What Is an Espadrille? | Rope-Soled Casual Classic

If you’ve ever wondered what those lightweight summer shoes with the braided-rope bottoms are called, this is it. The espadrille traces its roots to Spain and the Pyrenees region, where workers and peasants wore them for centuries. Today, they’re a warm-weather staple. The one feature that separates a true espadrille from an espadrille-inspired shoe is that rope or fiber sole — canvas on top, jute below, with rubber added on modern pairs for grip and durability.

What Defines an Espadrille?

Dictionaries point to the same core elements. Merriam-Webster calls it “a sandal usually having a fabric upper and a flexible sole,” and Cambridge Dictionary describes “a shoe made from strong cloth, with a sole made from rope.”

Traditional construction breaks down like this:

• Upper: canvas or cotton, sometimes with leather or suede in modern versions
• Sole: jute, esparto grass, hemp, or other rope-like natural fiber
• Outsole: many current pairs add a rubber layer to reduce wear and improve traction

That rubber addition matters. Traditional rope soles wear down quickly on pavement, so manufacturers began protecting them with rubber outsoles — a practical fix that keeps the classic look while making the shoes last longer.

Where Did Espadrilles Come From?

Espadrilles come from Spain, specifically the Pyrenees, Catalonia, and Basque regions, with strong ties to Occitania in southern France. The name itself connects to esparto, a Mediterranean grass used for rope-making. Versions of the word appear in Spanish, French, Catalan, Portuguese, and Basque.

The style is centuries old. Historical records document medieval use in the 13th and 14th centuries, and peasants, soldiers, and workers wore them through the ages. The shift from workwear to fashion happened in the 20th century, with a notable popularity surge in the 1930s and 1940s. Designer reinventions followed, including the wedge espadrille associated with Yves Saint Laurent — which is why wedges and high-heeled versions are now part of the category, not just flats and platforms.

Are All Espadrilles Flat?

No. Many people assume espadrilles only come as flat sandals, but the category includes platforms, wedges, and heels. The defining feature isn’t the height — it’s the rope or jute sole paired with a fabric upper.

One quick distinction worth knowing: if a shoe has no rope, jute, or esparto-style sole, it may not fit the strict definition. A leather-soled shoe with a canvas upper is espadrille-inspired at best, not a true espadrille.

How to Care for Espadrilles

There’s no single official care guide, but the practical rules are simple. Canvas uppers clean with a damp cloth and mild soap — avoid soaking them. The rope sole is the fragile part; keep it away from deep water, which weakens jute and can dissolve the fibers.

If your pair has a rubber outsole, those shoes hold up better on regular outdoor wear. If you own traditional rope-soled espadrilles, they’re best for lighter use, and you can expect the sole to wear faster. Some people treat the soles with a protectant spray, but the honest answer is that traditional rope soles are consumable by design.

For fitting and sizing help, especially if you have wide feet, our roundup of espadrilles that actually fit wide feet sorts through the options and what to look for in a comfortable pair. The English Wikipedia history and construction of the espadrille covers the style’s fuller background.