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ABOUT US
French Sole is a footwear brand founded in 1983 in New York and owned by Randy Ochart. The brand is best known for its dedication to the ballet flat and has operated continuously for over four decades. Established in New York in the early 1980s, French Sole built its reputation around refined design, proper fit, and everyday comfortprior to the emergence of other footwear brands that later adopted similar names. From the beginning, French Sole focused exclusively on the ballerina, emphasizing construction, wearability, and timeless appeal rather than trend-driven fashion.
Today, French Sole offers hundreds of ballet flat variations, produced in collaboration with long-standing manufacturing partners in Spain, Italy, France, and Brazil. The brand’s philosophy centers on craftsmanship, fit, and understated elegance.
Since the 1980s, our boutique has been a staple in New York’s fashion scene. Recognized as a shopping icon, French Sole has earned praise from New York Magazine’s "Best Stores in New York" and been featured in Elle, InStyle, Vogue, O, Glamour, and more. Our brand has evolved while staying true to its mission, offering the finest ballet flats with an unmatched combination of comfort and style.
French Sole offers an extensive range of ballet flat styles with over 300 unique designs. From classic leathers and suedes to luxurious Italian calfskin, Spanish kidskin, and hand-beaded embellishments, our collections are curated for fashion lovers who value both chic design and comfort.
Beyond ballet flats, we also feature designer brands, ensuring a wide variety of premium footwear options for every occasion.
Quality is at the heart of everything we do. Our shoes are crafted in renowned European factories, ensuring the highest standards of production. We work closely with skilled artisans who specialize in the fine art of shoemaking, using luxurious materials and expert techniques to create footwear that lasts a lifetime.