7 Chic Shoe Trends French Women Are Wearing With Jeans in 2026

If there’s one thing fashion people in the UK and in France can agree on, it’s the importance of owning a good pair of jeans. Easy to style, versatile and, most importantly, comfortable, you’ll find denim trousers of some sort in the capsule wardrobes of stylish British and Gallic dressers alike. And this shared love also brings about a common dilemma: choosing which shoes truly look best with jeans.
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Now, of course, I already know that there are a number of very basic footwear styles that pair universally well with all jeans. But as a born and raised London girl, I’m not ashamed to say that the French fashion set is always my first port of call for jeans-and-shoe pairings that look fresh, elevated and just that little bit more on trend. And on my recent trip to Paris, I discovered seven key shoe trends that the Gallic girls will be wearing with their denim this year. And luckily for you, I rounded them up below.

From elegant suede loafers to effortlessly cool mesh flats, keep scrolling to discover the seven chic shoe trends French women are wearing with jeans in 2026.

7 Chic Shoe Trends French Women Are Wearing With Jeans in 2026

1. Backless Kitten Heels

Style Notes: The French girls love themselves a ‘90s trend, and with the recent resurgence of backless loafers, flats and trainers, it was only natural that kitten heels were the next step. They look chic, help to keep denim hemlines off the floor, and the lower heel height ensures all-day comfort.

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2. Slingback Flats

Style Notes: We already know that the French girls love ballet flats, but to make them feel fresh for 2026, they’re opting for slingback iterations. Adding a touch of elegance to your jeans outfits, this combo is perfect for when you want to wear your dark-wash jeans to the office.

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3. Suede Loafers

Style Notes: Loafers are just as popular across the pond as they are here in the UK. However, when they want a flat-shoe that’s slightly more elevated than classic leather, the French girls turn to supple suede iterations that are just as versatile but bring some polished edge to their jeans outfits.

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4. Pointed Ankle Boots

Style Notes: Ankle boots of any kind look good with jeans, but opting for a pair with a pointed toe brings a more directional feel to your outfit. I’m especially into the pared-back Western style that Franny is wearing with wide-leg indigo jeans above.

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5. Mesh Ballet Flats

Style Notes: French brand Alaïa’s mesh flats have quickly become a favourite amongst the fashion crowd since their release in 2022, and since then, there have been a number of options to choose from on both the luxury and high-street market. They’re comfy, easy to wear, and both look and feel cool throughout the warmer months.

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6. Chunky Chelsea Boots

Style Notes: If flat shoes are your thing but you still want to keep hemlines off the floor, chunky Chelsea boots should be your first port of call. They come French-girl approved, and of course, in true Gallic fashion, they love to pair them with bootcut and flared jeans alike.

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7. Minimal Trainers

Style Notes: The days of chunky, ostentatious trainers are gone, with fashion people turning to minimal, low profile styles instead. They’re versatile, look put together and lend themselves much better to dressing up for more formal events.

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