Summer footwear trend: Espadrilles/Alpargatas

Summer Footwear Trend: Espadrilles

From the FashionBeans blog you can read about these great shoes called alpargatas/espadrilles. And on our website www.mycatshoes.com you can find a variety of styles for any occasion:

Begur model - works great by day, but also for night out on the town with touch of style from the leather strap across the top

Sitges model - the ultimate feel good anywhere shoe

Barcelona model - Sturdy canvas wants to be played in.

www.mycatshoes.com

Espadrilles for men & women - The origin

The espadrille is a traditional flat shoe designed with a canvas or cloth upper and soles made of rope, rubber or crepe. Shoemakers in the Pyrenees region, between Spain and France, first created the espadrille. By tradition, the espadrille had flat soles made of jute or esparto grass, a plant that produces fine, tough strands.

A Shoe from Spain

1. The alpargatero was a medieval shoemaker specializing in making the espardenya shoe in the Pyrenees region of northern Spain. They wove the basic material for the shoe sole from tough esparto grass. The alpargatero singed the esparto strands over a hot fire and then braided them to create the shoe. They coated the bottom of the shoe with pitch. A seamstress completed the job of stitching the uppers, made from woven flax, to the sole. Soldiers from Aragon and Catalaonia wore the tough footwear while on campaign.

The Durable Espardenya

2. The espardenya was inexpensive to make and very durable. The flexible rope soles allowed the shoe to conform to the shape of the foot, which made them extremely comfortable. Men as well as women wore espardenyas, which were ideal for work and travel over rough countryside and on mountain trails. They were suited for the warm summer months, but provided little warmth during the rest of the year.

Come check out our selection at - www.mycatshoes.com

Gearing up for Spring: Men's Espadrilles

Make sure to check out our selection of men espadrilles & alpargatas.

www.mycatshoes.com

Spring's almost here--time to shed those boots and sneakers in exchange for something a bit lighter and more versatile. Enter: espadrilles.

Whether you're going for the fresh, crisp look,

Photo courtesy of The Sartorialist


or casual and nonchalant image,

Photo courtesy of The Sartorialist

espadrilles are the shoes of spring--easy to slip on and off and match any outfit or outing: from an al fresco lunch to a nighttime outing.

Get yours now in time for the season!