The Best Walking Shoes For Paris Travel

Last Updated on December 15, 2025 by Martina McKeough

Want to know the best walking shoes for Paris Travel? Well hopefully I can give you a unique insight into the French capital having traveled there reguarly since I was a small child. Paris is a beautiful city but it has its unique challenges which you need to take into account when thinking about shoes to pack for walking around the city.

Let me give you the inside scoop on the type of streets and terrain you’ll encounter, the weather and some unique steps you need to take because of our furry dog friends.

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Veja Women’s Campo Sneakers

If you are visiting Paris in the spring or summer then wearing white trainers will always be chic. I love the Veja brand because they are stylish and also comfortable.

The design of these sneakers isn’t too embellished or faddy so they will look equally good whether you are wearing them with jeans or a flowy summer dress.

These have a cushioned footbed which means that they are going to be easier to wear around those cobbled streets. Plus the lacing means you can adjust them to fit you perfectly so that there is minimal rubbing and friction when you are walking all those steps. They are also lightweight so your feet won’t feel fatigued as you stroll around the city.

Check out my links online and you’ll see there are variations in the V logo that you can buy as well so that you can wear your favourite colou

Adidas Women’s VL Court 3.0 Sneaker

If you are into the retro look then a great alternative are the Adidas VL Court sneakers which are one of their best selling shoes this year.

Again they are cushioned for comfort which makes all the difference when you are walking over 10,000 steps a day.

Keep the colourway simple with the standard white with dark stripes and you can’t go wrong.

Dr. Scholl’s Work Womens Madison Lace

If you want a brand that specialises in orthopedic footwear then Dr. Scholl have a great range of on trend styles. This brand has come on a long way since they made their wooden slip on clogs that were the summer shoe of the 70’s.

Again these have a retro look if you want to keep up with the fashion trends. Plus they have all the cushioning and arch support you need for long walks around the city.

What I love about these is that they have been pre-treated in parts with a easy clean repellant spray. When you read my tips about what shoes to bring in Paris later on you’ll see why this is so important.

The Best Walking Shoes For Paris in Winter

TOMS Women’s, Dakota Boot

During the winter if the weather is wet then it makes sense to wear boots instead of sneakers (unless they are waterproof). Just like the UK where I am from Paris can have some miserable wet rainy days in Autumn and winter so you need to be prepared.

I think you can’t go too far wrong with a pair of Chelsea boots especially when like these they have a lugged sole for traction and a water resistant upper.

If you are worried about the cold some colours also come with fur lining to keep your feet work.

These should go with everything and have an OrthoLite insole for comfort.

SOREL Women’s Kinetic Impact Caribou Plus Waterproof Boot

If you want to look on trend then my next favourite are any of the Sorel Kinetic range with the amazing wavy soles.

These are great because not only is the upper waterproof they are also insulated so they will keep your feet warm as you walk around Paris.

I love this design and have been raving about it since it first came out as it looks so different to everything else out there. In the land of fashion this is no bad thing.

Vionic Women’s Lani

Finally if you want an orthopedic boot then you can’t go wrong with Vionics.

I’ve chosen these because I have bought their footwear for years to help with plantar fasciitis and it works. Their footwear is comfortable and supportive meaning you can look after your foot health whilst you are on the go.

Plus these reminded me a little bit of Doctor Marten boots. I find DM’s aren’t particularly great for walking around for a long time so this is a great alternative.

The Best Walking Shoes For Paris in Summer

Steve Madden Women’s Mona

In the summer it can be harder to find something to wear on your feet that will keep you cool and comfortable whilst looking good as well but these Steve Madden flatform sandals fit the bill.

These have a great comfortable footbed with extra cushioning and arch support which is perfect for when you are walking about town. They also have straps which are adjustable which makes them more secure and stops annoying friction as you walk.

The upper is leather as well so you know you are getting a quality product that will last longer than other types of materials. Plus the black goes with everything making them a really versatile summer staple.

CUSHIONAIRE Entry Womens Ankle Wrap Sandal

For a more laid back but mediterranean vibe then these sandals look good as well plus they come at a more budget friendly price.

Whilst they aren’t made from leather they have plenty of positive reviews from people raving about how comfortable they are. Having arch support and cushioning is unusual in a budget shoe so these are a great buy.

