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On my first trip to Madrid, the only line I stood in wasn’t for Picasso’s Guernica or chocolate-dipped churros—it was for Casa Hernanz, a maker of Spanish espadrilles since 1845. Even though the shoe has a long history, the best espadrilles are always a summer trend. At Casa Hernanz, everything is handmade, and shoppers can choose from different heel heights and a rainbow of colors. According to the shoemaker’s website—now run by the latest generation of the Hernanz family, Jesús and Antonio—the techniques used to make today’s shoes go back centuries. The only update has been adding a practical rubber sole. When I left Casa Hernanz, I was carrying about half a dozen pairs. After all, each espadrille costs about as much as lunch.

Vogue’s Favorite Espadrilles:

– The Classic Wedge: Castañer Carina wedge espadrilles – $140 at SHOPBOP
– The Hybrid Espadrille: Miu Miu Gymnasium canvas sneakers – $1,120 at MIU MIU
– The Black Satin Style: Tory Burch Open Weave espadrilles – $400 at NET-A-PORTER
– The Wedge Sandal: Chloé Isla wedge espadrilles – $950 at CHLOÉ
– The Mesh Style: Alaïa mesh espadrilles – $1,150 at NET-A-PORTER

Spain is considered the birthplace of the espadrille. The sole is made from braids of dried esparto grass, a plant native to southern Spain, and the shoe has been documented as far back as the 13th century. You could say the next big moment in espadrille history came in 1970, when Yves Saint Laurent asked Castañer to help create a heeled version of the famous woven shoe. The result became a fashion milestone, and Castañer—a brand founded in the city of Bañolas in 1927—still makes the design today. And why fix what isn’t broken? As someone who wears them often, I can honestly say the heeled espadrille is the perfect summer shoe. Call me between May and August, and I’ll probably answer while wearing a pair of Castañers.

I’ve worn the same pair of wedge espadrilles to a black-tie garden wedding and for a quick Citi Bike ride through Central Park. The wedge makes them easy to wear on sand or grass, and they’re incredibly comfortable too. Like a cushy sneaker designed with science to absorb shock, the best espadrilles—with their flexible woven soles—are a low-tech shoe you can wear all day.

To keep praising espadrilles: they’re also breathable without showing your feet. I believe toes should stay covered unless you’re actually on the beach, but while I’m at it, espadrilles are perfect for the beach. Go for a flat pair, and you won’t miss your flip-flops at all. Plus, they add a subtle vintage feel to your look—think Christy Turlington, Grace Kelly, and John F. Kennedy, all fans of the shoe. And if those names feel a bit too preppy for you, note that bohemians like Picasso and Dalí also spent their summers drinking sangria in espadrilles.

Depending on the style you choose, you can pair espadrilles with black trousers and a crisp white shirt, a flowy floral dress, or a bikini at the beach. We’ve rounded up the best espadrilles, from satin to embroidered to flat. Buy one, or buy them all.

– Castañer Carina wedge espadrilles – $140 at SHOPBOP
– Chloé Isla wedge espadrilles – $950 at CHLOÉ
– Alaïa mesh espadrilles – $1,150 at NET-A-PORTER
– Soludos espadrille Mary Janes – $109 at BANANA REPUBLIC
– Ferragamo Zanta Zebra espadrilles – $920 at NET-A-PORTER
– J.Crew Made-in-Spain espadrilles – $178 at J.CREW
– Sézane Diane espadrilles – $120 at SEZANEBurberry
Check Mews Pumps – $795
BURBERRY
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Miu Miu
Gymnasium Canvas Sneakers – $1,120
MIU MIU
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Loeffler Randall
Clover Embroidered Espadrilles – $295
LOEFFLER RANDALL
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Jimmy Choo
Lemi Suede Espadrilles – $795
NET-A-PORTER
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Tory Burch
Open Weave Espadrilles – $400
NET-A-PORTER
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Loewe
Petal Espadrille Slides – $990
LOEWE
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Celine
Maison Celine Espadrilles – $670
CELINE
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Staud
Hemingway Espadrille Sandals – $350
NORDSTROM
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H&M
Espadrilles – $40
H&M

Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about why espadrilles are the only summer shoes you need written in a natural tone with clear answers

Beginner Questions

1 What exactly is an espadrille
An espadrille is a casual lightweight shoe with a canvas or cotton upper and a flexible sole made from jute The classic style is a flat slipon shoe

2 Why are espadrilles so popular for summer
Theyre breathable lightweight and have a relaxed beachy vibe that goes with almost everythingfrom shorts to sundresses

3 Are espadrilles comfortable for walking all day
Yes for most people The jute sole molds slightly to your foot over time However they dont have much arch support so if you need that look for pairs with a padded insole or add your own insert

4 How do I clean my espadrilles
It depends on the material For canvas uppers spotclean with a damp cloth and mild soap The jute sole should never be soakedjust brush off dry dirt Avoid machine washing as it ruins the jute

5 Can I wear espadrilles to the beach
Absolutely Theyre perfect for walking on sand or boardwalks Just be careful near waterthe jute sole will get soggy and can stretch or smell if it stays wet

Intermediate Advanced Questions

6 Whats the difference between wedge espadrilles and flat espadrilles
Flat espadrilles are casual and slipon Wedge espadrilles have a raised heel made of stacked jute giving you height while still being comfortablegreat for dressing up a summer outfit

7 Do espadrilles stretch over time
Canvas or cotton uppers can stretch a little with wear especially if theyre tight Leather or synthetic espadrilles are less likely to stretch Always buy your true size they shouldnt be too snug

8 How can I make my espadrilles last longer
Avoid walking in rain or puddles
Let them air dry completely after wearing
Apply a fabric protector