If you have landed here you might be looking for stores where to buy espadrilles in Barcelona. But what about getting to know a bit of history of this fashion complement first, before heading to the store? Espadrilles have centuries of history. So you will be able to explain the story to anyone asking to you “where did you buy those amazing shoes”? So here it goes…
History of espadrilles
It is believed that espadrilles are originally from Egypt, specifically from the ancient Egyptian shoes. Later on it was the Romans who got the inspiration from those shoes to make their own kind of covered slippers to protect the feet from the sun and hot weather.
What about Spain? The first espadrilles makers in Spain presented their own espadrille prototype more than 4.000 years ago. When it comes to Catalonia, there are some references to these traditional shoes dating from 1322. Espadrilles appear to be described back then the way they look today and are called by the Catalan name “espardenya”.
Around 1300, soldiers from the Corona de Aragón used to wear them. Probably because they were comfortable shoes. Later on it were the farmers who ended up espadrilles as well.
Espadrilles in Hollywood
Did you know that there was a time in Hollywood where espadrilles were the most trendy shoes? During the 50s, celebrities in Hollywood used to wear these shoes in films and commercials.
But not also these shoes were trendy in the cinema industry, they also made it into the arts scene. Salvador Dalí and Pablo Picasso were among the painters who used to wear them.
And it was during the 70s that the most traditional shoes made it to the most imprtant fashion events in Paris. Fashion designer Yves Saint Lauren brought the espadrilles to the most famous fashion shows and they became the trendiest shoes. So espadrilles went from being used by farmers to being used by the upper and most fashionista social class during that decade.
Where to buy espadrilles in Barcelona
The most fascinating thing about the story of the espadrilles is that they are still worn by many people these days: from farmers, to people dancing traditional balls or even fashionistas that feel for these shoes. The many groups of people wearing them couldn’t be any broader. If you are thinking about getting yourself some espadrilles in Barcelona, here is where you can find them:
La Manual Alpargatera
This is the most iconic shop to buy espadrilles, and we actually included this place among the best places to get the best souvenirs from Barcelona. La Manual Alpargatera is the most iconic place in the city when it comes to espadrilles. Many famous people have visited this store where espadrilles have been sold for centuries now!
Barcelona Espadrilles
Besides selling the most diverse espadrilles, this shoe stores specialized in these traditional shoes also offers workshops to make your own espadrilles.
Shoe stores in the city
Since they have become one of the latest trends when it comes to Summer shoes, you will also find espadrilles easily in many shoe stores in the city.
If you would like to know more about how to buy local, in small businesses in Barcelona, here is an article we wrote about going local shopping in Barcelona.