Plus again they have straps which helps you to get the best possible fit which is so important when you are going to be on your feet in them all day and they work for wide feet.

Vionic Womens Mar Ankle Straps

For pricier sandals in good quality leather I’m back with another pair of Vionic sandals.

I don’t think you can go wrong with the brand because of the way they construct their footwear. Again these have arch support, that all important cushioning plus a deep heel cup.

The straps also make them adjustable and they look good as well which believe it or not is really difficult to find in an orthopedic shoe.

Shoes To Wear in Paris in Spring and Summer

Skechers Women’s Go Walk Lite – Gem Walking Shoes

Another footwear option for the warmer months in Paris are ballet flats for walking. They are never going to be as supportive as sneakers or boots but there are a couple of brands that do comfortable ones that will be wearable.

Sketchers are not necessarily high fashion but this black pair don’t stand out and will look good with most clothing.

I chose these because unlike traditional ballet flats which tend to have a thin sole these have a chunkier one which gives you far more cushioning.

Naturalizer Womens Behold

Naturlizer also does a great pair which is a cross between a ballet flat and a Mary Jane shoe. If you don’t want to stick with black they also have options in animal print and gold as well plus they come in a wide fitting if you need it.

Again these have a thicker sole to cushion your feet and the material of the shoe is soft rather than harsh to give you extra comfort. They also have that all important arch support.

The strap makes them more secure as well so you don’t have to worry about them slipping off your feet.

What You Need to Know About Walking Around Paris

Hopefully I’ve given you a good idea of the best walking shoes for Paris travel but before packing your bags for your trip read on to learn more about why the footwear I’ve chosen is suitable for your destination.

Cobblestones & Historic Streets

I’m from London which has some cobbletone streets and uneven pavements but nothing like you will find in Paris which is a whole other level.

You’re going to need shoes that give you comfort and support especially when you are strolling around the areas like Montmartre, Le Marais or the Latin Quarter. Think flats, sneakers or low-heeled boots just as I’ve shown with my picks.

Think Steep Hills

Certain areas of Paris such as Montmarte have narrow, winding and often very steep hills combined with the cobbletones in some cases. Plus the lead up to the Sacre-Coeur also has long staircases.

You need something that is going to give you good traction and stability if you are intending to walk around this area of the city.

There is Lots of Walking

Paris is a very walkable city in parts (I should know I’ve done it) but that can mean hours on your feet. Walking along the Seine or over bridges like Pont Neuf are going to involve you being on your feet for a long time and on some uneven surfaces.

Plus when you visit places like the Louvre, Musee d’Orsay or Versailles (just outside the city) you are also going to be spending hours standing and walking indoors. This means comfort is key. Make sure you have broken in your shoes before your trip otherwise your feet are going to suffer.

The Weather

I always think or Paris as a slightly more extreme version of London when it comes to the weather. In winter it tends to be a few degrees colder on average and in summer it can get roasting hot for much longer than London.

This also brings unique challenges with your footwear depending on what time of year you are planning to go. In winter traction is going to be key and you’ll need to make sure your shoes are waterproof. In summer you’ll want breathable footwear to prevent sweaty feet and over heating.

For those of you who want to wear sandals in the summer you are going to need cushioned designs that will be wearable over the cobbles.

The Parisians Love Their Dogs

One thing most tourist websites won’t tell you about Paris is that the city is known for having a large dog population. Whilst dogs are cute you are going to find that in some neighborhoods or parks there is dog mess on the streets that you are going to have to navigate around.

This means you need to think about what shoes you should wear to keep your feet protected. I certainly would advise against suede shoes or very light coloured canvas shoes as they aren’t easy to clean. Make sure you bring practical shoes like leather ones that can be wiped.

Even think like a Parisian and carry mini wet wipes or shoe cleaning wipes in your bag just in case.

You are In The Fashion Capital of Europe

Finally you are in the fashion capital of Europe which means you are competing with very stylish Parisians. Whilst you don’t have to be totally on trend you will find that the general population look chic and well presented even when they dress casually.

Think about wearing stylish, classic designs that don’t make you look out of place. Plus don’t forget the shopping. If ever there was a place to buy new footwear Paris is it.

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