Espadrille shoes are casual sandals originally created in the South of France. They are generally made of cotton fabric or canvas and have either a rope sole or a rubber sole designed to look like rope. The unique rope sole is the defining characteristic of espadrille shoes. In fact, ?espadrille? is a French word derived from the Spanish word ?esparto,? which is the name of a tough and wiry grass found in North Africa that is used for making rope.



Traditional Espadrille Shoes

Espadrille shoes have been around since the 17th century when they were first made in Catalonia. Today, there are still a number of Catalonian shops making espadrille shoes that have been around for over 100 years.

Traditionally, espadrille shoes were made to have a canvas upper while the toe and vamp, which were cut in one piece, were seamed at the sides to the rope sole. Traditional espadrille shoes also have laces at the throat, which were originally designed to be wrapped around the ankle in order to help keep the shoes in place. The original espadrilles shoes were worn by both men and women and were once considered to be peasant footwear.

Today, espadrille shoes are primarily worn by women and have become stylish and much sought by the general population, as well as by the rich and the famous. In fact, top designers such as Donna Karan have created their on versions of espadrille shoes and these popular sandals are also soon to be included among the recently launched line of shoes by Jessica Simpson.

Espadrille Shoes: An Evolving Favorite

Espadrille shoes have long been one of the most popular summer sandals. Yet, each year, these women's shoes manage to reinvent themselves and add a new and exciting fashionable twist. This summer, the wedge heel is the new look the fashion-conscious will be clamoring for when it comes to espadrille shoes. These designs are filled with character and are even available in materials such as hemp and linen, making them eco-friendly as well.

Wedge espadrille shoes still have the same defining characteristics of traditional espadrille shoes, namely the rope sole, but combine the look with the popular wedge sandal. Versatile, trendy, and comfortable, it is little wonder many women are finding a great appreciation for wedge espadrille shoes. These fashionable shoes are best matched with a short jacket and cropped skinny pants or with a bohemian skirt.

Enjoying the Extras Found with Espadrille Shoes

Of course, wedge espadrille shoes are not your only option this summer. In fact, espadrille shoes come in a number of styles, colors, and materials, ranging from shoes with flowers or stripes, to those made with woven leather.

The uppers on espadrille shoes can also be made of nearly any material, from plain to decorative, from colorful to neutral. In addition, espadrille shoes can have either open or closed toes and open or closed backs. They can even be casual slip-ons or they can involve intricate tie on laces. Therefore, the fashionable can easily find a pair of espadrille shoes to match nearly any outfit or occasion.

With literally thousands of espadrille shoes to choose from, it can be easy to feel confused by the options. Luckily, lines such as the Jessica Simpson shoes make it easy to choose from several fashionable styles that can fit any budget.