Local handcrafted production.
Our commitment to creating responsible footwear led us to seek production as close as possible to Marseille, highlighting the expertise of people with disabilities. That's how we decided to collaborate with the ESAT (Sheltered Workshop) of Le Rouet in Marseille, which now produces a large portion of our espadrilles and an increasing number of canvas sneakers.
This medico-social facility, which allows people with disabilities to engage in professional activity in good conditions, welcomed us and our machines at the end of 2017. It took many months of effort before we were able to form a competent and independent team, as our alpargatas are real shoes with about thirty complex operations that need to be mastered to make the comfortable and stylish Espigas you know.
We developed a model and processes adapted to our Marseille-based production workshop, composed of individuals with various disabilities. Our research on optimizing production, with the help of engineering students, led to the implementation of a very refined manufacturing protocol that has helped us save time and improve quality.
Today, we are proud that our Espigas, with their unique design combined with the craftsmanship of our artisans, are so well-received.
Every day, between 8 and 12 pairs of espadrilles and sneakers leave the workshop, each with a "philosophical phrase" printed on the leather sole to "walk smarter"! #eachstepisanadventure
Step-by-step process of making a "Made in France" canvas sneaker.
Visit our online store or come see us at 3 Cours Jean Ballard in Marseille, near the Vieux Port.