Learning French: when and why do we say être bien dans ses baskets?

Je suis bien dans mes baskets !

Remember that des baskets in French, does not refer to a woven wicker storage bin, but rather it translates as: trainers (UK) or sneakers (US). 

This metaphor simply compares feeling comfortable in your sports shoes, to feeling comfortable in your own skin.

We look at different variations of this shoe-themed expression and explain how to use them in everyday French. 

What does être bien dans ses baskets mean?

It literally translates as: to be well in one’s trainers. 

A more accurate definition would be: to be comfortable in one’s own skin, or to be at ease with oneself.

It is used to describe someone who is confident in their authentic personality, appearance or ability.

It can also take on a slightly different meaning, to imply that someone has settled into an activity that was challenging at first, similar to the English phrase: to find one’s feet. 

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Variations include:

• Être à l’aise dans ses baskets - To be at ease

• Être bien dans ses pompes (an informal word for: shoe) - To be confident

• Être bien dans sa peau - To feel good in one’s own skin

• Être dans son élément - To be in one’s element

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When do you say être bien dans ses baskets?

Say this when someone appears at ease:

• Il est très sûr de lui ; il est bien dans ses baskets - He is very sure of himself; he is comfortable with who he is.

Say this to indicate that someone has gained confidence:

• J'ai trouvé le travail difficile au début mais après trois mois, je suis bien dans mes baskets. - I found the job difficult at first but after three months, I have really found my feet. 

It can also be said as a way of offering encouragement or reassurance:

• Ne t'inquiète pas, tu as juste une mauvaise coupe de cheveux. Nous retournerons chez le coiffeur demain et tu te sentiras à nouveau bien dans tes baskets. - Don't worry, you just got a bad haircut. We will go to the hairdresser tomorrow and you will feel back to your old self once again.

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To whom do you say être bien dans ses baskets?

It is casual, colloquial language that can be used in a wide range of contexts with friends and family.

If said with a slightly sarcastic tone of voice, you might risk offending people you are not very familiar with. The phrase can sometimes imply that someone is full of themselves or overly confident. 

If you would like us to explain a particular word or expression, or if you have any other Learning French suggestions, let us know at: feedback@connexionfrance.com