Originating in Spain, espadrilles are symbolic of summer with their natural fibres, lightweight materials and laid-back beachy style. Although our summers aren't always up to the high-heat standards of Barcelona and the South of France, when the sun finally does shine, this iconic rope-soled shoe couldn't be more fitting.
Both designer and high street brands like Dune, Castañer and Viscata have sought to create beautiful espadrille sandals, pumps and wedges in black, tan and chic patterns too. Suitable for travel, walking and evenings out alike, you can find these top-shelf pieces on Amazon, John Lewis and more, but luckily for you, we've already handpicked the ten best of them.
Quick List - Top Espadrilles for Women
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To make sure your feet are slipping into a Cinderalla-esque story of fit and style, this buying guide is here to help. By looking into style, material, heel and toe type, you'll be feeling confident when coming up against our recommendations.
Finding the right style for your summer plans and outfits is possibly the most important consideration when searching for espadrille perfection. A fair amount of espadrilles still come as they always have if that's what you're after – reminiscent of a slipper with a flat, closed heel and ideal for walking and casual days out.
A recent popular style for women, however, is the sandal espadrille. Typically strappy and much more open, they offer a breath of fresh air for your feet and look slightly more dressy while doing it. These are a great option for summer weddings and evenings out.
As sandals for women typically do, however, espadrille sandals come in a myriad of different styles. Look for different takes on slides, straps and closed-toe sandals as well as the elegant-yet-fearless gladiator sandal. Include an adjustable buckle or lace-up ankle and you'll be unstoppable this summer.
Behind the curtain of summer style, your espadrilles need to stand up for themselves when faced with the hot and sometimes uneven streets. By digging a little deeper into their upper and sole construction, you'll start to understand the do's and don'ts to be on the lookout for.
As the go-to material for most espadrille uppers, canvas is popular for a reason. This natural fabric, which is mainly made of hemp, provides espadrilles with a breathability that many other fabrics just don't achieve.
Synthetic uppers are used to create a more hardwearing, practical espadrille. These synthetic fabrics are lightweight, water-repellent and often cheap, making them a no-brainer for some shoe companies to use and for us to buy when looking for an affordable summer shoe.
Suede and leather espadrilles are not the norm by any means, but when done right, they can create a gorgeous fusion of refined summer style. Being not as breathable as canvas, suede and leather have been popularised in wedge and sandal espadrilles, allowing your feet to keep cool while looking smart and sexy too.
Traditionally, espadrille soles were made exclusively with a woven material known as jute rope. Grown in the tropical parts of countries like India and Bangladesh, jute is a natural fibre derived from plants and gives espadrilles a soft, formable sole that's inherently comfortable and incredibly durable.
Still to this day, most espadrilles have kept hold of the jute sole in one way or another, it's just that some of them have been modernised to look a little sharper. You'll find most espadrilles designed for women to have a slim, vulcanised rubber sole slipped underneath the jute to give it extra path miles.
Others have broken off the classic espadrille shackles for good and instead feature 100% rubber soles. A sturdier option, the only nod here is that the rubber soles have been wrapped in jute or a jute lookalike such as hemp.
This is where women's espadrilles really shine over their male-intended counterparts, as you'll have the choice of any heel type you fancy. If you desire a little height from your summer shoes without the aches and wobbles of regular heels, espadrille wedges are the perfect dressy substitute.
How high you go is up to you – some can give you an extra 6 cm! If you like the sound of this height-gaining escapade but don't want to go all the way, however, look for platforms and flatforms in the 3 to 6 cm range.
If you're already gracefully tall or you want something comfier for walking, there are plenty of espadrilles with a flat-to-the-floor heel. This difference in heel height is an exciting prospect, and arguably one that may make you realise that buying a few varying espadrille types could be in order!
Just because a pair of espadrilles is styled as a sandal or wedge, that doesn't necessarily mean it'll be open-toed. Yes, these styles are the most likely to, but it's not a given. So, think about whether you need something as cool as possible for a hot summer holiday or whether you can live without an open toe.
The issue with an open toe comes when a slightly off-kilter path comes along and your unsuspecting extremities go toe first into a hard object. This possibility for danger when exploring more than just the local beach is why the majority of traditional espadrilles feature an enclosed toe design.
Obviously the choice between open and closed toes is one for you to make based on when and where you'll be wearing your espadrilles, but at least you know, whichever way your toes sway, they'll be accounted for!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Dune Latch Leather Espadrille | ![]() | Soft Leather Gladiators for This Season and Beyond | |
2 | Viscata Pubol Wedge Espadrille | ![]() | Neutral, Natural Tones Dominate This Wonder Wedge | |
3 | Castañer Karenina Linen Espadrilles | ![]() | Walk on Clouds With This Designer Spanish Pair | |
4 | Joules Shelbury Espadrille | ![]() | Embroidered Range of Funky and Fun Espadrilles | |
5 | ASOS DESIGN Tula Espadrille Wedges | ![]() | Go From Day to Night With These Wickedly High Wedges | |
6 | Find Women's Espadrilles | ![]() | Earthy, Airy Sandals to Keep You Cool | |
7 | ASOS DESIGN Justice Espadrille Sandals | ![]() | Stylish Flatforms in Fresh Sage Green | |
8 | Skechers BOBS Women's Flexpadrille | ![]() | A Modernised Espadrille With Memory Foam Footbed | |
9 | Hitmars Platform Espadrille Sandals | ![]() | Chic Platforms in an Incredible Range of Colours | |
10 | Tu Nautical Stripe Espadrille | ![]() | Nautical-Inspired Slip-Ons for a Bargain Price |
The Latch leather espadrille by Dune is a clear winner in our eyes. The soft, supple leather matched with the gladiator straps offer a wearability that's just perfect for the warmer seasons in every way.
