Lanvin shoes reflect two very different sides of the historic Parisian house. The Curb is exaggerated, colourful and instantly noticeable. The DBB1 is restrained enough to replace a conventional leather sneaker. Lanvin’s ballerinas and Midnight Step heels return to a more traditionally feminine design language.
This variety is an advantage, but it makes the collection harder to understand at first glance. Someone attracted to the Curb may not be looking for the same qualities as a shopper considering a nappa-leather ballerina or classic loafer.
Choosing the right pair therefore begins with silhouette. Decide whether you want the shoe to lead the outfit, blend into it or add a precise decorative detail.
TL;DR
- Choose the Curb for an oversized luxury sneaker with strong visual impact.
- Choose the DBB1 for a clean leather sneaker that works with casual tailoring.
- Choose a Lanvin ballerina for understated flats suited to dresses, denim and trousers.
- Choose the Midnight Step for evening wear and a sculptural heel.
- Consider the Bumpr or Glen 2.0 if you want a sportier sneaker than the DBB1 without the Curb’s extreme proportions.
- Leather offers the most polished appearance, while mesh and technical fabrics create a lighter, more athletic mood.
- The Curb is listed as true to size by Lanvin, but its padded, rounded construction feels visually and physically substantial.
- The best first pair is usually a neutral DBB1, Curb or leather ballerina rather than a highly seasonal finish.
Lanvin Shoes at a Glance
Lanvin’s current footwear collection covers several distinct wardrobe roles. The differences involve more than decoration: sole thickness, upper construction and overall volume can completely change how the shoes interact with an outfit.
| Lanvin Style | Defining Feature | Best For | Main Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Curb | Oversized shape and woven double laces | Statement casualwear and streetwear | Visually heavy with narrow trousers |
| DBB1 | Streamlined leather low-top | Everyday wear and relaxed tailoring | Less distinctive than the Curb |
| Ballerina | Low profile and soft feminine construction | Work, travel and polished daytime outfits | Limited support compared with sneakers |
| Midnight Step | Curved heel inspired by the letter J | Events and evening dressing | Less practical for extended walking |
| Bumpr | Technical upper and thick rubber sole | Sport-luxury outfits and active days | More casual than the DBB1 |
| Glen 2.0 | Lightweight retro-running profile | Contemporary everyday styling | Technical materials feel less formal |
| Loafers and Derbies | Traditional leather construction | Office wear and formal wardrobes | Require more breaking in than sneakers |
Curb: Lanvin’s Most Recognisable Sneaker
The Curb is the strongest visual statement in the Lanvin shoe collection. Its design draws on 1990s skate shoes, using a rounded profile, padded tongue, metallic eyelets and thick double laces with a herringbone pattern.
Lanvin constructs the leather version from a combination of nappa calfskin, suede and mesh. The layered upper prevents the shoe from appearing flat, while the padding and exaggerated proportions give it a deliberately substantial presence. The tongue also carries the Lanvin label and an embossed Mother and Child emblem. Lanvin describes the Curb as a 1990s-inspired sneaker made in Italy.
The Curb works best with clothing that can support its scale:
- Relaxed denim
- Wide or straight trousers
- Cargo pants
- Oversized outerwear
- Loose tailoring
- Shorts with mid-length or crew socks
It can be worn with a suit, but the tailoring should be relaxed. A very narrow trouser hem may sit awkwardly against the padded upper and thick laces.
Neutral versions in white, black, cream or brown are easier to repeat. Multicoloured and metallic versions make the sneaker the centre of the outfit, which can reduce versatility but strengthen its collector appeal.
DBB1: The Refined Everyday Sneaker
The DBB1 is the practical counterpoint to the Curb. Created in 2006, it follows the familiar language of a leather low-top sneaker but uses carefully selected materials and subtle contrasts to create a more elevated result.
Current versions include combinations of nappa leather, grained leather, suede, velvet and patent leather. Lanvin’s nappa-and-grained-leather model uses cotton laces and an exclusive rubber sole and is made in Portugal. The brand positions it as a comfortable option for casual daytime wear. See the official DBB1 details.
This is the strongest Lanvin sneaker for someone who wears:
- Tailored trousers and knitwear
- Straight or tapered denim
- Polo shirts and unstructured blazers
- Minimal coats
- Neutral, understated outfits
The DBB1 is less immediately recognisable than the Curb. That can be an advantage if you value material and construction more than visible fashion signalling.
A white or black pair is the safest first purchase. Chocolate brown, suede and mixed-leather versions feel richer and work particularly well with beige, navy, olive and grey clothing.
Lanvin Ballerinas: Archival Femininity for Daily Wear
The ballerina connects naturally with Lanvin’s heritage as a house founded by Jeanne Lanvin in 1889. Rather than approaching the flat as a temporary trend, the brand presents it as a meeting point between craftsmanship, comfort and everyday Parisian style.
The current collection includes classic leather flats, bow-detailed designs and heeled slingbacks. Materials extend from nappa and metallic leather to satin and mesh. Lanvin’s ballerina collection describes the silhouette as a revisited design from the house archives.
