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	Espadrilles
Types of footwear

Espadrilles are casual sandals originating from France. They are often made of canvas or cotton fabric with a sole made of rope or rubber material molded to look like rope. The rope or faux rope sole is the defining characteristic of an espadrille; the uppers vary widely in style.

History

The term espadrille is French, and derives from esparto, the Spanish name for a tough, wiry North African grass used in making rope. Espadrilles have been made in Catalonia since the 17th century, and there are Catalonian shops still in existence that have been making espadrilles for over a century. Traditional espadrilles have a canvas upper with the toe and vamp cut in one piece, and seamed to the rope sole at the sides. Often they would have laces at the throat that would be wrapped around the ankle to hold the shoes securely in place. Early espadrilles were worn by both men and women. Once peasant footwear, espadrilles have grown in popularity, and espadrilles can now be found made by top designers such as Donna Karan. Modern espadrilles are predominently for women, though some men's shoes are made in this style.

Modern Espadrilles

The soles of espadrilles may be flat, platform or wedge shaped, and can be made of natural or synthetic fiber rope, or flexible synthetic materials cast to resemble rope. 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 bargin brands to high priced designer brands.

Jute Sole Espadrilles

Being the most popular natural fiber second to cotton, Jute has a great use of making soles of modern espadrilles. Wedged or soles of espadrilles are now mostly made with jute rope and it's very popular because of its eco-friendlyness comparing synthetic substances. Natural bright white colors of jute is a major design issue for modern espadrilles.

Bangladesh is the major producer of highest quality jute with best colors in the world thus a good place to find premium quality jute-soles. Manufacturers of Spain, France and Italy prefer to import jute soles from Bangladesh and make their own uppers for espadrille of various styles. Cotheeka Jute Industry is a leading jute sole and espadrille manufacturer in Bangladesh.

Jute soles are typically vulcanized with rubber or crepe soles are used as out-sole for long lasting espadrille shoes.

		© Ragnar Torfason 2005 December 28