Espadrilles

Espadrilles are normally casual flat, but sometimes high heeled shoes originating from the Pyrenees.^[1] They usually have a canvas or cotton fabric upper and a flexible sole made of rope or rubber material moulded to look like rope. The jute rope sole is the defining characteristic of an espadrille; the uppers vary widely in style. In French Canada, however, espadrille is the usual term for running shoes or sneakers.

Contents 1 History 2 Modern espadrilles 3 Jute sole espadrilles 4 Manufacture 5 References

History

The term espadrille is French and derives from the Occitan & Catalan name for the shoes, espardenya, which derives from espart, the Occitan/Catalan name for esparto, a tough, wiry Mediterranean grass used in making rope. Espadrilles have been made in Pyrennean Occitania and Catalonia since the 14th century at least,^[1] and there are shops in the Basque country still in existence that have been making espadrilles for over a century.^[2] Traditional espadrilles have a canvas upper with the toe and vamp cut in one piece, and seamed to the rope sole at the sides. Often they would have laces at the throat that would be wrapped around the ankle to hold the shoes securely in place. Traditional espadrilles are worn by both men and women.

Modern espadrilles

Once peasant footwear, espadrilles have grown in popularity, especially in Catalonia and the Basque Country, where many men and women wear them during the spring and summer months. Designer espadrilles are now widely available. They are usually manufactured in Bangladesh and Spain. Modern espadrilles are predominantly for women, though some men's shoes are made in this style.

The soles of espadrilles may be flat, platform or wedge shaped, and can be made of natural fiber or synthetic fiber rope, or flexible synthetic materials cast to resemble rope. Uppers may be made from nearly any substance, and may have open or closed toes, open or closed backs, and can be slip-on or tied to the ankle with laces. Thousands of varieties of espadrilles can be found, from inexpensive bargain brands to high priced designer brands.

Espadrilles became fashionable in USA in the 1940s. Lauren Bacall's character in the 1948 movie "Key Largo" wore ankle-laced espadrilles. The style was revived in the 1980s, due to the success of Miami Vice - the shoe was worn by Sonny Crockett (Don Johnson).

Recently in the Philippines, espadrilles are the newest trend of shoes as it give its Filipino consumers a comfortable feeling especially during summer seasons. In the late 70's-80's, it also became a hit as one of men's fashion objects. Filipinos paired these shoes with either checkered shorts (also known as "walkshorts") or a pair of trousers.

Jute sole espadrilles

Only second to cotton in favor as a natural fiber, jute is increasingly used in the manufacture of espadrilles. The soles of espadrilles are now commonly made with jute rope or braid, which is favored because of its eco-friendliness compared to synthetic substances. The natural bright white color of jute is a major design feature of modern espadrilles.

Bangladesh is the producer of high quality jute, and has become a manufacturing centre for premium quality jute soles and complete espadrilles. Ninety percent of the world's total production of complete espadrilles, as well as jute soles, is now manufactured in Bangladesh,^[3] although some manufacturers in Spain, France, and Italy import jute soles from Bangladesh to finish espadrilles in those countries. Complete espadrilles are also manufactured in Argentina^[4], Bolivia, Colombia, Paraguay and Venezuela.

Jute soles typically include fully or partially vulcanized rubber beneath the jute fibre for long-lasting espadrille shoes. Sometimes crepe soles are used as out-soles. Jute braid soles might include heels made of wood or EVA foam.

Manufacture

The manufacture of espadrilles is generally more complex than that of sandals. The jute soles are the most critical part. The jute twines are first machine-braided. These braids are then manually formed into the shape of the sole and hydraulically pressed with heat to form the final shape, and completed with vertical stitching. These basic soles are then vulcanized underneath. EVA foam or wooden heels are glued in place and more jute braids are wrapped around it to complete the soles. Uppers of different styles are then built on the jute soles to complete the espadrille. Most traditional espadrilles made by hand come from la Rioja.,^[5] Spain. They are widely distributed in France and Canada.

References

Footwear Men's dress shoes Brogues Derby Court shoes Monks Oxfords Slip-ons (Loafers) Spectator shoes (Co-respondent shoes) Venetian style shoes Winklepickers Brothel creepers Women's dress shoes Ballet flats Pumps Mules Mary Janes Mojari Saddle shoes Slingbacks Slip-ons (Loafers) Venetian style shoes Winklepickers Other shoes Clogs Espadrilles Flip-flops Galoshes Geta Giveh Moccasins Platform shoes Sandals Slides Slippers Veldskoens Military footwear Ammunition boots Cold weather boots Combat boots Jackboots Jump boots Jungle boots Tanker boots Trench boots Sport-related footwear Athletic shoes Ballet shoes Boat shoes Climbing shoes Cycling shoes Football boots Hiking boots Ice skates Inline skates Jika-tabi Motorcycle boots Mountaineering boots Riding boots Roller skates Skate shoes Ski boots Swimfins Wrestling shoes Fashion boots Beatle boots Chelsea boots Go-go boots Knee-high boots Platform boots Work boots/shoes Australian work boots Chukka boots Cowboy boots Engineer boots Hip boots Rigger boots Steel-toe boots Waders Other boots Mukluks Valenki Wellington boots Historical Buskin Chopine Crakow (Poulaine) Galesh Hessian Hwa Opanak