How to Style Men’s Espadrilles: Five Modern Looks For 2024

Discover how to style men’s espadrilles with these five modern looks for 2024. From casual to smart casual, learn how to incorporate this timeless footwear into your wardrobe.

 

Are men's espadrilles a step too far?

This is a question we get asked regularly and the answer is a great big fat no. Traditionally, these handmade Spanish shoes have been thought of as a woman's shoe and that's correct - up to a point. Ever since they appeared on YSL's catwalk back in the 1970s, they've become the favorite shoes of many female fashion icons and they've always been associated with some of the most glamorous women on the planet. Think Princess Kate, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn and Jennifer Aniston. But these fashion leaders are probably not the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of men's summer shoes. In the United States, casual men’s footwear tends to veer towards flip-flops and fancy sneakers. But if you're a fan of something that lifts your fashion game more into the realms of smart casual, then men’s espadrilles could be your answer.

Casual and smart IS possible after all

When the barbecue comes out, so do the flip flops. But sometimes that uber casual look can appear a bit scruffy as you battle with the usual social dilemmas. What do I wear for those casual occasions where smart and formal are too much and dirty old sneakers just aren’t enough? This is the sweet spot for men’s espadrilles, a place where men can be casual and smart at the same time. And there are a number of espadrille options for men, from the informality of a traditional slip-on espadrille to the smarter lace-up version that bridges the gap between smart and casual. If you’re looking for comfortable men’s shoes, then Viscata’s handmade men’s espadrilles could be the shoes you’ve been searching for.

Can guys wear espadrilles?

Absolutely. In fact, more and more men are looking for that smart casual look that is often so hard to get right. And the world is generally a smarter and better looking place than it was before. That’s why espadrilles have become one of the best options for men’s summer shoes and they are becoming increasingly popular as people search for casual men’s espadrille ideas. Don’t be surprised to see more men's espadrilles on the pages of the glossy magazines this year as you’re thinking about the casual men’s footwear options that will keep you ahead of men’s footwear trends 2024 as we head into the cooler autumn months.

 

Are espadrilles good for your feet?

Espadrilles are traditionally one of the most comfortable shoe styles available. Authentic espadrilles are made from natural materials such as jute, cotton and linen. They are built on a sturdy jute sole, which offers both comfort and stability. The exterior fabric flexes and the natural fibers in the soles stretch to fit your feet, allowing for a comfortable and cool experience that feels like these shoes were made for you and you only. These breathable materials also help to keep your feet cool. And many of our shoe styles have traditional insoles which mean that your feet don’t get as hot and sweaty as they would if you were wearing more traditional men’s shoes. These lightweight men’s shoes with their simple construction make them amongst the most versatile of men’s footwear and the perfect men’s shoe for everything from relaxed autumn evenings to the best barbecues.

Are espadrilles in style for 2024?

Definitely. It’s taken some time, but these perfect men’s shoes are definitely working their way up the fashion charts and right now, they're hot. Part of the reason for their current popularity is their casual versatility. They can be worn with jeans or pants and are perfect for all occasions, whether you’re popping out for a short city stroll or heading to the beach. It’s this blend of casual elegance and extraordinary comfort that has helped these humble shoes rise to the ranks of fashion icons. These Spanish classics for men ooze Spanish style and you’ll be surprised at how versatile they can be to match your best look.

What to wear with men’s espadrilles?

Style is such a personal thing, so everybody will have their own version of what looks cool and what suits them best. With so many different styles and looks available these days, you’ll need  to make sure the ones you buy are right for you. Consider choosing men’s lace-up espadrilles for a slightly smarter look. These work well with jeans, or even a casual suit. If that’s not your thing, then slip into a pair of super comfortable slip-on espadrilles, which are lightweight and comfy - the perfect smart casual shoes if you’re planning on wearing shorts or heading to the beach and back. Here are a few men’s espadrille outfits that might make your life a bit smoother in the months ahead.

 

5 Modern looks for men’s espadrilles

Look 1: The Beach Vibe - Portbou

Espadrilles are the perfect shoes to wear to the beach. Lightweight, breathable and comfortable enough for coping with sand-hopping as well as the post-beach walk to the bar for a sundowner and some nibbles. These Portbou men’s espadrilles are shoes that take everything beach-like in their comfortable stride. Their cotton and canvas construction means that your feet will stay cool when the heat is on. They come in a range of colors so you can mix and match them with your favorite beachwear.  We think our Portbou men’s espadrilles are ideal for soaking up the late summer sun. They match the beach atmos beautifully and are a level up from sandals and flip-flops.These fun slip-ons feature a minimal jute sole, breathable organic canvas and a generous rounded toe for extra comfort. Pair these casual beach beauties with some stylish surf shorts, a bright patterned beach shirt and a pair of Ray Ban Wayfarers for a classic beach look. Available in a range of colours including navy, beige and black. Panama hat optional!

