what are espadrilles

Espadrilles are a type of casual shoe that are typically flat but can also be high-heeled. They usually have a canvas or cotton fabric upper and a flexible sole made of esparto rope, which is a defining characteristic of an espadrille. Espadrilles are a typical form of Spanish summer footwear, with strong historical ties to the regions of Catalonia, Aragon, and the Basque Country. The word "espadrille" comes from the Catalan "espardenya" and refers to esparto grass, a plant indigenous to the south of Spain that is used to make ropes and basketry. Nowadays, espadrilles are made of jute fabric, which is a vegetable fiber from the Corchorus plant that grows in countries such as India and Bangladesh. The soles of espadrilles are made of a natural fiber such as jute or grass, and sometimes they are made with rubber or a faux fiber material to add durability. Espadrilles were initially peasant footwear worn by both men and women in farming communities in the Pyrenees mountains. Today, they are incredibly versatile and flexible, and can be worn by almost anyone seeking a pair of comfortable, casual shoes.