Why Espadrilles & Alpargatas Beat Men’s Flip-Flops & Sandals

If you’ve been to a beach resort or anywhere tropical, you’ve definitely seen these types of shoes for sale. After all, they sell them in England. Regardless of if you are dealing with a soggy summer or not, there’s no denying that espadrilles or alpargatas have become very popular due to their cheap and affordable price point. They also grab menswear enthusiasts’ attention with their very relaxed vibe and feel for casual summer style.

So, you might be wondering what is the difference between an espadrille and an alparagata? What’s the history behind them, and where do they come from? That’s what we’re going to dive into today. As always, we have the answers to these questions, but let’s first start off by defining these shoes.

What Are an Espadrille and an Alparagata?

If you look at them, you’ll probably think, what’s the difference between an espadrille and an alpargata? Well, technically, there is none. It’s simply a difference in terminology on this type of shoe, where an espadrille has a French origin, and an alparagata has a Spanish origin, which makes sense because these countries share a land mass, and this is where they originate from.

Being able to use either term freely is quite unique when it comes to footwear because when it comes to other shoes, they are more firmly defined, like Oxfords versus Derbies.

So, with espadrilles and alpargatas being different than traditional dress shoes, you might be wondering, what is the signature style?

First is the fact that the soles are made of rope. This is, perhaps, one of the most defining features. Soles can be made from coiled rope, typically from either esparto grass fibers or jute, the long fibers from the Corchorus genus plant. These fibers are coiled into rope, and this rope is woven into a sole.

While rope soles are the most traditional, a lot of espadrilles and alpargatas are made with rubber soles these days. Typically, the rope is only added as a decoration, but you can find a combination of the two materials, where a coiled rope sole has a rubber outsole glued onto it, and this greatly increases the longevity of the shoe.

Some espadrilles and alparagatas also feature a little bit of rope to reinforce the toe. As you can see, these types of shoes are typically a slip-on style, but you can find them in lace-up options as well. This is very similar to a classic tennis shoe, but even though these styles exist, it is far more common to see them without laces. This is because of their simple construction, typically only using two to four pieces to create the upper of the shoe.

It typically has one panel for the vamp and a piece or two, maybe three, for the heel. These shoes are not lasted like a typical dress shoe, rather the material is just sewn onto the sole. This is done without any pre-shaping or lasting, and it can lead to some variations in fit. Modern versions might have some elastic to help you get a better fit.

This lack of structure means that this type of shoe needs to be made of a very soft upper material. They can be made from things like fleece or felt, but the most common upper materials are canvas. This is the most traditional and hard-wearing, but you can also find them in a lace and pique knit. This is typically for more feminine styles, but it is possible to find this in a masculine pique knit, which is great for breathability.

You can also find them in variations of leather, like regular calf leather or suede. This might make the shoes look a little bit more refined or more attractive, but it will also make it a little bit harder for them to breathe.

Do Espadrilles and Alpargatas fit in a Classic Wardrobe?

These shoes are undeniably classic in style, so how do you wear them, and can you incorporate them into a classic wardrobe? Historically speaking, the answer is yes. Humans have used rope-soled shoes for Millennia.

Famous examples are the Fort Rock sandals and ancient Egyptian footwear that resemble modern-day flip-flops. However, the first mention of rope-soled shoes with a material upper dates back to 1322 and the Catalonia region of Spain. People from all walks of life used to wear them; the working class typically use cheaper materials, and the wealthy use more expensive materials, such as leather and silk.

For many years, they had long laces, which you would wrap around the ankle in order to secure them. These are very similar to Greek or Roman sandals, but they were a lot lighter and less expensive to make because they didn’t use heavy materials, such as leather.

This style was extremely popular in this area of Europe for centuries. And with the Northern Spanish region of Catalonia bordering Southern France, the use of these shoes was extremely common in both Spain and France, but it can be puzzling as to why they’re called different names.

To dive deeper into the language here, “espadrilles” comes from the term “espardenia,” which refers to the esparto grass that the shoes are made from. Meanwhile, the name “alparagatas” is the literal Spanish translation of the word “espadrilles.” Alparagatas comes from the earlier Arab word “albargat,” which essentially means “sandal.” So, yes, both languages are talking about the same shoe espadrilles fit easier into French-speaking areas, and alpargatas fit more easily into Spanish-speaking areas.

So, fast forward to more recent history in the 20th century, and these shoes still remain crazy popular. The 1930s and 40s saw people traveling more frequently. Many people would holiday in warm areas of Europe, including Spain, Italy, and the French Riviera. So, espadrilles and alpargatas were a great pickup that you could find locally for very cheap, and you could pack in your suitcase for a nice souvenir to take home.

This is why you can see so many great fashion illustrations from the Golden Age of Menswear, with many stylish men wearing them. Their popularity continued in the 1950s and 60s, as they were seen on the silver screen by stars like James Bond. Bond is a frequent wearer of espadrilles, and they are mentioned in the original books, and they make many appearances in the films such as Dr. No and Thunderball.

