A Shoe-in

Having become a recent convert to a certain type of flat shoe popular in these parts, (Sneaking Around & Sneaking Around 2), I think it’s time I turned my attention to that most quintessential of Spanish shoes: the espadrille.

The espadrille is Catalan in origin, from the Pyrenees, which means it is from the region Catalonia of that includes Barcelona, and is also called an ‘espardenya’. Originally flat, they are made from canvas and have a coiled rope sole.

So I think this presents a perfectly good reason to partake of a long tradition, notwithstanding the fact that they are, in fact, shoes, and hence an essential summer wardrobe item. How could I not join the locals in owning a pair.

I have been eyeing them off for a few years now (there are a few espadrille shop-lined streets in Seville in the south), and now that summer is really on its way it’s time to get serious. There is, admittedly, a dizzying array of styles to choose from, from the super flat to a platform wedge, so this does make the decision a little more complicated.

For a modern take on the traditional, you really can’t go past Castañer. Whilst other brands may be making espadrille-inspired shoes – rope-wedged pumps and sling-backs are in every store on the high street right now (think H&M, Mango & Zara) – these guys have been making the real thing since 1927, and they really know their stuff.

More expensive than the others, they are however supremely comfortable and terribly well made, so you are getting good solid espadrille value. I had initially thought them a little ‘mumsy’, especially as they are mostly sold in the sorts of shoe shops frequented by middle-aged matrons in tree-lined shopping precints, but I have come to realise they are just one of those very grownup European shoe looks. That kind of sexy in an old-fashioned womanly Sophia Loren way. And if I can picture Penelope Cruz in a pair then I know I’m on the right track! I mean, how mumsy can a pair of black platform slingbacks with a black lacquered-rope wedge be?

Check out their website at http://www.castaner.com/; their homepage is a black & white video of a pair being made, and you can see the latest collections – men and women…

Then of course there is the other option – the traditional flat espadrille, perfect for summers spent messing about on boats and beaches in the Med. These are the kinds of shoes worn by men and women and always seem to feature in black and white photographs of summer holidays in the first half of the 20^th century – Picasso and Dali, two terribly famous – and famously terrible – Spaniards. Which I suspect is also part of the reason that I want to own some.

I spied a small shop on my recent travels about town that has a massive range of very authentic looking espadrilles. Naturally its location up a side street in the old quarter (Barri Gotíc) only made them seem more so. Turns out it is world-renowned for its hand-made espadrilles, and is where Señor Dali bought his pairs; so somehow I think this may be the place.

photo courtesy of www.espadrilles.ca

Of course I can now see that really I will be requiring two pairs: a flat pair in black or navy for casual outdoor-type activities, and a pair of heels for dressier occasions (like jeans and a white singlet top).

Which is fine by me: if you can’t make the choice to satisfy your practical or your frivolous side, I say indulge them both and make everybody happy!

Happy shoe shopping

Rubi