right shoe; both were pretty much the same. French shoemakers were actually the first to put tiny labels on shoe insoles that said “Gauche” for the left and “Droit” for the right.
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Of course the French did not stop there. Today they are the makers of some of the most popular shoe brands in the world.
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24 Best French Shoe Brands For Everyone
Here’s a list of some of these popular French shoe brands in France.
French Luxury Shoe Brands
1. Christian Louboutin
Christian Louboutin is synonymous with fashion and luxury. His shoes are especially known for the iconic red leather soles which are very popular among his celebrity clientele.
Founded in 1991 with headquarters in Paris, France, Louboutin shoes cost from 495 USD up to 6,000 USD. These shoes are manufactured and produced in Milan, Italy, but a small atelier on Paris is being maintained for private clients and unique creations.
Christian Louboutin produces around 600,000 to 700,000 pairs of shoes each year and it’s one of the most iconic French brands that are famous all over the world.
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2. JM Weston
JM Weston does sound like an anglophone name – and it is! It was actually named after a town in Massachussetts where its founder Édouard Blanchard’s son, Eugène, stayed during his long visit to America in 1904.
Despite the name and the American-influenced outdoor shoes and loafers it is known for, JM Weston is one of the most influential French shoe brands around.
JM Weston shoes, priced at 600 to 1,000 USD a pair, are made in a factory in Limoges in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France.
3. Corthay
Known for its elegant leather shoes for men, La Maison Corthay is a favorite among big names such as singer Lionel Richie, jeweler Lorenz Bäumer, and the Sultan of Brunei.
Founded in 1990 by Pierre Corthay, Corthay’s bespoke shoes are hand-made in a small workshop in Beaupréau in the Pays de la Loire of France. Their prices range from 1,000 to 4,000 USD.
Pierre Corthay was awarded the Master of Art title by the French Ministry ofCulture in 2008.
4. Aubercy
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Recognized as a “Living Heritage Company” by the French government, Aubercy was founded by the couple André and Renée Aubercy in 1935.
The Aubercy style, although genuinely French, aims to combine both English and Italian styles. Each lavish Aubercy pair – with prices ranging from 1,300 to 5,000 USD – is crafted in their workshop in Paris. They also offer bespoke boot-maker workshops and a luxury shoe repair service.
Aubercy, the last independent shoemaker in Paris, is now being run by the founders’ grandson.
5. Pierre Hardy
Pierre Hardy, the creator of one of the best designer shoe brands in France, started his namesake high-end shoe line in 1999.
The sculptures and graphics that go into his collections are works of art in their own right. He is at his best when working to create a signature look for each pair of shoes. In addition to the renowned monochrome line, Pierre Hardy also offers a metallic line and a line of boots with contrasting panels of color.
The brand is committed to sustainability and has a complete collection made from repurposed and recycled materials in honor of Earth Day. This collection is available exclusively via special order due to the extensive time required to create a single item.
6. Jacques & Démétier
Jacques & Démétier’s ateliers can be found in the Pays de la Loire, and the supple leathers they use come from tanneries in the French cities of Le Puy and Barr.
It’s no surprise that Jacques & Démétier has become one of the most trusted luxury French shoe brands. They value their history and combine modern technology with traditional methods of workmanship to make their exceptional footwear. They include many that are complementary to the work of Parisian menswear designers. This is the label to choose if you care about your professional appearance.
Medium-range French Footware Brands
7. Parallèle
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Founded in 1980 by Marcel and Augustine Faure, the Parallèle shoe brand started in Limoges, France – a place well-known for a long tradition of producing fine luxury goods.
Parallèle specializes in fabricating high quality shoes for women. The brand offers shoe designs that are modern and practical, but chic and elegant as well – so French! They are priced at around 300 USD on average.
8. Robert Clergerie
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Established in 1981 by Robert Clergerie in Romans-sur-Isère in southeastern France, Clergerie is known as the first to introduce the Goodyear welt and to use raffia in high-end shoemaking.
