I'll admit, I'm in a little bit of a fashion rut. It's not a surprise, as it happens almost every year when transitional spring-summer outfits are out in full force, and I'm trying to decide what's best to wear when the weather itself can't decide what it's doing. This often leads me to wear the same pair of trainers over and over and over again, which is a shame, seeing as there are so many good summer shoe trends I could slowly start gathering and adopting now.
But trends can be fleeting, so there is one fashionable group I always turn to for help: the it girls a stone's throw from us over in France. They have impeccable trend radars that lead them to specific styles that somehow always end up remaining timeless. Hence why I'm leaving it to these French girl summer shoe trends to guide me when it comes to shopping for and styling footwear this season.
Kindly pulling me out of my comfy trainers slump are around six summer shoe trends I've noticed on some of the most stylish French influencers. All of these picks stand out for a few reasons. They're versatile enough to wear for a plethora of summer occasions, from holidays to weddings to sunny days sitting in the park with friends, and they're easy to pair with a healthy rotation of outfits, regardless if you're one to opt for dresses and skirts or trousers and shorts. Most notably, they all seem to elevate an outfit or make it feel more interesting. Even the more ultra-trendy styles (like jelly sandals) offer something that's playful and intrinsically summery.
So, if you're also looking for some summer shoe inspiration, this list is it. Whether they're spending summer in Paris, having a long weekend in Marseille or jet-setting elsewhere for a holiday, French women are choosing the following chic shoes—ones that you'll certainly want to wear, too.
6 French Girl Summer Shoe Trends to Wear in 2026
1. Kitten Heel Sandals
Style Notes: Nothing heel holds elegance quite like a kitten heel, and the summer sandal version is just as chic as its closed-toe counterparts. Whether you're off to an al fresco dinner or looking for a stylish wedding guest look, kitten heel sandals are what the most well-dressed French women are reaching for this summer.
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The buckles give this pair a slight' 90s twist.
The dark green is a very fun option that still feels grounded but different from brown or black.
Sizes keep selling out in these sandals. They also come in black, white and cherry red.
I love how simple and elegant these ones are. They're instantly on my wish list.
2. Jelly Sandals
Style Notes: Jelly sandals prompt instant nostalgia for me, and I love how sleek and polished they look nowadays, especially in a clear colour and grid style like Paris-based art director and model Salomé Mory wears. The plastic texture infuses your outfit with a touch of fun, but as she proves, they can still look so chic with a silk summer dress and structured handbag.
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Truly the shoe that goes with everything.
M&S has a flat mule version in a jelly style. You can snag them in black, green and blue but they're going quickly.
Melissa is the brand to thank for the creation of the jelly shoe back in the '70s, and you can still shop their vibrant collection today.
The Saionara flip-flop is also a fashion-set-favourite this summer.
3. Wedge Sandals
Style Notes: I didn't think I'd ever go back to wearing wedges until I saw just what a modern wedge sandal could look like. They are not the clunky shoes they once were—in fact, they're now anything but. The wedge heel itself is sleeker, and in suede materials featuring transparent straps, you have a shoe that's equally as elegant as a stiletto or kitten heel.
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The vinyl strap and light-toned suede make these wedges feel ultra summery.
A divine combinations of '90s minimalism and classic wedges.
I adore sculptural shoes and footwear that looks more like artwork. Miista always delivers on that front.
The pointy toe, cream colour and wedge heel give these a mod, '60s edge.
4. Sneakerinas
Style Notes: As much as I adore a great pair of trainers, they can start to feel stuffy around summer. I love French architect and creator Julie Sergent Ferreri's choice of sneakerinas, which blend the construction and sole of a trainer with the laces and shape of a ballet flat. They're heaps more intriguing than a standard sneaker but look pretty enough to wear with your best sundress or skirt.
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If it's interesting shoes you're after, these ballerinas tick all the boxes.
The pink satin and boxy toe truly give these the look of pointe shoes.
Puma's Speedcats really helped set off the sneakerina trend.
The low profile and open top makes this an excellent choice for summer.
5. Flat Mules
Style Notes: If you're after the sophistication of a heel but the comfort of a flat, turn to this summer French-girl-favourite: the flat mule. It functions like a slide but feels more elevated thanks to the closed toe. You can opt for a more casual look, like Paris-based fashion content creator Emmanuelle Koffi, and wear them with jeans and a classic striped vest, or pair them with a linen black dress for dinner-ready attire.
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A woven shoe in a vibrant hue feels perfect for a warm-weather shoe collection.
These were practically made for your Euro summer packing list.
This is one of the prettiest pair of mules I've ever seen. The shiny chocolate brown works all year-round.
This feels like summer's answer to your autumnal black loafers.
6. '90s Flip-Flops
Style Notes: If you haven't already heard, the grunge era is back, at least in a fashion sense and focused primarily on its incomparable minimalist aesthetic, from covetable '90s accessories to chic-but-simple outfits. Shoes from the decade are also trending, and this summer, there's a particular interest in flip-flops. Though they're laid-back by nature, a pair made of high-shine leather instantly feels luxe and works with nicer outfits, too.
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I've just bought this gorgeous pair and am obsessed with that teeny tiny heel.
The square toe makes these flip-flops stand out from the rest.
Simple and chic but with a little more colour.
Another cool, minimal option with an embossed croc pattern.