What Shoes Do Scandi Girls Actually Wear?

You never think you’re going to be the person taking clandestine foot photos on the street. Yet, there I was in the Danish capital, not-so-subtly documenting Copenhagen style and stalking every Scandi girl with a killer pair of kicks. (Insert face-palm emoji.)

Now, in my defense for this weird (and I swear unusual!) behaviour, I was in the Nordic city with Ecco, the Danish shoe brand whose head office is just outside the city, so footwear was very much on my mind. We were there to celebrate Ecco’s second collaboration with Italian design studio RAL7000STUDIO that will be available in Canada on August 16. These aren’t your aunt Carol’s sneakers — part combat boot, part runner, the icy-coloured shoe draws from references to Y2K skate culture and is begging to be worn with baggy, low-rise pants.

And there were interesting shoes as far as the eye could see in Copenhagen. There was the usual assortment of sneakers and sandals, a must in the summer and when your main mode of transport is the bicycle. But as I learned during my trip, Copenhagen style is all about surprising combinations, and that most definitely applied to footwear: Suits and flip-flops; athletic sneakers and coquette skirts; tall boots and long shorts.

With so much Copenhagen style inspo, it was hard to keep track so I compiled a cheat sheet of the five shoe styles I saw Scandi women wearing over and over again — plus, where to wear them when visiting the stylish city.

Ecco sneakers

The trend: While it may not (yet) feel this way in Canada, Ecco has very much achieved a cult-like status in  Copenhagen. Everywhere I went I spotted the “E” logo embossed on sneakers and sandals.

The look: Tailored trousers or a linen jumpsuit. As seen above, this content creator opted for the second and paired a beautiful coral one-piece with some Ecco runners. The casual shoe is perfect for all the biking that Copenhagen demands and makes the outfit more relaxed. How do you say “laissez-faire” in Danish?

Where to wear them: While shopping along Strøget, one of the longest pedestrian-only streets in Europe. The cobblestone can run your tootsies pretty ragged and if playful pottery, minimalist jewellery and Scandi-girl clothes are your thing, you’ll want to shop for hours! Comfortable shoes are very much a must.

Flip-flops

The trend: To paraphrase the philosopher @kelsey_simone, do people know that in 2024, we’re wearing flip-flops in a Carolyn Bessette Kennedy and Olsen Twins way, and not the Adam Sandler and retired surfer way? In Copenhagen, they certainly know the difference, as this was hands-down the most popular shoe I spotted all week.

The look: There were no limits as to how they were styled. With a long denim trench? Sure. A soccer jersey and skirt? Why not! But our favourite has to be the quintessential Scandi-girl uniform: oversized blazer, silky dress and tall socks, because, after all, naked feet are so 2023.

Where to wear them: While grabbing lunch at Aamanns Replik. Enjoy a walk along the waterfront and maybe even a quick dip in the Baltic Sea (if you’re brave), before stopping for some quintessential Scandinavian open-faced sandwiches. Trust me, you’ve never had smoked salmon like this.

Ballet flat hybrids

The trend: Are these sporty? Are they preppy? Who can tell? A ballet flat with a sneaker sole, these shoes are quintessential Copenhagen style. You’ll be singing Hannah Montana’s “Best of Both Worlds” in no-time.

The look: A mix of prints and patterns. Just as these sporty flats are blending together different aesthetics, the Scandi girlies were combining all sorts of prints into one cohesive look. Bonus points for a matching headscarf and baseball cap.

Where to wear them: While getting a cardamom bun at Sankt Peders Bageri, the oldest bakery in Copenhagen. Affectionately known by me as The Golden Pretzel (on behalf of the sign), this foodie destination was steps away from my hotel (Hotel SP34) and became my go-to breakfast destination.

Knee-high boots

The trend: In case you were wondering if 25ºC stopped Scandi girls from wearing boots, you’d be wrong. Leather, embroidered, sequins and plastic ones all made an appearance during the week and were giving some major Cowboy Carter vibes, minus the American patriotism.

The look: Jorts or Bermuda shorts. Live in your “Free the Knee” era and let those puppies breathe. Like the above, wear a preppy button-down to offset the dad vibe and don’t be afraid to add some oomph with your sunnies.

Where to wear them: While shopping at Ganni Postmodern a.k.a. the Ganni outlet store. With no AC (#Europe), this tiny shop gets hot, sweaty and crowded pretty quickly. What makes it worth it are the deals, and the VAT refund (IYKYK). These sturdy toes will come in handy when you’re fighting a tall blonde for a half-price peplum top. I speak from experience.

Heeled mules

The trend: Who needs straps anyways? Make like the Danes and ditch your ankle stabilizers in favour of a heeled mule. Think of it as a fancier slipper and the streets are simply an extension of your bedroom.

The look: Embrace colour! Green shoes may seem a bit radical to the usually demure North American but in Copenhagen, it’s just your average Tuesday. Learn your colour wheel and pair the brightly hued shoes with a complimentary tone, as seen here with this pink Marimekko skirt.

Where to wear them: While eating dinner at Restaurant Levi. First off, the decor looks more like an art gallery than an eatery and plan to spend an extended period of time in the bathroom — in a good way! — as the all-pink interior is perfect for a pre-dinner outfit pic. Then enjoy the Italian and Japanese fusion cuisine, an unexpected pairing to be sure, but like the shoes, a welcome surprise.