La Maison Robert Clergerie creates shoes for both men and women with prices starting from around 237 USD and can go up to 695 USD.
9. Arche
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Arche is a French shoe brand known for its comfortable footwear made of only the finest quality materials like soft nubucks and premium European leathers. Their shoes are created to be stylish, as well as feather-light and flexible.
Founded by Pierre Robert Helaine in Paris, France, in 1968, Arche handcrafts its shoes in the Châteaux de la Loire region, not far from the capital.
Arche footwear prices range from around 300 USD to 450 USD.
10. Ba&sh
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Named after the first two letters of the founders’ – best friends Barbara Boccara & Sharon Krief – first names, Ba&sh was launched in 2003 in Paris, France.
Although its style is distinctly Parisian, Ba&sh’s popularity goes well beyond Paris and France, with 400 stores across the globe that sell the brand.
Ba&sh creates sandals, sneakers, and boots, with prices ranging from less than 300 USD to 445 USD.
Affordable French Shoe Brands
11. Sézane
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Sézane is the perfect example of “affordable luxury” as half of their products are priced at just a little above 100 USD.
It is a cult French fashion brand established by Morgane Sézalory in 2003. A brand born on the Internet, 90 percent of Sézane products are sold online.
Sézane shoes are known for their style, comfort, and quality.
12. K. Jacques
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K. Jacques was founded in St. Tropez, France, by an Armenian couple, Jacques and Elise Keklikian, in 1933.
This French shoe brand is noted for its strappy leather sandals called the Tropezienne sandals. These sandals have adorned the feet of a number of famous celebrities – Joan Collins, Brigitte Bardot, and Pablo Picasso, to name a few – who come to St. Tropez during the summer.
With prices ranging from 60 USD to just a little over 100 USD, K. Jacques represents luxury, fashion, elegance, comfort, and innovation without boring a hole in your pocket.
13. Veja
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Veja, the French footwear and accessories brand, is known for its stylish and comfortable yet affordable sneakers.
Sébastien Kopp and François-Ghislain Morillion established Veja in 2004, with its headquarters in Paris, France.
The brand is made famous by the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, who is often spotted wearing a pair of comfy Veja sneakers. Meghan Markle, Emma Watson, and Emily Ratajkowski also favor Veja trainers.
Veja footwear prices start at 100 USD up to 290 USD.
14. Bocage
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This French shoe brand produces high-quality yet affordable shoes for men and women.
Founded by the Biotteau family in the Pays de la Loire region in western France some 50 years ago, the first Bocage store was opened in Paris in 1990, followed by one after another across France and Belgium.
The Bocage brand is recognized as an expert in making shoes that are both fashionable and comfortable. Bocage shoes sell for about 100 USD to 150 USD on average.
15. Amélie Pichard
When it comes to French designer shoe brands, Amélie Pichard is a top contender. They’re a relatively new label, having launched in 2011 with a line of footwear and expanding into accessories the following year.
Young women covet their wacky, stylish, and entertaining footwear. Two years ago, they also developed hemp plastic jelly sandals.
The company has developed policies that are consistent with its commitment to sustainability and environmental friendliness, such as letting customers resell their used shoes on the website.
16. André
As a well-known and affordable shoe brand in France, André is a popular option for thrifty shoppers. They have this fantastic pair of timeless brown leather shoes, which is versatile and sure to receive many praises. If you’re looking for classic French shoes without a lot of flairs, I’d recommend André. Some rare treasures may be uncovered here.
17. Bobbies
Bobbies is a footwear and leather goods company that launched in 2010. Both the men’s and women’s collections aim to be current without becoming trendy. They have a wide variety of footwear, from flats to boots to heels.
The shoes are conceptualized in Paris, but they are crafted in Portugal using age-old techniques.
Beyond this, they are an eco-conscious company that sources renewable resources. Their collections are based on the experiences of their global travelers.
Bobbies are as French as it gets, having been founded in Paris by childhood friends. The snaffle loafers, heeled boots, and suede-paneled trainers in the retro line are all handcrafted in Portugal using age-old techniques and premium leather.
