Espadrilles stand as a timeless garment that marries craftsmanship with history. Each summer they move from humble footwear to a staple on runways and a beloved choice for icons who have shaped style across decades, from Dalí and Coco Chanel to contemporary personalities like Queen Letizia and Jill Biden.
Their popularity spread across the Mediterranean, especially in Spain and the southern regions of France, where this simple shoe became democratized for people from all walks of life. During Spain’s Civil War era, soldiers wore espadrilles, and artists such as Salvador Dalí and Pablo Picasso could be seen wearing them in studios and public spaces alike, turning the shoe into a symbol of practicality fused with creativity.
When Jill Biden, the First Lady of the United States, visited Spain with her husband for a NATO summit, she purchased a pair from a well-known firm marked with an emblematic touch. An ankle-strapped version quickly sold out, underscoring the model’s broad appeal and enduring charm.
Letizia, Queen of Spain, is far from the only public figure to embrace espadrilles during spring and summer appearances. The footwear, known locally as espardeñas or espardils, serves as a reliable choice that blends ease with a hint of avant-garde flair. Its roots reach back more than four thousand years to ancient civilizations, illustrating a long continuum of use and adaptation.
Traditional espadrilles are crafted from natural fibers such as cotton and esparto or hemp, with the base built from woven materials. The earliest examples of this shoe can be appreciated in museums like the Archaeological Museum of Granada, where the architecture of the design reveals the layering of cultures and the passage of time through textile and form.
From these beginnings, the silhouette evolved into a more rugged, durable option that found favor in mid-20th century glamour and cinema. Hollywood’s golden era brought a touch of glitz to espadrilles, as stars glided across screens in breezy ensembles. Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, and Coco Chanel themselves popularized the look, pairing espadrilles with elegant lines, pearl accessories, and nautical-inspired outfits during shoots and stays along the French coast.
In the 1970s Yves Saint Laurent reimagined the shoe, introducing platforms and giving the espadrille a pulse that felt modern while honoring its casual spirit. Since then, the item has continually refreshed itself with new interpretations, balancing timeless appeal with contemporary experimentation and ensuring it remains a frequent pick in designer collections as well as everyday wardrobes.
Today, the market offers an array of models suitable for many moments. High-platform sandals and relaxed casual styles sit among the brand’s most prominent offerings, while pleated fabrics and metallic finishes bring a touch of drama to an already versatile silhouette. A craft-centered firm that specializes in reviving the classic espadrille notes how the tradition lives on in every stitched seam and in the careful choice of materials, making these shoes a featured element in many collections.
For these artisans, the essence of espadrilles goes beyond aesthetics. The emphasis remains on honoring time-honored methods while delivering comfortable wear that suits everyday life. The craft, passed down through generations, creates not just shoes but a shared experience that connects makers with wearers, a continuity reminiscent of the trade’s historical roots in Mediterranean societies and among Venetian artisans who once used such footwear for hospitality and rather practical reasons on public occasions. This lineage highlights how the footwear has traveled across continents and eras, maintaining relevance without losing its distinctive character.
In modern discourse, espadrilles are celebrated for their versatility and comfort. The consensus among makers and fashion enthusiasts is that the appeal transcends age and trend cycles. Comfort remains a key reason people return to espadrilles, with many choosing them for travel, summer gatherings, and everyday tasks alike, proving that the style continues to endure because it feels right to the foot and the eye.