Our Story



For over 45 years, French Sole has been the ultimate destination for ballet flat lovers. Nestled in New York City's stylish Upper East Side, our boutique has become a haven for the world's largest collection of ballet flats. From New York's social elite to movie stars and royalty, French Sole has earned its reputation as the go-to source for elegant, comfortable, and expertly crafted footwear.

Through our iconic store and globally recognized FS/NY brand, French Sole offers an extensive range of ballet flat styles in over 300 treatments, including animal prints and exclusive, luxurious materials. What sets us apart is our unique combination of true fashion and unparalleled comfort, with a focus on perfect fitting. Each shoe molds to the wearer’s foot, delivering an exceptional blend of style and support that is unmatched in the industry.

Our passion for craftsmanship and innovation ensures that French Sole remains a specialist in true ballerina flats, offering footwear that combines timeless elegance with modern flair. While others reinvent the ballerina, we refine it. French Sole is about more than a trend; it’s about a legacy.

French Sole Boutique

Recognized as a New York shopping icon since the 1980s, our boutique has earned accolades from New York Magazine’s "Best Stores in New York" and has been featured in Elle, InStyle, Vogue, O, Glamour, Lucky, and more. At our Upper East Side locations, you’ll find the world’s most exciting collection of ballet flats and fashion-forward comfort footwear. French Sole ballet flats are available in over 300 unique designs, featuring exquisite materials like soft Italian calfskin, Spanish kidskin, and hand-beaded embellishments.

Our boutiques prioritize personalized fitting and a curated shopping experience. With sizes ranging from 4 to 12, every customer can discover their perfect pair in an atmosphere of effortless elegance. It’s more than a store—it’s a paradise for ballet flat enthusiasts.

French Sole + Designer Brands

Expanding our offering, French Sole + Designer Brands is an elegant, expansive store featuring thousands of footwear styles. In addition to our own iconic brand, we showcase top designer labels like Bruno Magli, Fabiani, Pas de Rouge, and Ron White. For men, we carry exclusive styles from Valentino, Wolf & Shepherd, Alden, and Rancourt.

Comfort seekers will appreciate our selection of premium brands, including Waldlaufer, Brunate, Wolky, Beautifeel, Xsensible, Ara, and Jacques Levine slippers. Bargain hunters can explore our collection of samples and closeouts, with unbeatable weekly deals in the rear of the store. Sundays are especially popular, thanks to plentiful parking and exclusive discounts that draw savvy New York shoppers.

At French Sole, we don’t just sell shoes—we celebrate the art of fine footwear. From timeless classics to modern innovations, every pair reflects our commitment to style, quality, and comfort.