 

Look 2: The BBQ Vibe - Sitges

Break out those smart cotton shorts, match them with a pair of our classic slip-on men’s espadrilles and be the first to dial up the BBQ vibe. Sometimes, hanging out by the grill in swim shorts isn’t quite good enough. Raise your BBQ game with a pair of Viscata’s Sitges canvas espadrille flats, our handmade Spanish espadrille shoes for men. These are the perfect shoes to wear while flipping your burgers and bringing out the beers. They feature additional white stitching for a traditional Spanish vibe as well as a durable rubber sole which gives them extra strength and a cushioned inner sole for added comfort. Casual, comfortable and lightweight, these shoes will add a dash of Mediterranean style to any occasion and once you’re in them, you’ll be able to stand comfortably all day long. We think these smart casual men’s shoes will set you apart from the crowd, especially if you match them with a pair of classic chino shorts and a polo shirt. And remember, there’s no place for socks in these beautiful casual shoes - wear them as nature intended. These men's espadrilles are available in navy, black, beige and ash grey.

 

Look 3: The Urban Vibe - Pol

Here’s the twist you’ve been waiting for. At last a pair of shoes that are as comfortable at the beach as they are in the city. If that sounds like you, then we think you should try a pair of our Pol lace-up espadrilles for a smart casual look that can take you all the way from morning to night and from spring to summer. These comfortable handmade men’s espadrille shoes feature 100% organic breathable cotton, a lightweight construction and a traditional jute sole. We’ve given these style classics a twist by adding cord laces for extra style. Try pairing them with linen pants and a cool, open neck shirt for a look that combines office smarts with carefree comfort. These are the perfect shoes for autumn style and are available in a range of colors including ash, olive and sky blue.

Look 4: The Traveller Vibe - Begur

These days, more and more of us are heading out for our travels. Sometimes it’s a short weekend break, other times it’s a long haul business trip. Whatever your reasons for travelling, space in your suitcase is at a premium. Flexibility is the key and the more options you have, the better. That’s why we think you should slip a pair of these Begur slip-on canvas espadrilles into your suitcase. Versatile enough to wear around town, but smart enough for a good lunch by the beach, these premium shoes sport a classic look that says I know what’s going on, and I’m comfortable. Wear them with a pair of casual Chinos for visits to restaurants or events, or slip them on your feet in place of formal shoes for a semi-formal business meeting. These men’s espadrilles are versatile enough to wear on all occasions - and they’re perfect for when luggage space is tight. These are modern classics that feature an easy slip-on style, 100% organic, breathable canvas and a traditional espadrille vibe. They also feature white stitching on the outside and a traditional white-stitched toe cap. Available in black, ash grey, beige and navy.

 

Look 5: the America’s Cup Vibe - Begur Mediterranean Dreams

If you’re a fan of sailing, you’ll probably have noticed that the America's Cup is coming to our hometown of Barcelona this year. That’s why we partnered with international artist JJ Walker to create a Limited Edition Begur men’s espadrille inspired by Mediterranean culture and celebrating Barcelona’s host city status. These stunning, unique shoes feature all the best bits of our regular Begur canvas slip on espadrilles including organic canvas and a traditional jute sole, but with a unique design of Barcelona’s famous grid-patterned streets and an outline of the Port, which connects the city to the world, designed on the canvas upper. Each pair of these special shoes features the artist’s unique monogram and the coordinates of Port Olympic, so you’ll always be able to find your way back. These are the perfect shoes to celebrate your interest in sailing and to celebrate this unique event.

 

 

How to care for men’s espadrilles

Of course, now that you’ve fallen in love with the good looks, flexibility and style of these amazing men's shoes, you’ll want to make sure that they last for as many seasons as possible. This means you’ll have to look after them to keep them in top shape. Why not take a look at our handy guide on How to Take Care of Your Espadrilles. You can find it on our V magazine blog. You’ll find 7 great tips to keep your espadrilles as clean as the day you first wore them.

Conclusion

Gone are the days when only women wore espadrilles. These days a new generation of men are rethinking their fashion choices. They're more travelled and more progressive than previous generations and the idea of smart casual Mediterranean shoes that are stylish, comfortable and versatile is more and more appealing to the modern man. We say the future is espadrilles - comfortable, stylish and lightweight, these stunning men's shoes could be a game changer if you're looking to enter that undefined space between scruffy casual and smart. Men of America, it's time to take the next step and try a little Mediterranean style for the warm autumn days ahead…