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Once upon a time, if you arrived via an airplane, or left your hotel room, wearing puffy white sneakers, you were immediately branded un américain, scorned for your fashion faux pas. So Americans (myself included) purposely wore regular shoes so as not to be pegged as, well – Américains.

A few of us brave souls occasionally bared our American patrimoine (heritage), bucking fashion in favor of comfort. I sometimes wore sneakers, carefully sidestepping those of the puffy variety, and if anyone had a problem with it (or them), I didn’t see it. But I was in the minority in Paris as sneakers were vaguely interdit, and most wore regular shoes around town. When I returned to the States for visits, if I ran into friends, looking down at my feet, they thought I had returned to attend a funeral

Fast forward to right now and the ne plus ultra of sneakers in Paris have been Stan Smiths, which I began wearing when I was twelve years old. Parisians are starting their kids off the same way and I’ve seen families of four, marching down the overly trendy rue de Bretagne on a Saturday afternoon, each adult and child wearing the classic white tennis shoes with the signature forest green labels trailing behind them.

As is bound to happen to any trend (which seem to hold on in Paris longer than they do elsewhere), such as the mojito, which finally was displaced by twenty-sometimes when the Spritz showed up on the scene, Stan Smith sneakers have been on the wane.

No one is quite sure which direction les baskets, as sneakers are called in French, are going, or banking their euros (and wardrobes) on which sneakers to own. (Wikipedia France clarified tennis shoes are also referred to as les tennis, a term which is, of course, accompanied by a photo of Stan Smiths, whose caption notes they’re très populaires.) But les baskets have become the shoes of choice to wear in France. The French are sportif, and the shoes are more comfortable. And these days, no self-respecting jeune wouldn’t be caught dead not wearing sneakers when joining their basket-clad friends for a Spritz in a café.

I’ll have to admit that I felt a bit proprietary of Stan Smith sneakers. My childhood had been co-opted by les bobos, and I stopped wearing mine around town, switching to New Balance. But locals seem to be following my lead, again, and jumping on the New Balance bandwagon, probably because they are the most très américain of the lot. Indeed, no longer is it declassé to be très américian, but branché. So, theoretically, I’m back again, ahead of the curve around town. I never would have imagined that one day, I’d be at the forefront of style in the most stylish city in the world.

But as an about-face, a French brand, Veja, came on the scene, whose sparse website seems to echo their basket beliefs; transparency, organic, and fair-trade sourcing. To be honest, they’re pretty cool. (And to be honest, cooler than me.) It’s not just because they use “wild rubber,” but I like their clean look, colors, and lines. Oh, and they also make vegan sneakers as well.

Like the days of “no sneakers in Paris,” many of us remember how hard it was to find a vegetarian restaurant in France. (Some friends from California went to one in Paris and when I asked them the next day how it was; “It was fine,” they said, “But…there were no vegetables on the menu.”) Since then, vegan restaurants have supposedly flourished, enough to warrant naming Paris the world’s healthiest city due to its vegan restaurant offerings. (On the other hand, a vegan food festival was called off when faced with threats from hunters and farmers. But on another hand, butchers started demanding protection from vegan activists.)

Nowadays I’m overflowing with baskets, and tennises, so I’m not quite ready to add more to my collection, even if the French baskets are cooler than ours. And I’m finding that I haven’t worn my black shoes in months, maybe years. So I guess I’m following in their footsteps, and at the same time, becoming more French.

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59 comments

    • Patricia

    I enjoy you so much! Thanks for your blog/Instagram. Why is it that trends linger in France? I guess because they have that ‘cadre’ mentality.

      • David
      David Lebovitz

      I was talking to a caviste (wine shop owner) and we discussed the same thing. I remember when no one would touch rosé in Paris, and now the supermarkets and wine shops are filled with bottles every summer. (The mojitos were everywhere for years. Often in the drinks category, those trends are fueled by marketing campaigns.) Stan Smiths lasted a long time as well but they seem to be on the wane. I wonder what will be next?

        • soozzie

        Oh, the rosé! My husband is a fan, and just a few years ago had not much to choose from in the local G20 supermarket. Last visit — he counted 65 (!) (!) varieties of rose in our relatively small neighborhood store. And that was at Christmas!

    • Debbie

    Hallelujah…..I’ve been wearing All-Stars almost 24/7 for 6 years and finally am not getting crazy looks here in the Netherlands. Nothing beats comfortable sneakers, and so happy the EU has finally joined the bandwagon. Makes travel so much easier…don’t need all those extra shoes you only wear with one outfit!

