Men's espadrilles - black
Trendy and light also for men: Espadrilles
In the 20th century espadrilles began to catch on as a fashion trend rather than a purely functional item as it was in the 13th century. For instance, Salvador Dali favoured a pair of black espadrilles that laced at the ankles, and many photos of the artist depict him sporting his beloved shoes. However, while artists and other famous figures were known for wearing this particular type of footwear, it was the stars of 1940’s Hollywood that really brought espadrilles into mainstream fashion.
If you think such „inventions“ are for women´s feet only, it is not true. Espadrilles were made for men and women. They were also worn by Catalan soldiers. Today espadrilles represent the footwear of brands like Tommy Hilfiger or S Oliver. Functional, practical and simple shoe is a symbol of hot summer days and free walking. If you need to spend most of your days at work wearing business shoes a change can come in handy. And you will feel it for sure! Good-quality material of espadrilles is a guarantee of your comfort and you will also be „in“.
Stress-free shoes
Originally made of jute, today with more lasting rubber soles and synthetic or other good-quality textile uppers. You know at the first sight what type of footwear we mean. Any man may not miss out a pair of comfortable espadrilles to wear when going out for fun or relax.
men´s ESPADRILLES, the PEASANT footwear
Men´s espadrilles have strong historical ties to the regions of Catalonia and Basque country dating back as early as in the 13th century. The word derives from the Catalan "espardenya", making reference to esparto grass, a plant used for iconic sole of the shoe that was originally used to make ropes and basketry. Originally peasant footwear, easy to put on, worn by farmers, dancers and soldiers while rich and noble people wore leather boots or silk slippers. Type of footwear =social status.
Espadrilles, the urban worker´s footwear were also worn by Catalan soldiers in the Spanish Civil War. It was not, however, a contemporary fashion. The shoes wore out rather quickly (and needed to be replaced more frequently), but they were still cheaper than army shoes.
The original production process was very complex. It required many craftsmen to produce the individual layers of the sole, then there was another craftsman called alpargatero who made rope soles and finally the sewer who sewed the upper part from fabric. Despite the hard work it was definitely worth - the final shoe was light and flexible - perfect for hot climate of Pyrenees and active style of life of its people.
MODERN ERA
Originally peasant footwear, then urban worker´s footwear, the espadrilles were very popular especially in the French Atlantic coast of the Basque Country and Spanish Mediterranean coast from Granada to Girona, where many men and women wear them during the spring and summer months. Designer espadrilles are now widely available. They are usually manufactured in France, Spain and South Asia. Modern espadrilles are predominantly for women, though some men's shoes are made in this style.
The soles of men´s espadrilles may be flat, platform, or wedge shaped made of natural fiber. Uppers may be made from nearly any substance and may have open or closed toes, open or closed backs, and can be slip-on or tied to the ankle with laces. Thousands of varieties of espadrilles can be found, from inexpensive bargain brands to high priced designer brands.
Espadrilles became fashionable in the United States in the 1940s. Lauren Bacall's character in the 1948 movie Key Largo wore ankle-laced espadrilles.
Wedge-shaped espadrilles were first popularized by French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. At a trade fair in Paris in 1970, he came into contact with the Spanish espadrille manufacturer Castañer. Yves Saint Laurent had been looking in vain for months for someone to make him a wedge espadrille. Castañer managed to interpret Yves Saint Laurent's vision and the wedge espadrilles were an instant hit, influencing fashion even today.
The men´s espadrille style was revived in the United States in the 1980s, due to the success of Miami Vice series. The shoes were worn by the character Sonny Crockett alias Don Johnson. That was but a success!
PICASSO AND JOHN F. KENNEDY
In the 1920s espadrilles were popularized thanks to many important figures from culture, sport and fashion. Their ambassadors were Picasso, Salvador Dali, J.F Kennedy, Jennifer Lopez or already mentioned Yves S. Laurent. Robel.shoes knows about their lightness, functionality and casualness very well and therefore speaks for them. Your next summer model is waiting for you!
