Are High Heels Going ‘Out of Style’? More French Women Are Choosing Casual Footwear Over Stilettos

For decades, high heels symbolized elegance, power, and sophistication. From the glamorous streets of Paris to the world’s most exclusive fashion runways, stilettos have been a wardrobe essential for women.

But today, something unexpected is happening—the High Heels Fashion Trend seems to be taking a backseat as more women prioritize comfort over tradition.

The question arises: Are high heels slowly going out of style?

While the answer isn’t black and white, one thing is certain—casual footwear is taking over, and high heels are no longer a daily essential for many women.

Why Are French Women Ditching High Heels?

📌 A Shift Towards Comfort and Practicality

French women, once known for their effortlessly chic stiletto looks, are now opting for flats, sneakers, and chunky boots. But what is driving this shift?

✔ Comfort matters more than ever – Women today are constantly on the move, juggling careers, kids, and social lives.
✔ Post-pandemic lifestyle changes – With more people working from home, heels lost their everyday appeal.
✔ Fashion has evolved – The High Heels Fashion Trend is evolving, and stylish flats, sneakers, and chunky boots are now seen as fashionable rather than just casual wear.

A recent poll revealed that nearly half of French women admit they don’t even know how to walk in high heels—a stark contrast to the past, when stilettos were a must-have skill for Parisian women.

🚨 Does this mean the end of high heels? Not exactly. While heels will never disappear entirely, they are now being reserved for special occasions rather than everyday wear.

From Iconic to Occasional – The Changing Role of High Heels in Fashion

The decline in daily high-heel use is ironic, considering that modern France played a key role in making stilettos iconic.

A Brief Look at the History of the High Heels Fashion Trend

👠 Roger Vivier – The French designer is often credited with creating the first stiletto in 1954, introducing the famous aiguille (needle) heel.
👠 Christian Louboutin – His red-soled stilettos became a global luxury symbol, with prices starting at €800 ($870) per pair.
👠 Paris Fashion Weeks – For decades, high heels were non-negotiable on the runway and red carpets.

Yet today, many Parisian shoe stores have relegated stilettos to upper shelves, while flats, sneakers, and boots dominate the displays.

A Parisian shoe-shop manager, when asked if she sells many stilettos, responded:

“Oh là là, non! That’s over.”

The shift is undeniable. The High Heels Fashion Trend is no longer about daily wear—it’s becoming an occasional choice.

French Designer Marie Laffont – The Pioneer of Stiletto-Free Luxury Fashion

One of the leading voices in this transition is French designer Marie Laffont, who spent years designing high heels before launching her own brand focused on comfort and luxury.

✔ She worked with major brands like Christian Louboutin, Sonia Rykiel, and Zac Posen before realizing that she couldn’t find the perfect stylish-yet-comfortable shoe for herself.
✔ The turning point? During her pregnancy, she needed a flat shoe that was not a sneaker but still elegant.
✔ That’s when she decided to launch her own brand, blending luxury, comfort, and contemporary style.

“I didn’t want to have to compromise aesthetics for comfort, and I thought women would respond to that.”

And respond they did. Today, her brand is thriving, proving that women want footwear that matches their fast-paced, modern lifestyle.

The High Heels Fashion Trend is shifting towards stylish yet comfortable alternatives.

The COVID-19 Effect – How the Pandemic Accelerated the Shift

While the trend toward casual footwear was already gaining momentum, the COVID-19 pandemic pushed it forward at full speed.

Why COVID-19 Changed Women’s Footwear Preferences

✔ Work-from-home culture – Heels became irrelevant when people stopped going to offices and events.
✔ Casual fashion became mainstream – With the rise of loungewear and comfortable fashion, stilettos started feeling out of place.
✔ Women started prioritizing health – Many ditched heels to avoid back pain, foot strain, and long-term posture issues.

Marie Laffont agrees:

“I do think heels will always be important… but in today’s world, everyone is running around, riding the subway, cycling, or walking. Women want to be able to move in style and feel comfortable at the same time.”

This proves that the High Heels Fashion Trend is evolving rather than disappearing.

The High-Heel vs. Casual Footwear Debate – What’s Next?

🚨 Are High Heels Disappearing Completely?

Not quite! While high heels may be less common in everyday wear, they are still a staple for special occasions, formal events, and luxury fashion.

📌 Key Takeaways from the High Heels Fashion Trend:
✔ Casual footwear is now the go-to choice for daily wear.
✔ Sneakers, loafers, and chunky boots are no longer seen as just “comfort shoes”—they are now high fashion.
✔ Heels are becoming seasonal rather than everyday essentials.

“Women want comfort. What matters is that you can wear flat chunky boots with an elegant dress, and still be chic.”

So while heels aren’t disappearing, their role in fashion is evolving.

Final Thoughts – Is This the End of the High-Heel Era?

High heels may never go out of fashion entirely, but their dominance is definitely fading.

✔ The modern woman values comfort just as much as style.
✔ Parisian streets are now filled with stylish sneakers and sleek boots instead of towering stilettos.
✔ The shift from “chic” to “practical” is no longer temporary—it’s a long-term evolution in fashion.

The High Heels Fashion Trend is not vanishing—it is transforming to fit the needs of today’s women.

🚨 What do you think? Are high heels becoming a thing of the past, or will they make a comeback? Drop your thoughts in the comments! 🚨