    • Marcy

    What a terrific article! David’s insights about life in Paris – not to mention his fabulous culinary talents that he generously shares – are treasures. Looking at Stan Smith’s right now!!

    • Catherine

    Interesting post. I do like New Balance. are Vans recognised/worn there?

    • Susan Walter

    I’ve had to move over to sneakers because I developed heel spurs. My problem with them as an every day shoe in winter is that they aren’t warm enough.

      • Jmac

      Gortex with appropriate sock liners!

      • Brenda

      Try trail runners/hiking shoes. Mine are gortex so very water resistant and have much better grip. I need to fit orthotics in them.
      I wear warmer socks if it’s horribly cold.

      • Cyndy

      I found that sneakers made of vinyl (now called vegan ha ha!) are warmer than those made of leather or mesh.

    • Bernadette

    I love NB as well David–and once you get used to that memory foam, you’re toast! ;)

    • Charlotte K

    I was in Paris for a week last winter (Jan 2018). Not a tourist heavy time. There were so many people wearing “trendy” sneakers–a lot of New Balance in single colors. A shoe I myself find attractive and have owned at times.

    There is so much to be said for comfort and support. Because of my particular foot & ankle issues I wear Merrell trail shoes most of the time in as quiet colorways as I can find. They read like hiking boots, but I can’t walk in anything else. The only sneakers that work for me are the gigantic super-supportive ones that are even too huge and puffy for this through and through American!

    The only comfortable dress shoes I have (now the ONLY dress shoes) are a pair of black Mephisto ankle boots. Tres chic and truly comfortable but they were so expensive that I’m afraid of wearing them out; the style is discontinued; and they don’t have replaceable soles. So I wear them to restaurants and theaters and feel quite glam when I do. I wore their oxfords for years, but then they stopped working for my foot. Oh well.

      • Martha

      I love the Merrill barefoot shoes, too. I’ve worn them to work and running errands. I adore my Rothy’s, and wear them almost exclusively. I can walk all day in them.

    • Brenda Pawloski

    So now we’re going to be able to spot Americans because their dated guide books tell them to wear dark leather shoes?

    Even if Parisians are wearing baskets, I’M guessing that they still do not pair them with shorts in public? Fun post, David!

      • David
      David Lebovitz

      The trouble with guidebooks (and even blogs!) is that information/customs change. People do wear them with shorts, or sandals.

      Speaking of which, one trend was to wear socks with sandals, fueled by a hip hop/rap song, Claquettes chausettes (video). I used to wear that combo, just out of habit (from my California days), but I stopped because it didn’t seem very French. Guess I can do it again! : )

        • Emma

        Yes tennis or baskets can be worn with shorts but it is a tricky thing : not every basket with any short shape.

        Here lies the trap.

    • Lisa

    Last April when I visited Paris I was shocked to see les baskets paired with flowery, frilly dresses in nearly every shop window. I lived in France 30 years ago, when no self-respecting French person would have been caught dead in those white shoes.

    • Carol Gillott

    Funny just yesterday at a museum press preview I noticed someone wearing Stan Smiths (with black tights). Maybe it isnt too late for me to get on the bandwagon…

    • Taste of France

    As someone who had bunion surgery on one foot and probably should do it on the other, I am thrilled with the sneaker trend.
    I do recall that once upon a time, “ugly tourist” included white sneakers. And my husband was refused entry to the Campbell bar for wearing sneakers.
    For an excellent laugh, listen to the podcast “Everything Is Alive,” in which the sponsor, brilliantly, is Adidas and the real Stan Smith is interviewed by a “pair of Stan Smiths.” So meta.

    • Henri Moyal

    I’ve always believed that les baskets referred to high top sneakers while les tennis was used to designate the low cut ones.

      • David
      David Lebovitz

      Baskets seems to be the all-encompassing word for sneakers. I haven’t seen many (or any) high tops, but they are likely out there, too.

    • Jon

    We spent April and May two years ago in the Marais and all we saw were sneakers. And, when the weather warmed up in May, we even saw locals wearing (gasp!) flip flops on the street. We are going back in April and I’m bringing black sneakers for the day a black leather shoes for the evening (and no flip flops). I guess I’ll be hopelessly out of style.

    • Marilyn R

    Love your posts and today I learned a new French word- branché. Merci !

