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LACE-UP ESPADRILLES

[E]SPADRILLES

"When a trainer is too sporty or too clompy and a sandal too uncomfortable in the heat, the summer shoe to turn to is the espadrille." - Jessica Bumpus, Vogue Magazine

Don't get me wrong, I love a gladiator sandal. I think wedges look great under a flirty sun dress and have developed a real obsession with mid-heeled mules. Flip flops, pool sliders - you name it - I'm on board.

But for the best in summer comfort and style, you cannot beat the classic espadrille.

Still characterised by their traditional rope sole, espadrilles have come a long way since their modest beginnings in the Pyrenees and Mediterranean. Originally worn by men and women, their popularity soared in the late 1940s when seen on Hollywood actresses Lauren Bacall, Sophia Loren and Grace Kelly. By the 1970s they had become a staple trend, with Parisian designer Yves Saint Laurent commissioning the Spanish firm CastaƱer to create a wedge-heeled version; an act which would secure their place in high fashion.


Today you can find espadrilles in a wide variety of colours, styles and prints. New York brand Soludos is a great example of this, offering designs that feature everything from mimosas and flamingos to donuts and avocados.

The question is: which pair to choose?


ASOS JESS Pom Pom Espadrilles, £18


ZARA Trafaluc Espadrille Wedges, £29.99

Glyde Striped Espadrille Shoes, House of Fraser, £25

KUP, Carvela Kurt Geiger, £89


ASOS Jeanie 2-Part Espadrilles, £18

OAS Espadrilles, £25

ASOS JERICHO Sandal, £12.50


H&M Espadrilles with lacing, £19.99

NEXT Leather Mule Wedge Sandals, £38

New Look, White Canvas Ankle-tie Espadrilles, £9.99



TOMS Ink Mesh Women's Classics, £20
Soludos, Lemon Coral Smoking Slipper, £52


Soludos, Jason Polan Smoking Slipper, £60.60 

(Answer: Definitely the pizza ones.)

photo credits: zara.com, EphemeraForever.com, asos.com, houseoffraser.co.uk, kurtgeiger.com, zalando.co.uk, hm.com, next.co.uk, newlook.com, toms.co.uk, soludos.com