Espadrilles: What Are They & How to Style Them

Everything you need to know about espadrilles! From their humble beginnings as peasant shoes, to their introduction into modern day fashion, discover how espadrilles came to be the classic summer shoe we all love.

In addition, get tips for finding the right fit, plus easy ways to wear espadrilles with your spring and summer outfits.

Whether you’re classic or trendy, or maybe a bit of both, you’ll find a curated selection of the most fabulous espadrilles the internet has to offer.

Closeup of woman in floral dress holding a pink shoe.

I love a wardrobe full of classic silhouettes and a sprinkling of fresh new trends. For this reason, espadrilles are my go-to shoe when putting my spring and summer outfits together.

With ankle laces reminiscent of ballet slippers and beachy rope wrapped heels, espadrilles have a unique look that’s both feminine and laid back.

What’s more, its design fits in with all your favorite wardrobe styles. Whether it’s the Classic French Girl, Coastal Grandmother, Cottage or Regency Core look you’re going for, espadrilles work with these styles and more!

Find more classic outfit inspo in these other posts! Discover purple outfit ideas and easy ways to style a slip dress.

Let’s start dreaming of warmer days filled with spring and summer styles. Keep scrolling to find curated espadrille looks, plus tips and suggestions for wearing this classic piece of footwear.

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What are Espadrilles?

A classic summer shoe, unique in design most notably for its jute and hemp rope soles, natural fabric upper, and ankle wrapped laces.

Over the years, the espadrille has evolved seeing changes in fabrics and textiles, heel heights, fastenings, and overall style.

Still to this day, the jute rope heel is a key design element that classifies any shoe as an “espadrille”.

History of Espadrilles

Beginnings

The first written mention of the espadrille dates back to the 14th century in a region of Spain called “Catalonia”. The shoe also has origins in other French and Spanish regions of the Pyrenees Mountains.

The French word “espadrille” comes from the Spanish word “espartena” (or “esparto”), the needle grass once used to construct its rope heel.

Worn by male and female peasants, the espadrille was a lightweight shoe, practical and durable for the hot climate and mountainous terrain of the Pyrenees.

Despite its low cost, the espadrille wasn’t easy to make. All parts of the shoe including the rope soles and upper fabrics were painstakingly, hand constructed by skilled craftsmen.

Modern Espadrilles

During the 1940s, the espadrille became a trending piece of footwear thanks to the influence of famed silver screen Actresses Lauren Bacall and Rita Hayworth.

By the 1960s, popularity of the espadrille waned as new trends like the Pilgrim style shoe and Go-Go boots emerged.

Then in the 1970s, the espadrille made a comeback! Designer Yves Saint Laurent, together with Spanish shoe manufacturer Castaner, gave the shoe a sexy wedge heel. This redesign perfectly paired with the decade’s bohemian vibes, and it’s a silhouette still loved to this day!

Today’s espadrilles are manufactured with rubber soles, making them far more durable and stable than their rope-soled ancestors.

Why You’ll Love Them!

Versatile – With a variety of fabrics, colors, and heel heights, espadrilles can be fun, modern, and edgy!
Timeless – This classic footwear keeps coming back year after year.
Practical – Never aerate your neighbor’s lawn with heels again! The wedge heel design keeps you and your shoes above grass and sand.

A brunette woman in a green jacket and casual outfit standing in front of a tree and white picket fence.

Tips

1. Worried about your balance? Look for wedges with lower heels or platform wedges which provide a flat foundation.
2. Open toe styles tend to be roomier, making them a great option for wider feet.
3. If you’ve struggled with ankle laces, opt for styles with straps and buckles.
4. Not sure what size to get? Most espadrilles stretch over time, so it’s best to go half a size down.

How Should Espadrilles Fit?

Width – Your toes and balls of your feet should rest snugly in the upper fabric, never hanging off the sides. Having said that, nothing should feel like it’s pinching or too tight.
Length – Again, your toes and heels should sit inside the footbed, not spilling over the front and back ends. Likewise, there shouldn’t be too much space allowing feet to slide around.
Laces – Start with an equal length on both ends. Pull the lace out so your foot can slide inside the loop you just made. Wrap laces securely around ankles so they’re not too tight as to stop your blood circulation (kinda important), but not so loose that they fall down. Secure ties in the back, side, or the front of your ankles.