    • Billie

    The American influence is ubiquitous here, sadly. Even my French friends are bemoaning their loss of culture, and not just a little but more all the time. McDonalds burgers (ugh) are advertised so much on TV and just like in the States Burger King lets McDonalds figure out where traffic warrants a location and then across the street will follow the Burger King.
    I guess all those YouTubers will have to modify their “What to Wear Not to be Labeled a Tourist”.

      • David
      David Lebovitz

      It seems like McDo sets up near Lycées (high schools) and elsewhere where young people tend to congregate. They’re always packed at lunch, so their strategy seems to be working : – /

    • Erica

    Veja-owning American here! They are worth every penny. When my boyfriend and I went to Paris in 2014, he wore bright orange new balance 574s the whole time. A daring move, but he received several compliments on them (in French).

    • Susan Ulevitch

    Great post. I clearly remember in Paris learning the phrase ‘basket blanche’ as a term of derision for an American tourist in my 2004 French class. And being scolded by the waiter in 1986 Geneva for ordering salad at lunch. Still and all, France and Europe are special… hope stays that way.

      • Susan

      Hogans have been my ‘go to’ shoe. Very comfortable for walking yet not basket blanche:-)

    • lainie

    No New Balance for me. Trump supporters.

    • Lynn

    Perfect timing! We’re visiting Paris in a few weeks and here I thought I was going to have to accept the blisters from my more fashionable, but not walking-friendly, flats. Now I know I can mix in my white NBs and maybe even floral Vans and feel less touristy.

    • AB

    I just love your recipes and foodie advice. Shoes? Yikes! There is no elegance anywhere any more!! Yes I have trouble with my feet and no I don’t want my feet to look huge and cartoonish. My Podiatrist suggests giant shoes for his clients feet, yet he wears the most elegant leather very sleek shoes that are the most wonderful green. The trend of sports clothes for everyone all the time, with writing on them no less, drives me to distraction! I cannot wait for the trend of close fitting clothes to return along with the trend to know how to stay slim and eat right. Sports clothes are for working out, there can be a casual comfortable without being uncomfortable and having to cross over to the dark side.

      • Patti

      I agree, AB, sports clothes are for working out, not for wearing all the time! What happened to lovely, modest clothing, especially for women. However, I do like David’s take on sneakers in Paris and I’m glad to hear it! I was there in 1992 for a month and I wore my “walking shoes” to lunch at the Ritz Hotel and you should have seen the looks! I thought the maî·tre d’hô·tel was not going to seat us ! The first thing he looked at was my shoes and he actually did sneer. I laughed it off, thank goodness. Lovely lunch, by the way, David — and I love your posts !

    • LT

    I lived in Europe 25 years ago in my youth when there were quite a few differences between (ugly?) American culture and the Europeans. I’m a little saddened that the world is homogenizing. Now, Scandinavian posts about chia seed porridge and avocado toast (over herring and akvavit), yoga pants and les baskets. International trends are boring in a way. (Even if they are comfortable, or yummy).

    • Bricktop

    Our French friends three daughters (23, 20, 17) are mad for the Converse Chucks. We sent them each over a pair for their birthdays and Christmas. Judging by the reactions to Instagram posts (via my daughter as I am not age appropriate for that app) all their friends are fans too.

    • Alison

    I noticed back in September that women were wearing metallic athletic shoes– usually silver, to go with their black outfits. They ranged from shiny silver shoes to grey or white with metal accents. I looked all over when I got home, and finally found a bronze pair which j’adore.

    • Sue from Pleasanton

    How delightful! I’m old, and I wear what is comfortable. I used to love shoes and had many styles and colors; now I love seeing others wear them. Now I wear either Crocs or Uggs, depending on the temperature. Being comfortable results in one being pleasant and kind.

      • Cyndy

      Ha ha, I love this! I have to admit that when we spend our 7 months in SW France, I dress differently than I do in the US. But the older I get, the more I welcome the move to more comfortable shoes in France. I still wear mostly black and pants much tighter than I’m comfortable growing up with in the US, but the shoes… bring them on. It’s all about my back now. And I finally feel okay to wear sandals.

    • Anne Bourget

    I stand by the low cost Converse, which my French friends also favored. Several liked searching for the high tops in bold colors. Still wear my Converse, but also wear my All Birds a lot.

      • Awfulknitter

      I once saw a whole group (eight or more people, from children to middle aged people) brunching together at the Ladurée tea rooms on rue Bonaparte. All of them were wearing All Stars!

    • jane stevens

    converse chuck taylors are available in all black once in a while in the US. not nearly so gauche as the tennies with the white soles and toes.

