8 Shoe Mistakes Tourists Make in Paris

I just got back from two weeks in Greece, island-hopping with only a carry-on, which meant editing my packing list down to the bare essentials. The hardest part? Shoes. Like Carrie Bradshaw, I believe in the power of a great pair, so curating just a few that worked for ferries, dinners, and cobblestone streets felt like a challenge. But I pulled it off without repeating a single dinner look—and without dragging an overstuffed suitcase through narrow alleys or up too many marble stairs.

Years of traveling (and a few early fashion mishaps) have taught me that smart footwear choices make all the difference, especially in style-conscious cities like Paris. Whether you’re strolling through Saint-Germain or heading to dinner in the Marais, your shoes can either help you blend in or scream “tourist.” Here are the most common shoe mistakes I see—and the effortless, stylish swaps that will keep you comfortable and looking like a local.

Stylish Shoe Swaps for Paris

Don’t Wear: Kitten heels

Wear This Instead: Mesh flats

Kitten heels are as chic as a Chanel bag, but in summer, when you’re navigating Provence’s cobbled streets and perched seaside towns like Taormina, comfort is key. An easy trick for a look that won’t make your feet ache and still appear polished enough for a nicer dinner? Go metallic.

This sophisticated, square-toed ballet flat at J.Crew takes on a summer spin thanks to its breathable, handwoven leather design, and it pairs nicely with a casual ensemble like white linen shorts and a cropped matching top. For a dressier look, opt for wide-leg linen pants, a breezy, see-through silk top, and sculptural gold jewelry to add extra pop and match the metallic shade of your shoes.

Don’t Wear: Rainboots

Wear This Instead: Jelly shoes

Unless you’re glamping at Glastonbury or spending the end of summer helping a friend’s winery with harvest in the vines, there’s no reason rainboots should be on your European packing list. I purchased a pair of wellies for gorilla trekking in Uganda, and I have not taken them out of the box in the five years since. 

Don’t get me wrong, it does rain in Europe in summer, especially if you’re visiting somewhere like Bergen, Norway, on a cruise through the fjords. Nothing will ruin a trip quicker than slipping on slick streets after a downpour and breaking a bone (this is coming from someone who broke her foot last summer in sandals in Paris), so instead of wearing rainboots or sandals with zero tread, hop on the ‘90s bandwagon and rock a pair of jelly shoes, slides, or flats like this pair from Sam Edelman. The hardly-there heel and squared toe box are elegant touches that make these shoes look much more expensive than they are, and they’d look just as much in place at the beach as they would at a bar in Paris or Prague.

Don’t Wear: Boat shoes on land

Wear This Instead: Mary Jane loafers

An instant giveaway that you’re an American? Boat shoes. They may serve a practical purpose in summer in New England, when you’re heading from a sailboat straight into a restaurant in Newport, but you can find a style as comfortable for strolling all day through a city without looking like you’re ready to board a boat.

This Mary Jane-inspired G.H. Bass pair is a cross between a classic fisherman sandal look and timeless lug-sole loafers. The T-strap adds a touch of femininity and looks great with socks as well as sans, making them a versatile style to transition with the seasons (or wear in cooler spots this season like Copenhagen).

Don’t Wear: Hardware-heavy sandals

Wear This Instead: Woven leather sandals

Designers like Valentino may have brought ‘70s-style studs back into fashion, but in Europe, quiet luxury is still the look du jour, meaning less bling and more focus on quality basics. Skip sandals adorned with oversized gold buckles and statement hardware. Opt for a more subtle style that relies on texture to add the right amount of design detail. 

This pair from the cool French girl brand Sézane is a play on summer’s favorite fabric—raffia. The wide, Bordeaux-toned straps are beautifully woven the same way as a straw bag, but they’re much sturdier than most raffia sandals and look just as appropriate in summer as early fall, when there are still a few balmy days on the Mediterranean. Pair with cropped linen pants and a breezy tank, and you’ll fit right in whether you’re visiting a major city like Milan or lounging by the beach in Marseille.

Don’t Wear: Ballet flats

Wear This Instead: Espadrilles

Ballet flats have made a comeback in Paris as a fall wardrobe essential, but in summer, they’re replaced by effortlessly chic espadrilles, which designers like Chanel and Chloé have given a very stylish (and pricey) spin to the seasonal staple.

You can find a simple pair in any seaside shop along a promenade in the Mediterranean, but for a look on the slightly more elevated side, sport a style like this navy striped version from Lands’ End. The soft, flexible rope footbed ensures all-day comfort while sightseeing in cities like Barcelona, yet they’re durable enough to stroll through a park or along a sandy beach—and they’re lightweight, making them easy to pack in a tote or carry-on.

Don’t Wear: Sky-high stilettos

Wear This Instead: Clogs

Birkenstock sandals have been embraced in Paris the past few years as a comfortable (and, dare I say it, stylish?) alternative to flip-flop sandals. This season, I’m seeing clogs finally receiving the attention they deserve. While I’m all for the designer versions with wooden heels and fancy buckles, you don’t have to shell out hundreds for a pair that will become a travel go-to—and match everything from jeans and shorts to billowy linen dresses. 

These Boston mules are one of the best deals I’ve come across this season. Soft cushioning and arch support keep your feet from aching after a day of sightseeing, and their silhouette is both slimming and easy to slip on and wear around your villa on the French Riviera or out to dinner and drinks in Nice or Antibes.

Don’t Wear: Ankle strap sandals

Wear This Instead: Sleek sandal slides

Greek goddess is always a vibe in summer, but I can’t count the number of blisters I’ve received from super-thin strappy sandals—especially the kind that loop multiple times and tie around the ankle. While this style looks good in photos, it’s the opposite in person and can make someone on the shorter side, like me, look even more petite. Not only that, the straps often come undone, meaning you’ll be fussing around retying them instead of enjoying the scenery wherever you’re strolling through.

Instead, this slim pair at Everlane quickly dresses up an outfit with its polished strappy bows, yet they’re as easy to slip on as a pair of flip-flops. And if you do decide to pack a pair of heels, these are an easy solution to throw in a tote and swap out when you’re hopping on a bike or in the metro in Paris.

Don’t Wear: Running shoes outside of the gym

Wear This Instead: Vintage-inspired tennis shoes

I’m all about saving space while packing, so every shoe has to be versatile. But in France, there’s a huge distinction between sneakers designated for the gym and those intended for streetwear. In fact, some fitness studios even require switching out your walking shoes for a pair worn solely in an indoor space. From a fashion perspective, you’ll never see a Parisian wearing gym shoes while having an espresso on a terrace or even running into the neighborhood Monoprix grocery store. I wouldn’t even be caught dead there in flip-flops. 

I’m not saying rule out sneakers, just don a pair that are on the more structured side and take a cue from classic leather tennis shoes (yet would never find their way onto a court of any kind). This pair from Reebok checks all of those boxes, plus they double as a comfortable option for long-haul flights and trains. In fact, I’m wearing a version of these right now as I’m heading to a wine tasting in the Parisian countryside, and they look put together with everything from jeans and a tee to a skirt, which means I only needed to bring this one pair of shoes on my weekend getaway.

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