May
24
2012
By
of Valet.

The Espadrille Evolution

Once the shoe of choice for guys like Hemingway and Picasso, espadrilles traditionally consist of cotton or canvas uppers, and are anchored by a rope sole made from jute (a durable vegetable fiber). They're naturally light and breathable, making them ideal for this time of year. But they can be, for some, a bit too dainty. And others find those jute soles to be less than comfortable. Such men are in luck this summer, as there are a slew of styles that merge the easy-going style with more up-to-date shapes and modern comforts like padded rubber soles and for some, laces.

The Original

Soludos, $36

Slip-ons
From left to right:

Boss Orange, $95; Sperry Top-Sider, $70; Keds for Brooks Brothers, $78

 
Sneakers
From left to right:

Onitsuka Tiger, $75; Ben Sherman, $60

  •  
    Espadrilles enjoyed a surge of popularity in the 1980s, thanks to "Miami Vice."
 

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