    • Michelle McArthur

    I do so enjoy your posts – and a belated very big thank you for the heads up about the new bus timetable
    Greatly appreciated.

    • Susan

    Well if this doesn’t beat all! After reading this I moved on to a food site I have never visited……and all the ads that were popping up? Pour les baskets of assorted brands.A bit creepy. Is there anything the Internet doesn’t know about us??

    • Rita M

    Many, many years ago I wandered around Paris in my then, favorite shoes-new, white leather K-Swiss. Often, as I waited for the pedestrian signal to change people would surreptitiously look down at my feet. On two occasions, I was asked if I was a nurse. I never realized that was a Parisian “no-no” until several years ago.

    • Deborah Hodges

    Oh my gosh, this article took me back to my first trip to France in high school in 1973! You do the math….lol! We were NOT allowed to bring tennis shoes or wear jeans. A couple of kids packed Levi jeans and sold them in Paris. It took a long time for tennis shoes to make the scene in France. Thank you for the article, David. Took me down memory lane!!!

    • rl

    Blundstones!

    • Ina

    Yay!!!!!

    • Peggy

    When my son and I were in the south of France I wanted a couple of Santons, one with a man holding baskets. That’s when I learned that baskets were some type of shoes. We all had a good laugh, which i remember every time I look at that lovely gentleman with his baskets.

    • gfy

    Gotta say those Nike’s above would look great on any guy as an all around shoe – excellent color combo. Can easily see them with slacks and a jacket.

    • Roumiana Stoianova

    Thank you David. You solved my shoe problem for next month when I am going to Bordeaux. I have very sensitive feet, neuropathy and other conditions and all I can wear c’est des baskets et des Skechers, which you didn’t mention, but they are so comfortable for me. I am going just with a carry on (I have a broken arm still healing) to 2 countries for 2 months, so I am taking 2 pairs of shoes only.

    • Cary Bradley

    Oh my gosh, that picture at top! What delightful memories. My husband adored the shoes and wore them to our wedding!!! He painted the green white, but still my mother was mortified. :) Wedding was such fun that we ran out of the church, to applause (35 years ago, in the days before wedding goers applauded at a wedding applauded)! Thanks for the beautiful memory, Monsieru Lebovitz :)

    • Marie-Elisabeth Craig

    Salut,

    I remember my first pair of Stan Smith bought with my first job washing dishes in a restaurant on the weekends. I was 15 and finally got my pair! This was in Alsace, France where the cool kids got Lewis 501 and Stan Smith. My whole paycheck for the pair! I am now 55, live in San Francisco and always amused and delighted to read you! I am working to make every single recipe of your ice creams. So far, all delicious! Merci.

    • Kameela Hays

    Love this post and not a mixing bowl in sight. As you’ve gone back to shoes it can only mean that you’re well and truly integrated

    • Ttrockwood

    Well. Brace yourself.
    (Note i work as a fashion designer)
    The next terrifying footwear trend -for women anyhow- is the “tourist sandal”, basically a version of Tevas. There are designer level options hitting stores now or soon, (fendi, gucci, prada, chanel, etc) but they will be at every price point within the year. Probably not mass market until spring 2020.
    And yes, with socks for the truly fashion forward types.

    PS
    I’ve actually been buying men’s new balance sneakers for myself for decades! I have big feet and mens have better dark neutral combos

    • Beth

    I’m learning French so I should have realized this said “les baskets” but for a minute I thought it said “leg baskets” and now that’s my favorite new term for sneakers

    • Violette kogut

    I am French, when I go to France from Washington I wear my « baskets » to the désespoir of my sister who is so chic.
    I will no longer wear dress shoes to travel, I love my baskets and I am of a certain age.
    By the way, I have most of your books, L’appart was funny. I felt for you; you were so patient with the worker…

    • Violette kogut

    I am french ,when I go to France from Washington I wear my « baskets » to the désespoir of my sister who is so chic.
    I will no longer wear dress shoes to travel,I love my baskets and I am of a certain age.
    By the. Way I have most of your books,l’appart was funny,I felt for you,you were so patient with the worker..

    • Phoebe

    Yes to most of the comments above. But what galls me is the mess of shoes outside the apartment door which is so incredibly inconsiderate to the neighbors. And even if it’s a totally private hallway, the shoes should be arranged neatly. This is the same mentality on the part of parents that leads to permissive parents letting children misbehave in restaurants, etc.

      • Cyndy

      Wow! From messy piles of shoes come bratty kids!! I don’t agree, but it made me laugh.

    • Phoebe

    Sorry for poor editing above.

A

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