The History of Espadrilles
A Popular Shoe That Became Timeless
Everyone thinks they know the espadrille. Yet, this simple shoe, made of fabric and rope, has traversed centuries, trends, and continents.
It was born in the Pyrenees, traveled with peasants, conquered artists, and became a symbol of summer style.
At Espigas, this history inspires us every day. We don’t aim to reinvent the espadrille, but to re-root it in the present: responsible, local, and committed.
From Peasant Origins to the Artistic Scene
The espadrille is believed to have originated as early as the 13th century in the Pyrenean valleys, in Catalonia or the Basque Country. It was the shoe of the people: light, inexpensive, and suited to hot climates.
Its hemp rope sole—once cultivated all the way to Canebière, here in Marseille—gave it a rustic look, but also posed challenges: moisture retention, quick wear, and fragility. However, it’s likely that, even in ancient times, Mediterranean peoples were making shoes from plant-based materials like jute or hemp. The tradition continued: farmers in the fields, fishermen, and even miners.
This is why, at Espigas, we’ve chosen modernity. Our soles are made from caoutchouc, which are more durable, comfortable, and better suited for everyday use. [Learn more about our production]
In the 1950s, the espadrille captivated intellectuals and artists: Picasso, Dali, Cocteau… Later, it became a chic yet relaxed symbol of the Riviera.
A Marseillais Espadrille
At Espigas, we wanted to anchor the espadrille in a Marseillais identity:
-
By imagining it with Mediterranean colors
-
By making it locally, in our workshop in Marseille
-
By preserving its free, popular, and accessible spirit
[Discover who we are • See our signature model]
Always Current, Always Inspiring
We chose the espadrille not by chance. It embodies everything we love about fashion: a simple, honest, light, and accessible object.
It can just as easily accompany a walk through the city as a summer by the sea. And most importantly: it transcends generations, genders, and eras.
Espigas pays tribute to this iconic shoe while giving it a new look, for today and for tomorrow.
[Browse our collection of espadrilles]