The Best French Sneaker Brands (That Parisians Actually Wear)
When it comes to effortless style, the French have mastered the art of combining comfort and elegance—and their sneakers are no exception. Whether it’s classic canvas slip-ons or luxury designer kicks, French sneaker brands are all about understated sophistication, premium craftsmanship, and timeless appeal.
If you love refined, low-key looks, pair them with The Best Parisian Style Jeans and a simple blazer for that Left Bank vibe.
From the iconic Bensimon tennis shoes to cool-girl Sézane, to sustainable favorites like Veja, here’s your guide to the best French sneakers Parisians actually wear.
Why Choose French Sneakers?
- Effortless chic: French sneakers blend casual wearability with Parisian refinement—perfect for city strolling or dressing up casual outfits.
- Timeless appeal: Minimalist, versatile designs that never go out of fashion.
- Premium craftsmanship: Many brands prioritize quality materials and increasingly sustainable practices.
Quick Compare: Best French Sneaker Brands
| Brand | Style | Typical Manufacturing | Vegan Option | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bensimon | Canvas tennis | EU | No | Summer & travel light |
| Veja | Minimalist leather/canvas | Brazil & Portugal | Yes (some) | Sustainable French white sneakers |
| National Standard | Minimal leather | Portugal | No | Work-to-weekend minimalism |
| Sézane | Trendy leather | EU | No | French-girl looks |
| Spring Court | Classic tennis | EU / some FR lines | No | Breathable all-day wear |
| Le Coq Sportif | Retro sport | EU | No | Sporty classics |
| Salomon | Technical trail / urban performance | France & EU | No | Trendy street-style sneakers & walking comfort |
| Belledonne | Discreet luxury | Italy | No | Logo-free luxe |
| Asphalte | Pre-order, durable | EU | No | Slow-fashion basics |
| Zèta | Zero-waste vegan | Portugal | Yes (100 %) | Eco-maximalists |
1. Salomon: The French Outdoor Sneaker Turned Parisian Fashion Icon
Once a niche brand for mountain athletes, Salomon has become one of the most coveted French sneaker brands in recent years. Founded in Annecy in 1947, the company built its reputation on high-performance ski and trail-running gear before unexpectedly conquering the fashion world.
Today, the brand’s XT-6, XT-4, and ACS Pro sneakers are everywhere on Paris streets—from the Marais to Saint-Germain. Blending technical design with bold colorways, they embody a new kind of French practicality: shoes that look avant-garde yet handle the cobblestones.
Why we love them:
- Perfect mix of performance and street style
- Water-resistant, lightweight, and ultra-comfortable
- The ultimate “cool without trying” sneaker seen on both men and women in Paris
Pair your Salomons with wide-leg trousers, a belted trench, and a minimalist tote for that effortless Left Bank-meets-alpine look.
Where to buy: Salomon’s Official Website
1. Bensimon: The Quintessential French Sneakers
A true Parisian essential, Bensimon tennis shoes are the ultimate summer shoe for kids and adults alike. These lightweight canvas slip-ons come in a rainbow of colors and prints, worn sockless for an effortlessly cool French look—perfect with sundresses, shorts, and The Best Parisian Style Jeans or pieces from What to Wear in Paris in the Spring.
Why we love them: machine-washable, endless colors, casual yet chic.
Where to Buy: Bensimon
2. Veja: The Sustainable French Sneaker
If you’ve noticed those stylish white sneakers with a bold V in Paris, chances are they’re Veja. This eco-conscious French brand uses organic materials, fair-trade production, and recycled components. They’re the archetypal French white sneakers that go with everything.
Why we love them: ethically made, minimalist design, worn by French trendsetters.
Where to Buy: Veja
3. National Standard: French Minimalism at Its Best
For lovers of luxurious simplicity, National Standard delivers premium handcrafted leather sneakers with clean lines and neutral palettes—ideal with a tailored coat and Parisian Handbag Styles.
Why we love them: high-quality leather, elevated basics, unisex styles.
Where to Buy: National Standard
4. Sézane: The French Girl Sneaker Staple
A longtime favorite among Parisian women, Sézane sneakers add a subtly chic touch to everyday outfits. Explore more French-girl-approved labels in 20 French Brands Like Sézane.
Why we love them: chic designs, comfortable fits, a polished alternative to chunky sneakers.
Where to Buy: Sézane
5. Spring Court: The Classic Tennis Sneaker
Loved by everyone from French schoolkids to John Lennon, Spring Court is a cult favorite. Originally a tennis shoe, it’s light, breathable, and ultra-comfortable—an essential for warm weather and city walking.
Why we love them: timeless silhouette, ventilated sole, available in canvas and leather versions.
Where to Buy: Spring Court
6. Le Coq Sportif: France’s Heritage Sneaker Brand
Looking for a sportier French sneaker? This heritage brand has made athletic shoes for over a century. Expect retro runners that fuse performance with fashion—perfect with cropped Parisian Style Jeans.