The 3 cm platforms create a sense of smart style without going over the top, while the vulcanised soles add to the durability and comfort that will see these lasting more than a few seasons. An inspiring pair of fashionable espadrilles that ring in the summer like few shoes can.
Wherever your weekend takes you, these natural-toned sandals will look just as stylish by day as they will by night. The enclosed toe and thicker heel strap will keep your feet safe and secure and offer good support, too.
Designed in Barcelona and handmade in a boutique workshop in Spain, you just know you're dealing with years of associated craftsmanship. They feature an impressive wedge of 5 cm to elevate your evening to levels only whispered about before the Viscata espadrille wedge came into your life.
The sky, the sun, and a whole lot of walking are what this designer pair of espadrilles is singing about. These pretty slip-ons-come-sandals are made by the acclaimed Spanish shoemaking brand Castañer who have been creating footwear brilliance for almost 100 years.
Well known for their high quality and supreme comfort, these classic espadrilles with linen uppers really do feel like you're walking on clouds. The white laced ankle strap adds an extra girly twist to the sweet flower design, perfect for pairing with your favourite summer dress.
A range of espadrilles so unique that they've got women the world over snapping them up like they're going out of fashion – which they're certainly not – these are a really fun find. You're gifted the choice of 12 inspiring colours and patterns, from this cute bee to rainbows, stripes and leopard print.
The soles feature the familiar double act of jute rope and vulcanised rubber for all-day comfort, and there's an elasticated side panel to slip them off easily too. From trusted British brand Joules, these are a traditional espadrille with some embroidered vigour injected into its canvas, and we love them for it.
Another sandal espadrille from the style-savvy ASOS, only this time, there's nowhere but up for this positively daring pair. Although no height has been included, it's clear they're packing some serious sky scraping inches with a wedge that's so chunky it may need planning permission.
The entirety of the wedge has been beautifully encased in jute rope for a truly magnificent espadrille sandal to remember. The ankle strap with adjustable buckle will help you to secure yourself in for a summer's day that turns into night without a care in sight.
For the women who enjoy something easy that benefits from the cooling, empowering sense of a barely-there sandal, try these simple flats from Amazon own-brand Find. With a very slim sole, these pleasant black, blue or pink pair have got your number if heels are just not your thing.
The lace and straps are minimal by design too, so if you're heading somewhere hot, your feet will thank you for your commitment to the open air. A fashionable pair of flat sandals for easy breezy days out.
With a clear leap in style, the Justice espadrille sandal by ASOS has some serious buy-it-now potential. The sage green offers a fresh, neutral tone that is brimming with summery vibes while the cross-over straps give an elegant yet laid-back look.
The high platform soles feature the espadrille-affirming jute rope that makes them smart enough for evenings yet casual enough for days in the park. The only hitch is that the leather is faux, but for this price and these looks, who's caring?
Although the upper of the Skechers 'BOBS' espadrille is traditionally styled (bar the boat-shoe-inspired cord), the soles are most definitely not. Made with memory foam, they're more in line with trainer soles making them a great option if you're after a bit more support.
The wedge soles sit at 3.8 cm in height, having been thankfully wrapped in jute to keep hold of the classic espadrille look. Choose from black, navy, beige and red for a comfort-focused option that, while good for walking, perhaps aren't the most stylish out there!
Call them platforms, call them wedges, the terminology matters little. What does matter is that these wide-strapped sandals are super versatile and come in an amazing 28 different colours and patterns to suit your summer style.
The slightly graduated heel measures 5.5 cm for a wedge-esque boost without the obvious wedge look, as well as ensuring they stay somewhat comfortable. They are made of faux leather which can divide opinion when it comes to quality, although this does mean they are another very budget-friendly option.
Blue and white stripes are synonymous with French culture and design. Pinched by designers from the French Navy sailor's uniform in the early 20th century, this iconic pattern and colourway is appealing to all ages and really will never go out of style.
These nautical-inspired espadrilles by Tu include slimmed-down blue and white stripes for a sure-fire beachy look. The build quality won't be up to the same scratch as the premium espadrilles further up this list, but for an easy and cheap summer buy, they're worth a look.
Shoes are an extension of the mood that should not be held back, only celebrated with more fabulous pairs! We've ranked the 10 best trainers, walking sandals and boots for women to ensure your feet are covered in all situations and all seasons.
Whether you go for extra-high wedges or a pair of cool, casual flats, nothing brings a slice of the French Riviera into your life like espadrilles. We hope you found a special pair within this article that feels a whole lot like summer and a whole lot more like you.
Author: Connor Macanally
No. 1: Dune|Latch Leather Espadrille
No. 2: Viscata|Pubol Wedge Espadrille
No. 3: Castañer|Karenina Linen Espadrilles
No. 4: Joules|Shelbury Espadrille
No. 5: ASOS DESIGN|Tula Espadrille Wedges
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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