When it comes to stylish and comfortable footwear for men, espadrilles have become a popular choice. These versatile shoes blend casual elegance with a touch of sophistication, making them ideal for various occasions.
They provide an excellent alternative to sandals, as you can wear them in the same situations. Espadrilles offer similar comfort/coolness, better support, and they give off a cleaner and more polished look than their open-toed counterparts, all while exuding the laid-back vibe of a relaxed summer vacation.
We’ll explore the world of espadrilles and help you discover the best options available for men. Whether you’re seeking trendy designs, durable materials, or exceptional comfort, we’ve got you covered.
Why Espadrilles?
Before diving into our top recommendations, let’s first understand what espadrilles are. Originating from the Pyrenees region, these shoes feature a canvas or cotton upper and a characteristic rope sole. The jute rope sole provides flexibility and breathability, making espadrilles perfect for warmer seasons.
They offer a unique blend of casual style and relaxed comfort, making them suitable for beach strolls, poolside wear, or summer parties. This article goes into much more detail, for those interested in learning more. This unisex shoe style can really pull a lot of duty in a man’s wardrobe, especially in the summer (as we explore in our men’s summer fashion essentials post)
Now that we have an overview of espadrilles, let’s explore the key factors to consider when choosing the best pair for men.
Factors to Consider
- Style: Espadrilles come in a variety of styles, from traditional slip-ons to lace-up versions. Consider the occasions when you would wear them and your personal style preferences when selecting the right style.
- Materials: Look for high-quality materials such as premium canvas, leather, or suede uppers. These materials ensure durability and enhance the overall aesthetics of the espadrilles.
- Comfort: Check for cushioned insoles and breathable linings to ensure maximum comfort, especially if you plan to wear them for extended periods.
- Sole Construction: Opt for espadrilles with a sturdy and well-constructed jute sole for durability and flexibility. A rubber outsole can provide better traction and grip.
Top Picks for the Best Espadrilles for Men
Now that we know what to look for let’s explore some of the best espadrilles available for men:
- Ropey Soles: Handmade in the south west of France, this brand offers and authentic and budget-friendly option for espadrilles. With a ton of different colors and patterns, this is a great way to test the waters for this style if you’re unsure. These do run a little narrow, so you may need to size up or try another brand if you have wider feet.
- Toms: A brand popularized a while back by pioneering the buy-one, give-one movement. Solid quality and reasonable price, along with a good number of options.
- Soludos: A good mid-level option with solid quality and great comfort. Hard to find their basic model, but I would say this is a good option if you want to invest in this look.
- Drakes: A little higher end, and honestly probably the most you’d want to spend on this more laid back style. Great quality, comfort, and durability. Definitely a go-to if you plan to wear this style quite often.
Care and Maintenance Tips
To keep your espadrilles in top condition, follow these care tips:
- Spot clean the uppers with a mild detergent and a soft brush.
- Allow them to air dry naturally to prevent any damage.
- Avoid wearing espadrilles in rainy or damp conditions as excessive moisture can affect the jute sole.
- Use a protective spray to safeguard the canvas or leather from stains and water damage.
Outfit combinations
- Poolside – white espadrilles, navy swim trunks, light colored short-sleeve linen shirt
- At the beach – tan espadrilles, burgundy board shorts, light blue linen shirt
- Casual summer morning – navy espadrilles, stone chino shorts, red slub cotton polo shirt
- Vacation casual dinner – white espadrilles, blue linen pants, bold colored button down (in a crisp lightweight cotton, linen, or cotton-linen blend)
Conclusion
Finding the best espadrilles for men is all about considering style, materials, comfort, and sole construction. With our guide, you’re now equipped to make an informed decision and step out in style with the perfect pair of espadrilles that suit your taste and needs.