The 1970s saw the revolution for the espadrille as Yves Saint Laurent created the infamous wedge espadrille. So, while the wedge espadrille remains a hugely popular style to this day, this designer piece did two things; it made an inexpensive shoe very expensive with a designer tag, and it put a feminine slant on what was originally a unisex shoe. This made the shoe popular between men, women, and children alike.

However, the 1980s came along and saved the day. The beach scene became very desirable with shows and movies like Miami Vice, bringing the espadrille back into the consciousness of men. And although I don’t agree with everything that took place in the 1980s when it comes to menswear, I certainly can appreciate the love for the humble espadrille.

Jumping for 2006 brings us to the creation of the company Toms. This company specialized in alparagatas and espadrilles with a charitable ethos. This company created espadrilles and alpargatas based on ones that were popular in Argentina, and allegedly, Bill Gates created the inspiration for this company, as he told their founder and executive team that part of the reason for diseases in third-world countries was lack of shoes for children.

So, the business model was that for every pair sold, a pair would be donated to those in need. The name “Toms” comes from the word “tomorrow,” and this came from the Shoes For Tomorrow project, which was designed to give shoes to those in need. So, with the focus on stylish and inexpensive shoes meeting with charity made this company extremely popular, and the brand has grown ever since.

Today, alpargatas and espadrilles can be found at a range of price points, from being hand sewn by a street vendor in Mexico to high-end designer brands. You even have artisanal makers who take the craftsmanship of a really nice made espadrille and sell it to the masses, like a company like Drake’s.

So, if we rewind back to the question of whether or not espadrilles and alparagatas fit in a classic men’s wardrobe, the answer is sometimes. So, given all that historical relevance, sometimes they can be challenging.

Pros and Cons of Espadrilles or Alpargatas

There are many benefits to owning this type of shoe, but there are some drawbacks.

Pro: They have great breathability. 

After all, they were developed to be worn in very warm climates. I mean, after all, no one wants to wear a pair of trench boots in hot weather. Lightweight and breathable materials are used to make them. Traditional canvas and rope are not heavy the same way that leather is, and the open weave allows your feet to breathe, keeping you cool and comfortable.

Con: Even no-show socks will be conspicuous.

The downside is that you really shouldn’t wear these with socks, and even no-show socks will still look off and could potentially show. Even though we might look back at the Golden Age of Menswear and see these shoes being worn with socks, because they’re so close to a sandal, it kind of creates that whole sock with sandal ethos.

So, typically, you have to go barefoot on a pair of espadrilles, and sometimes, if that rope really isn’t well broken in, it can be uncomfortable. Personally, this was my experience. I bought a pair of espadrilles last summer, and the first two-three days were very uncomfortable until I had them broken in. There are some espadrille makers that will use some sort of liner to help increase comfort, so keep that in mind. But wearing visible socks with them is still considered a faux pas, regardless.

Pro: They are typically inexpensive.

True to its historical roots, typically, espadrilles are made from cheaper materials, and that makes the price very, very low. This makes them easy to pick up and replace while you’re on vacation, as you might find them for $10 to $15. Picking these up cheaply on vacation can also be a great way to experiment with different styles and colors.

And with a covered toe and heel, they look much more put together and dressed up than a flip-flop. Because of the low price, you could pick up two or three different colors, try things out, and bring them home with you.

Con: Can be ridiculously expensive!

On the flip side, a con can be that they can be ridiculously expensive. So, they can actually cost a whole lot of money. What do I mean by this? Well, look at all the designer brands who’ve decided to make their own version. As we saw with the YSL wedge espadrilles, there are many high-end designer examples out there that can fetch an eye-watering sum.

Sticking with YSL, you could have a pair with an embroidered name on the side for $595. If that’s not enough for you, well, how about a pair from Dolce and Gabbana at $645? And if you still have leftover change, then go for a pair from Christian Dior. After all, they’re only $850.

So, this shows you the other extreme of the scale. You can buy espadrilles for as cheap as a few bucks, or you can spend a small fortune on them. But in reality, they’re typically made the same way, so you’re paying for nearly entirely the brand name.

Pro: They are lightweight.

Because they’re made of canvas and rope, there’s no heavy leather sole weighing them down. This also makes them really light for traveling, and because they can pack flat, you shouldn’t need shoe trees. This makes them very easy to keep in your car or in a tote bag, and you can even wear them as house shoes. After all, they do bear a resemblance to traditional Persian home slippers, which you can find more about in our pajamas guide.

Con: They’re not very supportive.

Because they’re lightweight and they’re built on a rope sole, you won’t have as much support as having a sturdy leather sole underneath your feet. Because these are made on a flat rope sole, you won’t have any arch support, and if that’s something you need they might not be the most comfortable. This shouldn’t be an issue if you’re only wearing them occasionally, but I wouldn’t recommend running a 5k in them.

