What are Espadrilles?

That was the question that I asked, when I started hearing a lot about Espadrilles. So, I did some research into what exactly are Espadrille's and their history, and you are the beneficiary of said research! Why don't you join me on this adventure and see exactly what you're getting in these shoes called Espadrille! The creation of what we now know of as Espadrille shoes, was in the Pyrenees Mountains around 700 years ago. We often comment on how good something is by how long it's been around. Which makes Espadrille shoes even more impressive, 700 years! Can you wrap your mind around it? How many things do you own, that have been around for 700 years? While they were created in the Pyrenees Mountains, Espadrille are popular throughout the Mediterranean and now the entire world. How can that be said? Because even in the United States, such well know people as Ernest Hemingway, Grace Kelly, John F. Kennedy, and Pablo Picasso all were known to wear Espadrille shoes. So, what are Espadrille shoes? Simply put, they are flat casuals shoes, that are designed to mold to your feet. These casual shoes are traditionally handmade (which is an anomaly in this day and age) out of jute and hemp. What Jute and Hemp do is give flexibility to the shoe, make it lightweight and yet strong at the same time. Those that create these shoes have managed to stay traditional in designs, but at the same time have remained current with fashion trends by altering such things as shoe accents, color and fabrics.

One of the most fascinating things about Espadrilles is their history of 700 years. If you don't think that's a long time, consider that it's 7 centuries. Consider that cars, t.v.'s, cell phones, computers, indoor plumbing, electricity, jets, football and the list goes on, of things that didn't exist when Espadrilles were developed. That alone should be reason enough to invest in a pair or pairs of Espadrilles. If it's not, consider that to be authentic Espadrilles, they must be handmade. Something worth finding out when you're looking at buying some. Having said that, the benefits are one of the major things to consider when buying shoes, any shoes. So, what would the benefits of buying (and wearing) Espadrilles be? They are uniquely made. So much so, that an entire section has been dedicated to how they are made.

Next, they have a unique feel. The reason for this is, that the foot bed (where the sole your foot actually rests on the bottom of the shoe), is made of coils, which are braided together with natural fibers (usually jute). Thus giving you a comfortable foundation for your bear feet. Because the soles are heated up (and basically melted together), they are firm but pliable. Like with many shoes, it may take a day or two, for your shoe to form fit your foot. What might work well for you is, to wear them on the carpet in your house during this time. Part of the advantage to this is to make sure that your Espadrilles are fitting your feet correctly. What's happening is that your feet are conforming to the jute padding, which in turn gives your feet the sense of walking barefoot.

Arguable, one of the biggest bonuses to Espadrilles, is that the fibers are naturally antibacterial. Thus making Espadrilles a healthy shoe as well.

Traditional Espadrilles are handcrafted. To be handcrafted means to do them by hand. What this means is that you are promised and guaranteed to have a handmade pair of shoes that works for you and your foot. Part of the problems and challenges with machine made items is that there is no true quality check. When you make something by hand, you can see exactly how each and ever stitch goes in and not have to worry if it's done correctly. The other part of what makes Espadrilles so special is the use of Jute and Hemp materials. Put as simple as can be, Espadrilles are made with about 5 steps. First, the hemp and jute fibers are braided into small bundles, which are about 1/4 by 1/2 inch thick. Step two is to roll the braid over a form. When this happens it the form creates the general shape of the sole (bottom) of you foot!!!. Step 3, the jute is then compressed with/by heat, which allows for the bonding to occur. Allowing for a thin rubber outsole. The outsole is that part of your shoe that will make contact with the ground. It's that part which prevents your foot from being burned, my a hot surface. Step 4, ties your shoe together (literally). The shoes stitches are then put in the shoe, throughout the shoe. Why throughout? So tha the shoe will maintail its form. Step 5, is the upper canvas. They are cut and made from patterns. Which are put together and connected to the outsoles. This is done with both hand and machine stitches.

Part of the point of this hub, is to show you, that without question, not all shoes are the same. The fact that Espadrilles are hand sown, let alone conform to your feet and all of its ebbs and flows, makes Espadrilles a special pair of shoes, for people that like to pamper themselves and feel good about the shoes that they are wearing.