Why we love them: iconic retro vibe, comfortable for walking, affordable and accessible.
Where to Buy: Le Coq Sportif
7. Belledonne: The Luxe French Sneakers for Minimalists
Belledonne is discreet French luxury at its best—premium Italian leather, logo-free design, and quiet craftsmanship. If you love Common Projects, this is your French match. Pair with a pared-back coat and Parisian Handbag Styles.
Where to Buy: Belledonne
8. Asphalte: Customizable & Built to Last French Sneakers
Asphalte champions slow fashion through pre-orders and long-lasting materials. The sneakers age beautifully over time. If you appreciate sustainable luxury, you’ll also love 19 Affordable French Jewelry Brands. pre-order and customize their sneakers.
Why We Love Them:
- Sustainable & built for longevity
- Customizable with different materials & colorways
- Made with conscious production practices
Where to Buy: Asphalte – pre-orders only
9. Zèta: The Future of French Sneakers
For those seeking the ultimate in sustainability, Zèta is redefining what it means to be an eco-friendly sneaker brand. Founded in 2020 by Laure Babin, Zèta was built with a zero-waste philosophy, ensuring that every sneaker is made from recycled, plant-based, or bio-sourced materials.
What sets Zèta apart is its commitment to circular fashion—the brand not only avoids plastic but also offers a sneaker entirely designed to be recyclable. Crafted in Portugal with fair labor practices, these sneakers are as comfortable as they are responsible, proving that sustainability and style can go hand in hand.
Why We Love Zèta:
- 100% vegan and made from recycled materials
- Designed to be fully recyclable at the end of their lifespan
- Minimalist, sleek designs perfect for everyday wear
- Ethically produced in Portugal with a transparent supply chain
Where to Buy: Zèta Official Website
10. French Luxury Sneakers: High Fashion Meets Streetwear
France’s top luxury houses have all embraced the sneaker trend, merging high fashion with sporty practicality. Think Dior B27, Chanel sneakers, Louis Vuitton LV Trainers, Balenciaga, and Saint Laurent Court Classics—then pair them with a Parisian handbag for balance.
- Dior B27 & B30 – Sleek, modern, and crafted with premium leather.
- Chanel Sneakers – Timeless styles that embody French luxury.
- Louis Vuitton LV Trainers – A favorite among sneaker collectors.
- Balenciaga Sneakers – Bold, chunky, and avant-garde.
- Saint Laurent Court Classics – A rock-chic essential.
Where to Buy: Mytheresa, 24s, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Chanel
French Sneakers for Women
What do French women actually wear day to day? Veja Campo or Esplar for clean white looks, Bensimon in summer, Spring Court G2 for breathable comfort, and Sézane Jack for something trendier. For dressier moments, Chanel and Dior B27s are go-tos.
Made-in-France Sneakers
A few models from Spring Court are still made in France. Many French brands produce in Portugal or Italy for their craftsmanship expertise. For vegan options, check out Zèta, made in Portugal with a zero-waste philosophy.
French Running Shoe Brands
If you love the look of French running shoes, explore Salomon and Le Coq Sportif for retro runners or fashion-forward takes from Dior and Balenciaga. They focus more on lifestyle than athletic performance—but Parisians wear them everywhere.
Where to Buy (France & Online)
Brand sites: Veja, Bensimon, Spring Court, Sézane, National Standard, Belledonne, Zèta, Le Coq Sportif.
Retailers: 24S, Mytheresa, Printemps, Galeries Lafayette, Le Bon Marché.
In Paris, most of these brands have their own boutiques—check addresses and hours before visiting.
The Best French Sneakers for Every Style
Whether you’re after iconic canvas slip-ons, sleek leather kicks, or sporty retro styles, French sneakers offer the perfect blend of style, comfort, and timeless appeal.
Looking for more French fashion tips? Check out my guide to Must-know French Fashion Brands Parisians Love!
Which of these sneakers would you wear? Let me know in the comments!
Related Reading
- 20 French Brands Like Sézane
- 19 Affordable French Jewelry Brands
- Parisian Handbag Styles
- What to Wear in Paris in the Spring
- The Best Parisian Style Jeans
FAQs
What sneakers do French women wear?
Veja (Campo/Esplar), Bensimon tennis shoes, Spring Court G2, and Sézane Jack are the everyday staples. For elevated looks, Chanel and Dior sneakers are common.
Are Veja French or Brazilian?
Veja is a French brand, but most production happens in Brazil and Portugal using organic and fair-trade materials.
Which French sneakers are made in France?
Some lines from Spring Court and Sessile are made in France. Others, like Belledonne or National Standard, manufacture in Portugal or Italy.
What are the best sneakers for walking in Paris?
Low-profile leather or canvas sneakers: Veja Campo/Esplar, Spring Court G2, and National Standard. Avoid overly heavy or chunky soles for cobblestones.
What’s a classic French white sneaker?
Veja Campo or Esplar, National Standard N°1, and Spring Court G2 Leather—clean, minimal, timeless.
