12 Breezy Espadrilles to Wear All Summer Long
The classic vacation staple has been having a bit of a resurgence.
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There is just something fabulous about a shoe that reminds you of vacations past. For some that's a comfortable slide, or a walkable wedge sandal, or even a fisherman style. But the shoe that feels the most like a far-flung summer vacation to us is actually the espadrille. Which makes sense considering it originated in Spain and was later popularized by designer Yves Saint Laurent in the south of France.
“The espadrille is synonymous with timeless European summer style,” Kate Davidson Hudson, Editor-In-Chief of LuisaViaRoma, tells BAZAAR. “Dating back to 13th century Spain, this ageless style is constructed from braids of dried grass and silo'ed in everything from a flat shape to more fashion-forward platform and heeled versions in recent years.”
The shoe’s popularity has endured thanks to its minimalist design and natural materials, but it was Saint Laurent who catapulted the espadrille into the modern day fashion vernacular. “Espadrilles famously received their high-fashion stamp of relevancy when Yves Saint Laurent collaborated with Spanish espadrille house, Castañer, in the 1970’s, on a high-heeled version of the timeworn staple,” Davidson Hudson explains.
Since the ‘70s, espadrilles have never lost their fashion caché and can be found in a wide array of styles, colors and patterns, season after season. “Reimagined in everything from canvas to silk, with dramatic lace-ups or as simple slip-ons and conjured in a wide range of colors and patterns, there is quite literally an espadrille option for every look and every occasion,” Davidson Hudson says. “The generally lower price point to entry is also another benefit of this perennially-chic style.”
Ahead, 12 stylish pairs of espadrille shoes to wear this summer that'll remind you of the season—even months after it's over.
Castañer Kampala 20mm Canvas Espadrilles
Castañer Kampala 20mm Canvas Espadrilles
As classic as they come, Castañer's slip on canvas espadrilles are made with 100% cotton and are a summer must. "I love the classic Castañer slip-on espadrilles for easy everyday wear," Davidson Hudson says. "Pair them with a white jean or a tailored short for a perfectly polished finished that you will want to default to daily!"
Size Range: 35-41 EU
Colors: Ivory
Gucci Interlocking G Slide Sandals
Gucci Interlocking G Slide Sandals
Gucci’s interpretation of the wardrobe mainstay is for those who like to show off a fresh pedicure. The interlocking G cutout strap brings a modern edge to the classic espadrille flat sole. Wear with a white shirtdress to work or a stripe tee and denim cutoffs on the weekend and finish off with a straw bag.
Size Range: 34-42 IT
Colors: Brown leather, metallic gold leather, orange leather and white leather
Castañer Carina 60 Wedge Espadrilles
Castañer Carina 60 Wedge Espadrilles
Another best-selling shape and editor favorite, Castañer’s lace-up wedge sandals are the slightly dressed up version of the heritage flat shoe. Wear them from a casual workplace to happy hour drinks and beyond. Often available in a wide range of colors each season, you can never go wrong with the tried and true navy, black or ivory.
Size Range: 35-42 IT
Colors: Navy, black, ivory
Prada Raffia Espadrille Flat
Prada Raffia Espadrille Flat
Prada’s beloved woven raffia style is definitely one to snap up quickly before it sells through like the popular raffia tote. The closed-toe design feels even more airy, thanks to a woven, fishnet overlay that will allow for breathability on the many hot days ahead. The brand’s infamous triangle logo gives this simple shoe the designer touch.
Size Range: 35-41 EU
Colors: Naturale
Chloé Pema Espadrille-Sole Platform Sandals
Chloé Pema Espadrille-Sole Platform Sandals
True to the house's DNA, Chloe's Pema shoe is an espadrille-inspired platform, reworked for the modern women with the brand's signature architectural detailing. A chunky jute heel is balanced with organic brass hardware, for a clash of textures that just feel right. Style yours with a billowy kaftan dress for an effortless hot weather look.
Size Range: 35-41
Colors: Black
Altuzarra Kenda Espadrilles
Altuzarra Kenda Espadrilles
Altuzarra’s shibori print finds a new home on the perfect summer shoe. Made in Spain, the reinforced rubber sole ensures no slipping while wearing. Take style notes from the designer and pair this slip-on with everything from warm-weather knit separates to stunning shirtdresses for an added pop. (And yes, it'll look just as good with a bikini, too).
Size Range: 35-41 EU
Colors: Butterscotch and berry blue
ALOHAS™ County Espadrilles
Buckle up with this flatform from Alohas that brings a new spin to an otherwise classic shape. Leather straps give the shoe a moto feel, especially in black, while a chunky espadrille sole adds a bit of height without being uncomfortable. The best part? They're made from sustainable leather.
Size Range: 5-12 US
Colors: Black and camel
Reformation Alessa Lace-Up Wedge Espadrille
Reformation Alessa Lace-Up Wedge Espadrille
Made for summer weddings and evening soirees, this lace-up shoe is as effortless as it gets. The most practical choice for outdoor gatherings, where stilettos might go straight through the grass, a wedge will provide lift and balance. Linen laces guarantee that these straps will hang tight around your ankle and leg, a must while dancing the night away.
Size Range: 5-11 US
Colors: Cream and black
Alexandre Birman Vicky Platform Espadrille
If you are facing a long day of errands and appointments, strap into these platform sandals that will make hours on your feet a breeze. The flat shape is counterbalanced with a cushioned insole, so comfort does not fall to the wayside. The espadrille-inspired woven bottom proves that craft can be extremely cool.
Size Range: 5-12 US
Colors: Beige and black
Saint Laurent Paloma Espadrille Wedge Sandals
Saint Laurent Paloma Espadrille Wedge Sandals
What else would you expect from the brand that re-popularized the modern-day espadrille? Chic and simple, this wedge delivers seriously stylish results. A peep toe ankle strap shape in black complements the natural tone of the braided wedge beautifully. The subtle gold YSL logo charm on the ankle gives this shoe a little designer flair. Dress up or down for a versatile option that won't fall flat.
Size Range: 34-42 IT
Colors: Black
Chanel Cotton Tweed & Grosgrain Espadrilles
Chanel Cotton Tweed & Grosgrain Espadrilles
What is more iconic than Chanel tweed? The brand’s signature fabric makes for a fabulous update on the classic summer shoe. Complete with quilted stitching, a grosgrain toe, and the infamous double C logo, this is one luxe buy that will live in your closet for seasons to come. Wear with your favorite crisp linen shirts and light-weight denim for a relaxed feel.
Size Range: 34-42 FR available in select boutiques
Colors: Light yellow and black
Tom Ford 140mm Laminated Leather Sandals
"I am obsessed with Tom Ford's hyper-elevated take on the classic espadrille, rendered in a range of exciting colorways and finished with a dramatic ankle wrap. I think it's one of the best statement shoes of the season," Hudson Davidson tells BAZAAR. "It will work perfectly to dress up any to the more diaphanous-shaped summer dresses this season or to transition a classic jean from day-to-night wear." Play up the disco vibes with the gold color way that was made to boogie.
Size Range: 36-42 IT
Colors: Gold and pink
Lauren Caruso is a freelance writer, consultant, and digital media strategist that splits her time between NYC and Los Angeles. She has more than ten years of experience within the publishing industry with a focus on fashion, beauty, and lifestyle, with tenures at Refinery29, Allure, and The Zoe Report.
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