The BIG question: what are espadrilles and how can I tell they’re authentic and original?

Authentic Spanish espadrilles have been around for centuries. They are a unique type of footwear that originated in the Pyrenees Mountains of Spain and France. Authentic women’s espadrille shoes are characterized by a canvas or fabric upper and a distinctive woven jute or rope sole. Espadrilles are not new. They've been around for centuries and were initially adopted by peasants and farmers as a comfortable, affordable option for working in the fields. These days, espadrille wedges and espadrille heels, espadrille sandals, espadrille flats and platform espadrilles are popular around the world for their casual elegance, endless versatility, and timeless appeal.

What makes a shoe an espadrille?

Espadrilles are casual shoes that have a rope sole and a fabric upper. They are usually made of canvas or cotton, but sometimes they can have leather or suede. Luckily, at Viscata, you can shop by material to make it easy to get the exact look and feel that you’re after. Espadrilles come in different styles and an array of colors, and they can be flat or have a wedge heel. Some espadrilles have laces that wrap around the ankle (for a handy video on tying your espadrilles, click here), while others are slip-on. Espadrilles are comfortable, versatile, and easy to wear with many outfits. And if you’d like some fashion footwear inspiration, click here. They are a great choice for summer and spring and they’ve evolved into the perfect shoe as a result of centuries of revisions and historical techniques. And if you’ve ever wondered about the difference between espadrilles and wedges, then read here.

 

How can you tell if the espadrilles you are buying are authentic and original?

Espadrilles are more fashionable now than they’ve ever been. But how do you tell the difference between a pair of espadrilles mass produced to a pattern in an Asian factory and the genuine article, handmade in Spain using traditional materials and original techniques. And, as with all the choices out there, it can be hard to know which ones are truly authentic and which ones are low quality imitations. We’ve pulled together a little “cheat sheet” to help make sure that you get the authentic pair for you. Naturally.

 

Always check the quality of the materials

Authentic espadrilles are traditionally made from natural materials such as cotton, linen or leather for the upper and jute, hemp or sisal for the sole. Fake espadrilles often use synthetic or low quality materials such as polyester, nylon or plastic which can affect the durability, comfort and breathability of the shoes. Our espadrilles use natural materials wherever possible and we try to make them as eco-friendly as we can. It’s a journey for us, but we’re getting there, step-by-step. And remember, always get jute sole espadrilles - they are the original and the best.

Make sure that they are “hand-stitched”

Authentic espadrilles are hand-stitched by artisans using a special technique known as “punto ojal” or the “buttonhole stitch”. This stitch creates a strong and flexible bond between the upper and the sole and gives the espadrilles their unique, rustic look. Fake espadrilles may use machine stitching, glue or nails which can compromise the quality and appearance of the shoes. Enjoy a little video of our very own Jose Miquel making our espadrilles by hand, in the same way as generations of his family have before him.

Check that the sole is made of tightly packed layers of jute or rope

Authentic espadrilles have a thick and sturdy sole made of multiple layers of jute or rope which are tightly banded and pressed together. The sole may also have a thin layer of rubber or leather for extra grip and protection. Fake espadrilles may have a flimsy sole made from a  single layer of jute or rope which can easily fray or unravel. The sole may also have a cheap or shiny coating that can peel off or crack.

Look at the label to make sure your shoes are from a brand you trust

Authentic espadrilles usually have a label or stamp on the inside or outside of the shoe, indicating the brand, the origin and the size. The label or stamp may also have a logo, a signature or a certification of authenticity. Fake espadrilles may have no label (or a generic or misplaced one) which can indicate a lack of quality control or even a counterfeit product. Viscata’s shoes are made as sustainably as possible, with quality as job one.

Why should I wear espadrilles?

Espadrilles have been iconic footwear for many years.  Stylish, comfortable and natural they epitomize the Mediterranean spirit. And after 600 years of practice, they’re still going strong, boosted occasionally by the catwalk shows and models of Yves St Laurent, the movie style of Audrey Hepburn and most recently, espadrilles have been an integral part of what is known as “Kate Middleton style” which demonstrates the perfect balance between fun and sophistication that these beautiful shoes provide. 

Can I wear espadrilles all year round?

Yes. And there are espadrilles for every occasion, whether you’re looking for comfort with a pair of low wedge espadrilles, seeking sophistication and style in our super sexy high wedge espadrilles  or taking it easy in our medium wedge espadrilles. Espadrilles are everyday shoes with a touch of glamor - and once you slip a pair on, you’ll discover that they are also some of the most comfortable shoes around. In fact, many people tell us that they are the most comfortable shoes for women that they've ever worn.

What kind of shoes are espadrilles?

Espadrilles are a type of casual shoe built on a rope sole and a fabric upper. They are usually made of canvas or cotton, but sometimes they can have leather or suede. Espadrilles come in different styles and colors, and they can be flat or have a wedge heel. Some espadrilles have laces that wrap around the ankle, while others are slip-on. Espadrilles are comfortable, versatile, and easy to wear with many outfits. Espadrilles are available in  a wide range of styles and materials including canvas espadrilles, leather espadrilles, suede espadrilles. And every pair of Viscata espadrilles are handmade in Spain. They are a great choice for summer and spring. And if you’re looking for great ways to style your espadrilles, we have some hot ideas here.