Espadrilles are a staple for me in the summer. I like them for wearing around the house or running out to get the mail, that sort of thing. They’re not comfortable to wear all day walking around, at least to me, but for short errands or jaunts they’re fine.
I have tried a few different brands, and recommend Ropey Soles. They’re made in France, sold out of the UK, and for the price, I find them better than any others I’ve tried. I bought a pair in off-white last summer (called “linen” on their site), and bought a pair in navy this summer to wear with white jeans. The shipping to America is about as much as the shoes themselves, but the total price is still very affordable (about $28 all-in). Transit took about one week from the day they shipped.
There are other brands I’ve tried that I don’t like as much. For instance, I got some super cheap ones from ASOS a few years ago, and the canvas tore open fairly quickly. I tried Soludos a few years ago because I like their little flourish on the toe, but they are literally painful to wear. There are more expensive brands, like Castaner (they have a long pedigree, which has appeal), but I personally have difficulty spending more than $50 on shoes made of rope. Designer versions like those sold by Polo Ralph Lauren are fine, but usually more expensive (and who wants the pony on their shoe?).
Of course, TOMS aren’t usually thought of as espadrilles, being inspired by a traditional Argentinian shoe its founder came across while there, but the shoe he based it on is called the alpargata, which is just the Spanish word for espadrille. TOMS have their own design language that identifies them immediately, but since they aren’t just made of rope, they’re a little more comfortable and have some actual support. And you can buy them at Sam’s Club.
Anyway, all this is to say: Ropey Soles have been my go-to espadrille shop for years, going back to 2012 when I got my first pair (below). I recommend them.
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