Pro: They’re vegan-friendly.

We’ve previously explored vegan leather, and we’ve come to the conclusion that there really aren’t good vegan leathers for dress shoes, but on the contrary, typically, espadrilles and alpargatas are made of vegan-approved materials. They’re almost always made from plant fibers, rather than using animal materials. Modern examples might have leather or suede on them, but if you want more plant-based materials, there are plenty of options as well.

Con: They don’t wear/age well.

These shoes look used a lot quicker than regular dress shoes. And unlike leather-soled shoes, they’re typically a throwaway item. Even if they have a leather upper, it’s typically a low-grade leather, and it can’t be polished or reconditioned. The good thing is, is that if you can pick these up for a cheap price, they are still environmentally conscious, being from plant products, so you can throw them away, they’ll break down, and you can buy another pair.

When Should You Wear Espadrilles and Alpargatas?

They are perfect for hot climates. As we’ve discussed, they’re lightweight, and they breathe very well. They’re perfect shoes for the beach, for the resort, and to wear through the sunny parts of Europe in the summer. They also add a sophisticated twist to a warm-weather outfit. They look great when you’re wearing shorts, where a loafer might look a little bit too stuffy or dressed up, and they look a heck of a lot better than wearing flip-flops with a pair of shorts.

Espadrilles do a good job of bridging that gap and meeting somewhere in the middle. Espadrilles are also great for casual and informal events. Think of things like a barbecue or get-together in the warm weather months.

The key, as always, is understanding who you’re getting together with, and what you’re going to be doing; if you’re going to throw football around or play a pickup game, I wouldn’t recommend these. But if you’re around family and friends sitting out on the porch, drinking a Negroni, or just having a good time, these are a great fit. These can look incredibly elegant when paired with chinos or jeans.

Also, when it comes to your downtime, espadrilles can also be a great way to go. Whether you’re at home in the garden or running a few errands, espadrilles are an easy shoe just to slip on and run out of the house with. They’re also comfortable when you’re just kicking back and relaxing. 

They also have a non-marking sole, so no slippery leather soles or a rubber sole, which will mark up everything.

When Should You NOT Wear Espadrilles and Alpargatas?

These shoes are not the best fit for the office, even the most casual and relaxed office environments. You might have an Aloha Friday or a beach-themed day at the office, where these might be appropriate, but for the most part, leave them at home.

You also shouldn’t wear them in cold climates. These are meant to keep your feet cool, so if you’re already cold, you have no reason to wear them. These shoes are also not designed for very physically strenuous activities, so hiking, running, kicking around the soccer ball/ football, or throwing the American Football around, these might not be the best fit.

They’re unstructured, so they don’t offer very good protection, so wearing them to the gym and dropping weights on them is a disaster waiting to happen. Also, think twice before you decide to move house or change apartments and carry your heavy furniture while wearing these. You know our feeling on modern athletic shoes; they really aren’t a part of classic menswear, but they’re much better suited for these types of activities than wearing a pair of espadrilles.

Lastly, don’t wear them to a fine or fancy restaurant establishment. If these shoes are too casual for the office, they shouldn’t go to a restaurant where you have to wear a jacket. You might be able to get away with wearing these at the hotel bar or a nice steakhouse in the Bahamas, but for the most part, you shouldn’t wear them if you’re at a nice restaurant.

If you prefer a shoe with more structure and a higher degree of formality, then you’ll probably prefer something other than an espadrille or an alpargata. And if you want a list of suitable alternatives, we have you covered.

Conclusion

So, for many, a pair of espadrilles or alpargatas is a great thing to add to a classic men’s wardrobe; you just need to know how to wear them and where to wear them.

I want to know your comments down below. Do you have a pair, two pairs? What colors did you have them in? How do you wear them? Or if you would never get caught dead wearing them?

Outfit Rundown

Today, I’m wearing some warm weather-type attire. I’m wearing a knit cotton polo shirt with a spread collar and a pop-over placket. It was made to measure for me by Proper Cloth. My trousers are dark brown linen from Collaro made to measure from Singapore. These are a great pair of pants that I would wear out if I was on vacation and I was going out to a nice restaurant. 

On my feet are a pair of espadrilles. These are from Diego’s, made in Mexico. I think I got them for like 15-20 bucks last summer, and I wore them a lot. As you can see, these used to be navy blue, and they’re discolored from chlorine at the pool and walking around the beach. They’re well-worn, but I plan on getting another pair this coming summer.

For my fragrance today, I’m wearing the Roberto Ugolini Oxford. This is a great masculine scent, and I love it so much, I bought a bottle that’s the size of my head. And if you look at me, I have a really large head, so that’s saying something. It’s a great scent, and you can pick it up in the Fort Belvedere shop.