Each version serves a slightly different purpose:
| Ballerina Style | Best Use | Styling Direction |
|---|---|---|
| Classic leather flat | Work, travel and everyday wear | Tailored trousers, straight jeans or midi skirts |
| Bow ballerina | Feminine daytime dressing | Dresses, cropped trousers and soft knitwear |
| Slingback ballerina | Smart occasions and office wear | Tailoring, full skirts and evening separates |
| Metallic or satin flat | Events and dinner outfits | Tonal dresses or simple black tailoring |
The low profile works particularly well with cropped trousers and ankle-length denim. With wide-leg trousers, check that the hem does not drag beneath the heel.
Because ballet flats provide less cushioning than padded sneakers, they may not be the best choice for continuous walking. A leather version with a secure fit is generally more practical than delicate satin or heavily embellished alternatives.
Midnight Step: Lanvin’s Sculptural Evening Shoe
The Midnight Step introduces a more formal and architectural direction. Its curved heel is shaped to evoke the letter J as a reference to Jeanne Lanvin.
Created within Peter Copping’s design vision for the house, the silhouette is available as mules and pumps in materials including suede, patent leather, metallic leather and pony-effect finishes. Lanvin describes the Midnight Step as a balance of boldness and refinement.
This is not the collection’s all-purpose shoe. Its appeal comes from creating a clear evening silhouette beneath dresses, skirts or sharply cut trousers.
Choose a black suede or leather version for versatility. Metallic and high-texture treatments make more sense if your wardrobe already contains simple evening clothing that needs a focal accessory.
Bumpr, Glen 2.0 and Other Lanvin Shoes
The Bumpr combines technical materials with a thick ecru rubber sole. Its layered nylon construction and side JL logo make it sportier than the DBB1 but generally less visually dense than the Curb. Lanvin lists the current nylon model as true to size and constructs it with a leather-and-textile lining. See the Bumpr details.
The Glen 2.0 follows a lighter retro-running direction. It is better suited to current technical-sneaker wardrobes and works with relaxed trousers, denim and casual dresses.
Lanvin’s loafers and Derbies represent the formal end of the collection. These are worth considering if you appreciate the DBB1’s restraint but need something appropriate for offices, formal restaurants or dressier events.
The right alternative depends on what is missing from your wardrobe. There is little reason to buy a Curb if you already own several bulky statement sneakers, just as a DBB1 may feel repetitive beside multiple minimal white low-tops.
How Lanvin Shoes Fit
Lanvin lists the leather Curb as true to size and advises choosing the larger size when between sizes. The sneaker’s rounded body and padded tongue can still feel more substantial than a streamlined shoe, even when its internal length is correct.
Before choosing a size:
- Measure both feet late in the day.
- Compare the longer measurement with Lanvin’s size chart.
- Consider the thickness of your usual socks.
- Check whether the style is listed in French, European or unisex sizing.
- Avoid sizing down simply to make an oversized shoe appear smaller.
Leather flats should fit closely without pinching the toes or cutting into the heel. Suede may soften with wear, but this should not be used to justify buying an uncomfortable pair.
Choosing by Lifestyle
| Your Priority | Best Lanvin Shoe |
|---|---|
| Recognisable statement sneaker | Curb |
| First versatile Lanvin sneaker | DBB1 |
| Sportier everyday footwear | Bumpr |
| Lightweight technical styling | Glen 2.0 |
| Polished women’s flat | Leather ballerina |
| Feminine decorative shoe | Bow ballerina |
| Evening impact | Midnight Step |
| Business and formal wear | Leather loafer or Derby |
Shop the Edit
Curb Sneakers in Leather
Statement casualwear and the most recognisable Lanvin sneaker design
Colours, sizes and availability may vary by market.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Offers both statement and understated footwear | Signature styles sit at a high luxury price level |
| Curb has an immediately recognisable identity | Its oversized shape can overwhelm narrow outfits |
| DBB1 works across casual and tailored wardrobes | Less distinctive than the Curb |
| Ballerinas connect current fashion with house heritage | Flats provide less support than sneakers |
| Strong selection of leather and mixed-material finishes | Suede, satin and metallic finishes require extra care |
| Men’s and unisex sizing expands the sneaker selection | Sizing conventions vary between styles |
Final Verdict
The Curb is the definitive Lanvin shoe for buyers who want strong visual identity. Its oversized laces, padded construction and layered materials make it difficult to confuse with a conventional luxury sneaker. It works best when the rest of the wardrobe has enough volume and informality to support it.
The DBB1 is the smarter first purchase for versatility. Its cleaner profile moves easily between denim, knitwear and relaxed tailoring, while mixed-leather versions provide enough detail to feel considered.
For women seeking a flat rather than a sneaker, the Lanvin Ballerina offers the strongest connection to the house’s Parisian heritage. The Midnight Step should be viewed as an occasion shoe: less universal, but considerably more dramatic.
The best Lanvin shoes are not necessarily the loudest. Choose the Curb when you want the footwear to lead the outfit, the DBB1 when you want it to support the wardrobe, and a ballerina or Midnight Step when elegance and proportion matter more than streetwear recognition.