18. Carel
Georges Carel and his wife Rosa founded Carel in 1952. On Boulevard Saint-Michel, a popular shopping district for students and young professionals, they set up shop selling shoes for ladies.
The company’s niche was in producing high-quality, long-lasting basics. The Coles intended for the shoes to be both inexpensive and comfortable enough to be worn regularly, whether to class or the office. They used vivid hues to give timeless shoe styles like ballet flats, Mary Janes and pumps a sophisticated new look.
Carel refused to back down when high heels became popular. The company developed the “trotter” heel so that women could feel like they were wearing heels without having to be uncomfortable while walking about all day. These cool innovations have made Carel one of the best affordable French shoe brands even to this day.
19. Chatelles
One of those Parisian shoe brands that are just too charming to resist is Chatelles, which was founded by Francois du Chastel.
It’s aimed at modern young women who value fashion over function but can’t get enough shoes with pretty bows and intricate embellishments at the top.
That’s not to say you can’t find Mary Janes, Furlanes, or even plain Janes at Chatelles. However, they don’t stock any high heels and instead specialize in flats and shoes with minimal heels.
Chatelles also gives you the ability to personalize your footwear. You can personalize your slippers by having them embroidered with your initials or by adding a colorful tassel.
20. Jonak
When it comes to high-quality, French sport shoe brands, Jonak is a name that’s frequently mentioned. The fact that their shoes are inexpensive does not, however, indicate that they skimp on quality. The company rose to prominence as a result of its ability to produce excellent footwear at affordable rates without sacrificing design or comfort.
In 1964, Marcel and Josette Nakam launched the company. Joseph, the eldest child, eventually joined the family company.
Jonak is a portmanteau derived from the first two letters of his wife’s or son’s given name and the first three letters of their surname. Since then, it has always been run by the same family.
21. L’Autre Chose
Made in Italy with the design coming from France. L’Autre Chose is well-known for creating shoes that are both practical and expressive of individuality. Each collection has its cohesion thanks to a design philosophy that emphasizes sophisticated elegance without sacrificing a childlike sense of fun.
L’Autre Chose is now recognized for a wide range of products in addition to footwear, including ready-to-wear, handbags, and small leather goods, ever since the company’s new CEO, Alice Carli, and Nicol Beretta were brought on board to fill the roles of Creative Director and Director of Design, respectively.
22. Lafuma
Lafuma is a sportswear and footwear manufacturer that caters to both men and women. Their shoes are made with comfort and safety in mind. The brand started in a modest workshop in the southeast of France in 1930, with three brothers named Alfred, Victor, and Gabriel Lafuma working on a small shop that would become known as Lafuma.
One of Lafuma’s unique ventures is the development of a metal frame for a backpack, which serves as the company’s leaf emblem. With this breakthrough, the market has completely changed, and the company’s success has skyrocketed ever since it was established.
Lafuma now has many different styles of highly durable hiking shoes that have made the brand famous in recent years.
23. Minelli
Minelli is a terrific new addition to the lineup of reasonably priced French footwear brands. Since its founding in 1973, the company has been widely regarded as the go-to source for high-quality, fashion-forward footwear. All sorts of shoes, leather items, and accessories for both sexes are produced there.
They’re also making an effort to employ eco-friendly and renewable resources in their collections. Minelli produces a wide variety of footwear, including mules, wedges, pumps, sandals, and even sneakers.
24. Repetto
When it comes to French shoemakers, those who specialize in making ballerina shoes are among the most well-known in the world, and this label is among the best. That’s why they’re the go-to supplier for ballet shoes for the National Opera of Paris and other French ballet groups.
The company was founded because Rose wanted to make ballet shoes for her son after he complained of foot pain from his existing pair. Repetto continued to cater to ballerinas by expanding its collection to include pointe shoes, ballet flats, pumps, leotards, and tutus. They progressed to selling accessories like backpacks and yoga mats with their original line of shoes.
Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries and lived in 4 continents in the last 10 years, including France. A self-proclaimed Francophile, I love everything France.