The classic espadrille is a style that has truly endured the test of time. This rustic, rope-soled style of footwear was popular with Pyrenean peasants in France for centuries before the Duke of Windsor elevated them to the height of fashion.
In the 1940’s in Barcelona, on the other side of the mountains that divide Spain from France, espadrilles came into the spotlight. At this point in time the poverty in Spain was tremendous and therefore leather shoes were not always an option…espadrilles were the perfect alternative, created in a range of canvas, with rope-soles
As time went on and other shops and designers began to produce and sell espadrilles, the shoes’ status as a summer fashion staple was assured. They soon even became the official dress shoes of the Catalan police force and were especially adored by the Spanish surrealist painter, Salvador Dali.
The production and style of espadrilles has changed little over the centuries; the sole being formed by coiling the plaited rope into shape, stitching it transversally and suing an implement that looks like a straight-side rolling pin to flatten it. Then the linen upper is stitched to the sole.
But then we came along.
Our Beachcomber Espadrilles are the classic espadrille re-imagined! Made of neoprene with a breathable, quick-drying neoprene upper and a protective rubber sole. They are perfect for the transition from beach to street, from boat to float, and for any and all your adventures to come.
Article adopted from Nicholas Foulkes’ “Humble Origins to Classic Footwear, Espadrilles Endure” article in Newsweek.
