All About Espadrilles

Espadrilles, the rope sandals that seem to be everywhere from kids to parents, artists to runway models, may seem like the new shoes on the block, but they've actually been around since the 13th century!

Traditional style espadrilles with stripes
Courtesy of Quelobjet

Fun with a heel and seersucker ties
Courtesy of Kaboodle

Sophisticated ribbon ties with a high heel
Courtesy of SheKnows

Tradition meets street style with these espadrilles
Courtesy of Notempire

Made with jute rope or braided hemp and linen fabric, Espadrilles originally come from Spain, where, the King of Aragon and his infantry men wore them 4000 years ago. The name Espadrille comes from “esparto”, a kind of plant that was originally burned then braided to make the soles.

Traditionally, the shoes were either dyed or left the natural color and mostly worn by men, although as time went by, they began to be adapted by dancers, workers and many other people around the world. In the 1950's, the famous French designer Yves Saint Laurent had them made with a heel and ribbons that tie around the ankles. This started an espadrille revolution! Women everywhere began to clamor for new styles and designs of this easy summery shoe.

Now, with ties or straps, buckles or elastic, or just plain linen, in flats or wedges and in color, patterns or natural colors, espadrilles are here to stay!

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