Espadrilles

Espadrilles are considered to be the perfect summer shoe. Naturally cool and airy, and easy to slip on and off. They go just as well with chinos and linen trousers as with swimming shorts. For many, the real summer feeling doesn't come until you step into your espadrilles.

We carry espadrilles from the Spanish brand Abarca, which is renowned for its high level of comfort and sustainable, environmentally friendly manufacturing. They make their espadrilles using traditional techniques and materials from local producers, with a consistently high level of quality.

What are espadrilles?

Espadrilles, or espadrillos, are a traditional Spanish summer shoe, made with a sole of braided rope, nowadays mainly made of jute. The classic version has a flat sole, but nowadays there are also versions with a wedge heel. The uppers are often made of cotton canvas, sometimes suede, and are sewn onto the sole by hand with a strong stitch. The traditional espadrille is a simple slip-on model, but there are many different variants, from open sandal types to lace-up uppers.

What makes Abarca espadrilles special?

Abarca makes their espadrilles by hand in Murcia, Spain. They are famous not only for their comfort, but also for their environmentally friendly approach to both the manufacturing process and the materials used. All materials are organic, and they are mostly sourced from local producers to minimise the carbon footprint. This also allows Abarca to have very strict quality control. Abarca's shoes can be found today at over 400 retailers around the world.

How should the fit of espadrilles be?

Espadrilles made mainly of cotton canvas, but also of suede, should be relatively tight when new. They will stretch slightly and mould to the foot, and the sole will also adapt to the wearer's foot in a natural way. However, the toes should not be too tight in the front of the shoe. If the espadrilles feel a bit roomy, it's a good idea to add a thin leather insole to fill out the fit.

How to care for espadrilles?

For everyday use, it's a good idea to brush off dirt from the upper and side of the sole with a shoe brush, and it doesn't hurt to put in a pair of shoe trees. If they get really dirty, they can be cleaned with a mild shoe cleaner, such as Saphir Medaille d'Or Omninettoyant, and then sprayed with a waterproofing spray such as Saphir Medaille d'Or Super Invulner or Tarrago Nano Protector, to better resist dirt and moisture.

The main enemy of espadrilles is moisture, and if they get really wet they can lose their shape. If they get soaked, make sure they are left to dry for several days in a dry, dark but well-ventilated place. Use well-fitting shoe trees or newspaper to help them retain their shape.

What is the story behind espadrilles?

Shoes with soles made of different types of rope have been used by humans since ancient times. However, espadrilles have been dated back to the 14th century. Originating in the north of Spain and the southernmost parts of France in the Pyrenees mountain range, it spread to many other parts of Spain. At that time, the soles were made of rope made from esparto grass, which is also where they got their name. For a long time now, the bast fibre jute has been used almost exclusively, as it is easier to obtain and even more durable. The light colour of the jute sole is what characterises an espadrille. In the past, they were always made as a symmetrical shoe, i.e. the same for the right and left, so the shoes moulded themselves to the feet. Nowadays, however, a right and left shoe is standard.

Originally, espadrilles were a shoe for the peasants and workers. In the 1940s and 50s, the shoe type became fashionable and was modernised with more colour and more styles. Today it's a beloved summer shoe around the world.

Spain is still big on manufacturing espadrilles, but by far the biggest producer today is Bangladesh, which is also a major producer of jute.