3 Shoe Trends French Women Wear Instead of Flat Sandals

Influencers @juliesfi, @emmanuellek_, and @sylviemus_ wearing mesh ballet flats, silver ballet flats, and black mules.

(Image credit: @juliesfi; @emmanuellek_; @sylviemus_)

Jump to category:

3 Shoes French Women Are Wearing Instead of Sandals Now
1. Espadrille Wedges
2. Ballet Flats
3. Closed-Toe Mules

published 15 August 2025

I hate to say it, but sandal season is slowly slipping away. With unpredictable weather and fall on the horizon, the risk of soggy feet and a new shoe purchase you'll only be able to wear for a month just isn't worth it. Like many of us, I'm being nudged toward practicality and leaving my beloved sandals tucked safely in the wardrobe—at least for now.

After living in them all summer long, the thought of styling anything but sandals feels slightly disorienting. In need of inspiration, I turned to the ever-reliable French style set to see how they're transitioning their footwear for these in-between days. As always, they delivered, offering chic, weather-appropriate alternatives that still manage to retain a breezy feel.

From elegant slip-on flats to timeless classics, I've rounded up the three key shoe trends French women are genuinely wearing in place of sandals right now—just look at the images below for further proof.

3 Shoes French Women Are Wearing Instead of Sandals Now

1. Espadrille Wedges

Influencer @lenafarl sits on a bench outside of a coffee shop wearing a white shirt, a denim skirt, and espadrille wedges.

Style Notes: With their rope soles and fabric uppers, espadrille wedges capture the essence of summer while offering more coverage than your average sandals.

Influencer @leasy_inparis sits on a bench outside of a coffee shop wearing a white shirt, a white vest top and blue high-waisted jeans.

Style Notes: Whether worn with classic blue denim, floaty white skirts, or cotton dresses, espadrille wedges strike the perfect balance between casual and polished, a style that French women always master.

Influencer @melodiebanfield wears a white cotton dress with white espadrille wedges.

Shop Espadrille Wedges

Castañer

Carina Wedge

Style with a white cotton dress or your favorite jeans.

BURBERRY

Checked Canvas-Jacquard Espadrille Wedge Mules

You can never go wrong with a classic.

GIANVITO ROSSI

110 Suede Slingback Platform Espadrilles

This style is so unique.

2. Ballet Flats

Influencer @juliesfi wears white ballet flats with a white minidress and brown woven bag.

Style Notes: No roundup of French footwear would be complete without ballet flats. The go-to shoes for effortless elegance, this versatile staple is perfect for navigating late-summer dressing.

Influencer @annelauremais leans on a door frame wearing gray shorts, a black top, and black leather ballet flats.

Style Notes: Soft, comfortable, and enduringly chic, they're easy to style with miniskirts and tailored shorts now and full-length trousers and jeans as the weather continues to cool.

Influencer @emmanuellek_ wears silver ballet flats with a dark brown dress, gold earrings, and a brown handbag.

Shop Ballet Flats

H&M

Ballet Flats With Scrunchie Detail

Wear these with white socks to give your styling a preppy edge.

ZARA

Low Heeled Leather Ballet Flats

Honestly, these look so much more expensive than they actually are.

LE MONDE BERYL

Luna Leather-Trimmed Mesh Ballet Flats

These also come in a fresh shade of white.

3. Closed-Toe Mules

Influencer wears black suede mules with a longline cream skirt and a white tank top.

Style Notes: Equal parts laid-back and luxe, mules are having a real moment. Whether you opt for flats or a heeled version, these slip-on styles bring an instant sense of polish to any outfit.

Influencer @pia_mbd wears brown suede mules with a denim minidress and red leather bag.

Style Notes: Flat mules are great for everyday wear, and a low heel adds just the right amount of lift for evening plans. French women are styling them with everything from wide-leg trousers to tailored co-ords, proving just how adaptable they can be.

Influencer @sabinasocol wears a yellow two piece with a silk headscarf and pointed toe mules.

Shop Closed-Toe Mules

Everlane

The Ballet Mule

Yes, that price is correct.

Prada

Brushed Leather Mules

The almond-toe detail gives these such an elevated edge.

MANOLO BLAHNIK

Ballerimu Bow-Detailed Suede Mules

Be quick—these are on their way to selling out.

This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK.

Explore More:

Natalie Munro is Who What Wear UK’s news writer and has worked in the fashion industry since she graduated with a degree in Journalism from the University of the Arts London. Natalie’s experience in the industry spans journalistic and styling roles that have seen her work for publications including British Vogue, Conde Nast Traveller, Vogue Ukraine, AnOther Magazine and Elle UK.

With an interest in uncovering the latest fashion trends, Natalie takes a leading role in identifying news for Who What Wear UK. Reporting on a daily basis, Natalie focuses on trends on and off the runway, as well as street style and celebrity fashion. Natalie also creates content for Who What Wear’s social channels including TikTok and Instagram on a weekly basis.