The countdown is on: festival season kicked off last weekend with Coachella. In France too, summer is all about open-air concerts, from dusty fields to trampled lawns. To step out and hit the dance floor in both style and comfort, here’s a roundup of timeless and comfy shoe picks.
Channeling that Wild West vibe
Straight from the American West, cowboy boots have become a key accessory in recent seasons. Highly versatile, this iconic unisex boot comes in high or low versions, leather or suede, with or without charms. At Louis Vuitton, it’s a full-on cowboy: faded jeans or leather trousers paired with a flashy belt, topped with a button-up flannel or fringed suede shirt.
In a more bohemian version: think Chloé or Isabel Marant, they’re styled with floaty, light-toned pieces, layered accessories like chunky necklaces and bracelets, and feathers tucked into ribbon-trimmed hats. For an indie sleaze twist, channel Miley Cyrus in “Party in the USA” with micro shorts and a loose tank: a throwback to the 2010s.
Rain boots to weather any storm
Last year, part of the We Love Green festival was cancelled due to bad weather, a reminder that even in summer, the forecast can throw curveballs. To stay stylish through the puddles, rain boots are your ultimate allies. Across the Channel, Glastonbury veterans know the drill: in the face of mud and wind, practicality reigns.
To balance out the chunky boot look and keep things feminine, go for micro-dress or mini shorts. Add tights or tall socks for a bit of edge. Feeling bold? Pair your rain boots with a lace-trimmed slip dress like Vaillant or go bright with a yellow pop to brighten up grey skies. Stay dry without sacrificing style.
Dr. Martens: The unofficial festival sponsor
If there’s one pair of shoes worth the break-in pain, it’s this one. With thick socks and a stash of plasters, you “break in” your Docs and then they become your go-anywhere besties.
Tough, stylish, and nearly indestructible, Docs are a smart choice for mud, dust, and endless walking. Their rock or even punk vibe pairs perfectly with the carefree, rebellious energy of festivals. The British brand even has a dedicated section on its website for music-marathon-friendly shoes from boots and derbies to durable sandals made to withstand (almost) anything.
Converse: A festival headliner
The ultimate timeless sneaker, Converse shoes have spanned generations and stages alike. Deeply rooted in music culture, the brand supports festivals worldwide, from Broccoli City Festival in Washington D.C. to Afro Nation in Portugal. Just days ago, they dropped a new ad kicking off festival season, starring Tyler, The Creator, Billie Eilish, and Charli XCX.
This season, check out the collaboration with Daily Paper, inspired by boxing, designed to outfit you from head to toe. Or the newer Kenzo collab, giving Chuck 70 a fierce leopard-print makeover. Time to choose: go classic or grab a fresh drop?
Festival it-girls’ secret: flat sneakers
At Coachella this weekend, Hailey Bieber opted for one of her everyday staples: the flat sneaker. This time by Dries Van Noten, it elevated her sharp, minimalist outfit. A vintage Mugler corset went effortlessly with the sneaker’s streetwear DNA. A true champion of the “less is more” mantra, Hailey chooses pieces she loves without ever compromising on comfort. A style cue to follow for the festival marathon ahead.
Top contenders? Speedcat by Puma, Taekwondo by Adidas, and Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 are leading the pack.
