The History of the Espadrille

The History of the Espadrille

The espadrille is one of the oldest styles of footwear still worn today. Archaeologists have found woven sandals along the Spanish Mediterranean coast dating back thousands of years — long before the shoe took on the shape we recognize now.

For centuries, the espadrille was simple workwear. Farmers, fishermen and laborers across Spain wore them because they were cheap to make, breathable in the heat, and easy to repair. The name itself comes from esparto, the tough Mediterranean grass originally used to braid the soles — later replaced by softer, more flexible jute.

Every region of Spain developed its own take on the shoe: some laced with ribbons that wrapped up the leg, others trimmed with pompoms or embroidery. In Catalonia, espadrilles became part of the sardana, the traditional circle dance, worn with the ribbons tied around the ankles.

It wasn't until the 19th and 20th centuries that the espadrille left the countryside. Artists, writers and eventually international fashion houses adopted it as a symbol of easy, relaxed style — and it's remained a warm-weather staple ever since.

What hasn't changed is the craft behind it. The same basic technique — a coiled, hand-sewn sole joined to a fabric or leather upper — is still how a genuine espadrille is made today, including every pair we sell.