I've Just Come Back From Paris—7 2026 Shoe Trends French Women Are Wearing With Jeans
From supple suede loafers to effortlessly cool mesh flats, keep scrolling to discover the seven chic shoe trends French women are wearing with jeans in 2026.
If there’s one thing fashion people in the UK and in France can agree on, it’s the importance of owning a good pair of jeans. Easy to style, versatile and, most importantly, comfortable, you’ll find denim trousers of some sort in the capsule wardrobes of stylish British and Gallic dressers alike. And this shared love also brings about a common dilemma: choosing which shoes truly look best with jeans.
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Now, of course, I already know that there are a number of very basic footwear styles that pair universally well with all jeans. But as a born and raised London girl, I’m not ashamed to say that the French fashion set is always my first port of call for jeans-and-shoe pairings that look fresh, elevated and just that little bit more on trend. And on my recent trip to Paris, I discovered seven key shoe trends that the Gallic girls will be wearing with their denim this year. And luckily for you, I rounded them up below.
From elegant suede loafers to effortlessly cool mesh flats, keep scrolling to discover the seven chic shoe trends French women are wearing with jeans in 2026.
7 Chic Shoe Trends French Women Are Wearing With Jeans in 2026
1. Backless Kitten Heels
Style Notes: The French girls love themselves a ‘90s trend, and with the recent resurgence of backless loafers, flats and trainers, it was only natural that kitten heels were the next step. They look chic, help to keep denim hemlines off the floor, and the lower heel height ensures all-day comfort.
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We're big fans of the '90s pinch jeans here at Who What Wear.
The Maysales come celeb-approved.
The front pockets give these a real retro vibe.
I cannot believe these are from the high-street.
2. Slingback Flats
Style Notes: We already know that the French girls love ballet flats, but to make them feel fresh for 2026, they’re opting for slingback iterations. Adding a touch of elegance to your jeans outfits, this combo is perfect for when you want to wear your dark-wash jeans to the office.
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Barrel jeans add a cool touch to basic jeans-and-a-tee outfit.
French-girl approved.
These come in three different lengths.
The suede finish will help add some texture to your outfit.
3. Suede Loafers
Style Notes: Loafers are just as popular across the pond as they are here in the UK. However, when they want a flat-shoe that’s slightly more elevated than classic leather, the French girls turn to supple suede iterations that are just as versatile but bring some polished edge to their jeans outfits.
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Darker denim always looks elegant.
These are high up on my luxury wishlist.
Khaite's Danielle jeans come fashion-editor approved.
These will go with everything.
4. Pointed Ankle Boots
Style Notes: Ankle boots of any kind look good with jeans, but opting for a pair with a pointed toe brings a more directional feel to your outfit. I’m especially into the pared-back Western style that Franny is wearing with wide-leg indigo jeans above.
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These are a best-seller for very good reason.
So sleek.
This tailored pair is perfect for the office,
Chocolate brown suede? Yes, please!
5. Mesh Ballet Flats
Style Notes: French brand Alaïa’s mesh flats have quickly become a favourite amongst the fashion crowd since their release in 2022, and since then, there have been a number of options to choose from on both the luxury and high-street market. They’re comfy, easy to wear, and both look and feel cool throughout the warmer months.
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These come in sizes UK 4 to 26.
Iconic.
This lighter denim wash will come into its own throughout the warmer months,
An easy way to incorporate colour into your jeans outfit.
6. Chunky Chelsea Boots
Style Notes: If flat shoes are your thing but you still want to keep hemlines off the floor, chunky Chelsea boots should be your first port of call. They come French-girl approved, and of course, in true Gallic fashion, they love to pair them with bootcut and flared jeans alike.
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Don't sleep on Weekday's denim.
Every wardrobe needs a versatile boot.
A flared jean that doesn't feel too out there.
Such an expensive-looking hue.
7. Minimal Trainers
Style Notes: The days of chunky, ostentatious trainers are gone, with fashion people turning to minimal, low profile styles instead. They’re versatile, look put together and lend themselves much better to dressing up for more formal events.
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I'm not usually into ripped jeans, but these are convincing me...
Simple, versatile and easy to style.
Just the right amount of slouch.
These also come in ivory, brown, navy and peach.
