Espadrilles are canvas sandals with rope soles, originating from Catalonia. They were originally peasant sandals and are now popular for casual summer wear, with many styles available. Jute is a popular material for the ropes, and they can be glued or sewn onto the sole. They are often less expensive than other summer sandals.
Espadrilles are sandals made of canvas, with soles of different heights decorated with rope. The sandals were first made over 600 years ago in Catalonia, but the name itself is French. However, it can be confusing if you’re looking for espadrilles in Canada, as this is the normal Quebec term for jogging or jogging shoes. The French name for the sandal comes from the Catalan word, espardenya, which refers to a tough grass used to weave the strings that form the bottom of the shoes. Today’s espadrilles may no longer use espadrilles, and the string-bottom style may be glued to wooden, plastic, or rubber soles.
The first espadrilles were peasant sandals made and worn by peasants. A small amount of canvas combined with a rope bottom was much cheaper than leather. Many featured a lacing component to keep the sandals securely attached to the foot.
Fast forward to modern days, espadrilles are popular summer sandals, made mainly for women in many countries. They are particularly associated with casual summer wear, cruise wear, and for women who want a dressier yet comfortable sandal in hot weather. Designers make a number of styles, which can be uncomfortable if your heel is very high, but there are plenty of non-brand espadrilles that are cheaply made and bought.
The soles of modern espadrilles are usually wedges, with a gradual slope of the heel. You can also find flat espadrilles or platform styles. Many are slip-on or slip-on versions, but others may have ankle straps to keep the foot more secure. Although many of the variants, especially from less expensive brands, have synthetic ropes around the heels, one popular feature is the use of jute, a natural fiber, to make the ropes. Jute espadrilles with cotton canvas uppers are made in large numbers in Bangladesh, where they can be exported to Europe and the US.
When jute is used, gluing the jute rope to the sole of the shoe can be a laborious process. They can be not only glued but also sewn, and many feature additional designs in the rope weave to provide a more elegant shoe. Despite the more labor-intensive work required in making espadrilles, they are often less expensive than other summer sandals, unless you want espadrilles with a designer name. So the expense is about the same as other designer sandals.
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