Why espadrilles are the most comfortable summer shoes

Espadrilles are considered the most comfortable summer shoes due to their combination of lightness, breathability, and flexibility.

Here are the main reasons:

• Natural and breathable materials: traditionally they are made with canvas uppers cotton or linen and a woven jute sole. These materials allow for airflow and help keep the foot cooler than many closed shoes.
• Low weight: espadrilles are generally very light, so they put less strain on the foot during daily walking.
• Flexibility of the sole: the natural fiber sole bends easily following the movement of the foot, offering a more natural feel than shoes with rigid soles.
• Ease of fit: Many models are slip-ons, so they can be put on quickly without laces or complicated closures.
• Less heat build-up: as compared to sneakers with thick padding and synthetic materials, they tend to retain less heat.

How to wear them

Anatomical, non-slip, self-shaping: espadrilles should fit like a slipper, making the foot feel comfortable in any situation. These are the key features of a comfortable shoe, especially in summer when high temperatures often prevent us from wearing socks. Here's how to pair them:

 

– For men

• With linen or cotton shorts and a light shirt.
• With chinos rolled up at the ankle and a polo shirt.
• With linen trousers and a long-sleeved shirt for a summer evening.
• Even with a casual summer dress in linen or cotton, espadrilles have a simple and refined design.

– For women

• With light summer dresses and midi skirts.
• With shorts and top in linen or cotton.
• With cropped or wide-leg jeans.
• Wedge espadrilles also pair well with more elegant looks for aperitifs or informal events.

They are usually worn without visible socksIf you prefer a barrier between your foot and your shoe, you can use very low-cut ankle boots that aren't visible. Keep in mind that espadrilles look best when you can see a little of your ankle, but avoid using them in the rain or on very wet ground, because the sole jute may deteriorate.

Origins

Their name derives from the Catalan term “espardenya”, which in turn comes from espart, a Mediterranean plant (esparto) whose fibers were used to make ropes and soles. The first forms of espadrilles date back at least to the Middle Ages, and some historians believe that similar models existed centuries earlier. In the Archaeological Museum of Granada they keep a couple of them, found during the excavations at Cordoba, which date back to 4 thousand years ago.

Traditionally, they were the shoes of farmers, fishermen, and workers in the regions of Catalonia, the Basque Country, and southern France. They were cheap to produce because they were made from local materials:

• sole woven from plant fibres (initially esparto, then often jute);
• upper in cotton or linen canvas.