Shoes for Paris in April
 

Please don't respond negatively if fashion isn't your thing. Thank you. :)

If the weather is chilly when we go in April (I'm from south, chilly is low 60s and below), will people still be wearing boots with their leggings and skinny jeans? I have a comfy pair of riding boots, but not sure to take them during spring time or stick to ballet flats. Thanks!

Take both. You'll probably see both worn on the streets of Paris at that time of year. Perhaps the boot wearers are all from the south!

If you think that low 60s is chilly then take your boots

If you plan to do a lot of walking (which is the best part of Paris) take something comfortable and save the riding boots and ballet flats for evening. Fashion is high on my list, but below comfort.

I would never haul knee length boots around Europe - except in midwinter. If you think 60's is cold and you want boots (50s and rainy is likely) - bring ankle boots that are both comfy and waterproof. Also a pair of cute waterproof walking shoes. leave ballet flats - or wedge heels - for evening. (High heels aren;t great unless you know how to walk in them on cobblestones and uneven pavements.)

I love riding boots for any temp under 65 - they are my sturdiest, most reliable walking boots. I'd take those. I wouldn't do ballet flats unless they have a thicker sole because cobblestones and uneven pavement are tough with thin, flexible soles.

Riding boots would take up half my suitcase. I am in Paris almost every year in March, when it can be even rainier and colder than in April, and I have never needed knee-length boots. I usually take a pair of comfy ankle boots for rainy days and really heavy-soled fashionable flats for the rest of the time. My ankle boots also have sneaker-like heavy soles, but are fashionable to pair with just about anything I need to wear. The soles blend in with the rest of the boot so you don't even notice they are almost an "athletic"-like boot.

Beautiful walking weather in Paris at the moment. Heavier soled casual shoes (eg Keens) and jeans are fine for non fashionable males. As for females, well you'll have to compete with the exquisite locals. If the legs are cold just step up the walking pace and before you know it it'll be time for another 'best hot chocolate' or whatever.

Yes, people will definitely still be wearing boots and if they're comfortable for you and you have room to pack them, you'll fit right in.

I wouldn't think twice about taking knee boots if they're comfortable. The last time I was in Paris in the spring, it rained every day and was cold. I wish I'd had boots. My daughter (39ish) wore knee high boots day and night when we were there last fall. That being said, if you're not comfortable wearing them on the plane (and taking them off at security), I'd pass. They do take up a lot of precious space in your baggage.

Take the boots. Wear them on the plane to avoid taking up all the room in your suitcase with them. Ballet flats are not adequate footwear for sightseeing in Paris (take them along if you want for evenings or for in your hotel room).

I would also include a 3rd pair of shoes that is more practical.

I brought those heavy rubber soled black almost like sneakers but not, with the velcro closings and wore heavy socks. Nobody noticed with jeans or black slacks. Not so fashionable but Saved my feet cause Paris is a lot lot lot of walking. Cant imagine doing all that walking in hard leather soled boots. Saved the high heels for going to dinner by taxi :)

Riding boots are great for riding. Not very comfortable for walking miles and miles (even if they are just riding-style boots). I would take something both stylish and more comfortable.

Take the shoes/boots you would wear in New York in April. Best bet: buy shoes there.

I was there in November (granted almost winter so they were more stylishly acceptable then) and wore my riding style boots with a low flat heel almost every day. As long as they are broken in and you are used to walking ridiculous amounts in them you should be fine. I do strongly recommend bringing more comfortable (but still stylish) shoes if you go out to Versailles though and as a back up. I wear mine all the time around NYC and Philly with no issues but after 30 mins on the cobble stone at Versailles my feet were killing me! You might hit 60 degrees in April but it will most likely be colder than that still and raining. I would take them. I packed mine in my suitcase but stuffed them with undies and socks so they weren't wasting space. You may want to bring a plastic bag to put your shoes in for the trip home though. The amount of dirt and grunge that builds up on your shoes in that city is amazing! Personally I didn't want to put my nasty dirty shoes against clean clothes for the trip home. Have fun!

I wore ankle boots and flats last April and both were fine. It is more important that whatever you wear is comfortable. Most people we saw on the street were in expensive brand name sports shoes.

I'm into fashion and always take my knee boots when there in spring. Although I go to Paris during different seasons, I have been there in April at least a dozen times. It will still be a bit cold and will probably rain.

By wearing knee boots, my legs stay warm. I also wear tights with the knee boots and Paris has a great collection of tights, so I always end up picking up a few new pairs; especially the Wolfords and a few other brands.

I wish I could find a great pair of riding/polo boots, but with a side zipper. I've been looking for a pair for a couple of years. I should have had a custom pair made while down in Buenos Aires. If I had a pair, I would definitely wear them in Paris. I love boots and mine are extremely comfortable and give my feet and legs great support to walk all day in. Happy Travels!

Knee length boots are my staple wear here in Glasgow, dead comfy and I can wear them with trousers, jeans, skirts and dresses. I'd never wear walking boots in a city unless there's a lot of snow on the ground...

St. Cirq, would you share your brand of shoe that is both heavy soled and fashionable? I have trouble finding both in one shoe!

I'm no slouch in the hoofing it department, but I've got to say I've been surprised to be overtaken a few times this week by Parisian women wearing either short boots or classy (definitely non sporty) shoes - perhaps they do it in short bursts when overtaking disreputable looking types and that, plus the disappointing cigarette puffing, keeps them thin, if not fit.