Espadrilles
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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 very 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 predomenently 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.