My first pair of espadrilles were Calvin Klein, navy blue canvas with a jute rope wedge and thin rubber soles, and I wore them everywhere, including to a fire. In the middle of the night we got a call that my first husband’s company was on fire. We leapt out of bed and raced to the fire. I was wearing my espadrilles and a pair of bellbottom jeans… So ’70s! After the fire was extinguished we followed the firemen into the building. My shoes and jeans wicked up the black sooty water and were ruined. For years afterward I couldn’t find another pair of espadrilles.
Perhaps that’s why now I treat every pair like they may be my last.
Because I have such a narrow foot, it’s difficult for me to find shoes I don’t walk out of, so after the fire debacle, I’m conscious of where I wear them. My blue and white striped espadrilles I’ve had for about 15 years. Last year I had the blue leather straps glued back between the platform and the sole of one shoe and one new hole punched in both straps because they had stretched.
History tells us espadrilles date back to the 13th century when they were worn by the Spanish peasants, both men and women. Espadrilles were issued to the soldiers during the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s. By the 1940s, artists like Salvador Dali, and the rich and famous who frequented the French, Italian and Greek coasts made them “the” shoe to own.
Actress, Lauren Bacall, wore espadrilles in the 1948 film Key Largo. She’s pictured here with her husband and costar, Humphrey Bogart, and the film’s director, John Huston.
Espadrilles are the perfect summer shoe!
I’ve included a wide range of colors, styles, heels and prices for you to choose from. Hope you’re having a wonderful summer!
24 Comments
Good morning:). When you put on a pair of espadrilles, do you ever feel like they are saying, ” Relax, have fun!” ?
I can hear them now, Irene! All that’s missing is the beach and a drink in my hand. Espadrilles mean fun!! Thanks, Irene! xoxox, Brenda
I love espadrilles. The fabric shoe is perfect in the summer heat, no sweating feet! I am allergic to rubber/ latex products and cannot wear Keds, converse, or many other canvas shoes, or flip flop styles. So, like your narrow feet , I guard them carefully also.
Hi Eileen, Sensitive or hard to fit feet do pose problems, but the shoes that work for us become that much more important. That’s for sure! xoxox, Brenda
I love the espadrille look but have as yet not found a pair that looks good on my foot. I have very thick ankles and nothing that straps or wraps around looks good on me. I continue to look though. lol
Hi Victoria, Have you tried on a pair of espadrilles that don’t tie or wrap? They have lots of styles that might surprise you. How is your husband? xoxox, Brenda
I am addicted, and have 6 pairs. My favorite brand, is Toni Pons. You can buy these online at Zappo’s and Nordstrom. Better yet, buy them in Spain. Toni Pons, has their own shops, and the sells the same styles, for almost half the price. Perfect for travel, I walked miles in Spain, wearing my Toni Pons!
Nancy! Brilliant! Just brilliant! Thanks for adding Toni Pons to my list of where to shop for espadrilles! I’ve been to their website and love them. Thank you, thank you! xoxox, Brenda
Toni pons is my favorite too!
Hi Eileen, After two likes for Toni Pons espadrilles, I’m a heartbeat away from buying a pair! Thanks so much! xoxox, Brenda
Your post inspired me to pull-out my blue plaid espadrilles that I bought many years ago in a Burberry Outlet store. I’m enchanted with your home décor. Is that Stevie Nicks on the wall?
Hi Colleen! I’m glad I inspired you! I’ve had a love affair with espadrilles for decades! Yes. The photo on my wall is a signed self-portrait Stevie Nicks took of herself in the late ’70s. She calls it “Gold Dust Woman.” I love it so much. Wish you could see it up close. She’s so beautiful. The little chest on the left is a 200-year-old, lacquered Chinese jewelry chest I’ve had since my 20’s. Part of my commission for helping with an interesting estate sale. The little clocks are old Lalique… I’ve had for that long as well… and my grandmother made the pretty piece on top of my dresser. The mirror is very old as well. Checkout the bottom of the mirror and you can tell the candles used to be placed in front of it to reflect more light. The heat damaged the silver on the back of the mirror. When my husband and I lived at the Little House on the ranch, I would light the candles when we slipped into bed to make love. It gave the prettiest glow to the room. Also, you can’t really see it, but there’s a tintype photo of two women I’ve propped up at the base of the mirror. A birthday gift years ago from my girlfriends who know I collect photographs. I should have shown you the dresser. It’s 150 years old, made by the early German settlers in the Texas Hill Country. It’s painted red and has decoupaged flowers across the front. I found it in my favorite middle of nowhere antique store. My goodness! I’ve told you everything!! xoxox, Brenda
Around here in the south of France, men wear espadrilles as much as women do. They are very comfortable and convenient. I have numerous pairs–and they last forever.
TOF, Interesting. I found a picture of a young JFK, wearing espadrilles, which surprised me. European men, yes, but I don’t think most American men would be interested in wearing them. xoxox, Brenda
I don’t even own a pair! I haven’t been able to wear heels for years so I’ve gotten lazy I believe. I only have comfortable shoes and a few pairs of leather boots that I had to have and love dearly.
Hi Rena, I understand not being able to wear heels, but comfortable shoes can be pretty and fashionable. The ball of my right foot has had nerve damage since the 1990’s, so no heels for me. One pair of my espadrilles are flats, and the other, shockingly, has a wedge to it. You’d think I’d be in misery wearing that pair, but I’m not. That’s one of the reasons I take such good care of them. xoxox, Brenda
Oh, Brenda –
I love espadrilles, too, and those Silver Paul Green ones are positively swoon-worthy!! I had a terrific pair from Ugg, believe it or not, and since they’ve gone to “shoe heaven” I haven’t found another pair that fit my foot as perfectly. Some outfits need espadrilles, nothing else will suffice. Thanks for all of the great examples!!
XO Donna
Dear Donna… Seriously? The words “terrific” and Ugg” don’t go together. Don’t you love those Paul Green espadrilles? Since I already have a silver pair of espadrilles, I can’t justify buying another pair, especially an expensive pair, but I agree. They are swoon-worthy! Love, Brenda
I wore them in the 70s and 80s. Had a pair of pale pink in college I adored and remember like yesterday. Interesting history, Brenda! x
Hi Leisa, I love how we all remember our clothes and what color they were. I’m guessing most men don’t pay attention to things like that. xoxox, Brenda
Espadrilles are always so cute. And, often they’re very colorful and fun!
Rebecca, You’ve nailed it!! “Colorful and fun!” Two great descriptions of espadrilles! Thank you sweet lady! xoxox, Brenda
I remember my first . . . Capizio, cream with a slight wedge heel and closed, lacy toe. I adored them and wore them with everything. I sent them through the wash in 1985 and got another seasons wear out of them. I have never owned a pair since. With the rave Toni Pons reviews posted, I had to give those a try. What a sublime shoe! Suede fabric is soft, elastic on sides delicate and I adore the Brandy color that can get me through Fall in Houston. Perfetto. Thanks ladies!
Hi Gina, You ordered a Toni Pons? That’s great! It sounds beautiful. I’m off to take a look at it. I went to the website after seeing the comments here, but forgot to go back when I had more time. Thanks for reminding me! Brenda