Espadrille

 

Espadrille shoes are a popular and simple flat casual shoe. The material is usually canvas or cotton fabric for the upper of the shoe and a flexible sole made of rope or rubber material moulded to look like rope to create strong, lightweight and flexible soles. These shoes serve a long history considering they go back since the 13th century when soldiers worn them. Espadrilles were originally hand made with basket weave, as cotton and other fabrics did not exist or could not be afforded. In the mid 1950’s the espadrilles began to gain popularity in the public eye as famous names such as Grace Kelly, she turned in fact the once peasant footwear into a popular accessory.  New styles of espadrilles have remained true to the original shoes’ traditional designs but with updated fabrics, colours and a more modern take on the shoe. Original features such as the weave have stayed but have been modified into a range of different styles.