The term espadrille is French and derives from the word in the Occitan language, which comes from espardenya in Catalan or alpargata and esparteña in Spanish. Both espardenya and esparteña refer to a type of shoes made with esparto, a tough, wiry Mediterranean grass used in making rope. [7] Its name in the Basque region is espartina. [8] History [ edit ] Lithography of a Catalan Volunteer wearing traditional espadrilles during the War of Africa, 1859 Originally peasant footwear, [4] [5] they were popularised throughout the 20th century by many cultural figures including Picasso, Salvador Dalí and later John F. Kennedy and Yves Saint Laurent. [6] Etymology [ edit ] Traditional Valencian espadrille of llaurador dancer at La Mare de Déu de la Salut Festival celebrated in Algemesí But the Argentine alpargata had a long journey before it evolved into the shoe that is so well known and loved today. The word alpargata (“espadrille”) is derived from the Arab word “albargat”, which essentially means “sandal”. It’s believed that the espadrille style of shoe is a descendant of the ancient Egyptian sandal. Upon their arrival in Egypt, the Romans improved upon the woven sandal by adding a top part to better protect their feet. This footwear then spread throughout the Mediterranean world, eventually arriving in Spain where they evolved into their modern form. After cooling their heels (bad pun intended) for a few centuries, these shoes made the journey to the New World in the sixteenth century.

By the mid-19th century botas de potro had fallen into disuse and the alpargata had become the shoe of the common man. With a wave of fresh immigrants and the advent of industrialization towards the end of the 19th century, the popularity of the shoe only continued to grow, eventually becoming the modern Argentine alpargata. Espadrilles ( Spanish: alpargatas or esparteñas; Catalan: espardenyes; Basque: espartinak, French: espadrilles) [1] are casual, rope-soled, flat but sometimes high-heeled shoes. They usually have a canvas or cotton fabric upper and a flexible sole made of esparto rope. The esparto rope sole is the defining characteristic of an espadrille; the uppers vary widely in style. Alpargata Argentina espadrilles effortlessly combine style and comfort, making them a must-have footwear choice for both men and women. With their rich history, unique design, and exceptional craftsmanship, these shoes have captured the hearts of fashion enthusiasts around the world. Whether you’re strolling along the beach, exploring a new city, or attending a casual gathering, Alpargata Argentina espadrilles are the perfect companion.TOMS Alpargatas shoes line also includes espadrilles, sneakers, and platforms so you can customize your outfit day in and day out. Plus, you never have to sacrifice comfort for style. Durable outsoles combined with a custom TOMS comfort insole give your feet hours-long support.

Beach Ready: Wear your espadrilles with a flowy maxi dress, a woven beach bag, and oversized sunglasses for a beach-ready ensemble.

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From Andalusian Arabic البرغات‎ ( alparḡát ), plural of برغة‎ ( párḡa ), ultimately from Basque abarka, abarca ( “ sandal ” ). Compare Spanish alpargata. Bangladesh is the producer of high quality jute and has become a manufacturing center for premium quality jute soles and complete espadrilles. [12] Ninety percent of the world's total production of complete espadrilles, as well as jute soles, is now manufactured in Bangladesh, although some manufacturers in Spain, France, and Italy import jute soles from Bangladesh to finish espadrilles in those countries. Complete espadrilles are also assembled in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Paraguay and Venezuela with imported jute from Bangladesh. Once peasant footwear, then urban workers' footwear, espadrilles have grown in popularity, 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 Spain, France, and South Asia. Modern espadrilles are predominantly for women, though some men's shoes are made in this style. Women have embraced Alpargata Argentina espadrilles for their chic and comfortable qualities. These shoes are a perfect blend of style and practicality, making them a go-to option for fashion-conscious women. Alpargata Argentina espadrilles are available in a wide range of colors, patterns, and fabrics, allowing women to express their personal style effortlessly. Espadrilles became fashionable in the United States in the 1940s. Lauren Bacall's character in the 1948 movie Key Largo wore ankle-laced espadrilles.