Designer Espadrilles
Sophie Diego
Table of Contents
Designer Espadrilles
As you fold your arms into a makeshift headrest, the Californian sun barely manages to sneak behind your beach umbrella for some much-needed shade.
The seagulls squall, young children laugh, and the icy-thaw of Piña Coladas clink when it comes in contact with the glass. It’s a vacay fantasy ripped off of a Sandals commercial—and do you know what could make it better? A pair of designer espadrilles.
To complete your seaside fantasy, you’ll need to look the part. Bearing in mind that you already own a luxury beach towel and an Instagram-friendly swimsuit, a set of espadrilles can help elevate your look from tourist to trendsetter. Fortunately, there are hundreds of designs to choose from, including those made by Gucci, Fendi, and Tom Ford.
15 Best Designer Espadrilles
In need of a fashion refresher? There’s no need to sweat; we’ll feature 15 of the best designer espadrilles currently on the market. Take this as a sign to ditch those $1 flip-flops.
Kiton collapsible-heel crocodile effect espadrilles
Brand: Kiton
Retailer: Farfetch
Price: $5,379
Highlights
- dark brown
- leather
- crocodile effect
- folding heel
- round toe
- branded insole
- jute sole
- ridged rubber sole
Made in Italy
Composition
Outer: Leather 100%
Sole: Rubber 100%
Lining: Fabric 100%
Designer Style ID: USSMIKON0066501000
Dolce & Gabbana cross embellished espadrilles
Brand: Dolce & Gabbana
Retailer: Farfetch
Price: $1,295
We all have a cross to bear. These shimmering cross embellished velvet espadrilles from Dolce & Gabbana are one however we don’t mind bearing. Say a prayer in sparkling style.
Highlights
- burgundy
- cotton/satin/velvet
- rhinestone cross charm
- almond toe
- leather trim
- woven raffia design
- flat rubber sole
Imported
Composition
Outer: Cotton 100%, Velvet 100%
Lining: Leather 100%, Satin 100%
Sole: Rubber 100%
Designer Style ID: A50037AR679
Brunello Cucinelli panelled slip-on espadrilles
Brand: Brunello Cucinelli
Retailer: Farfetch
Price: $845
Highlights
- ivory
- suede/leather
- panelled design
- round toe
- branded insole
- braided raffia sole
Made in Italy
Composition
Outer: Suede 100%
Sole: Rubber 100%
Lining: Fabric 100%, Leather 100%
Designer Style ID: MZUCLGI837CZB82
Valentino Garavani feather detail espadrilles
Brand: Valentino Garavani
Retailer: Farfetch
Price: $875
Seamlessly merging boldness with elegance, Valentino Garavani’s sleek approach to even the most casual of pieces ensures that you always look stylish.
There’s no summer without espadrilles, so make sure you have a stylish version like these Valentino Garavani feather detail espadrilles to hit summertime.
Featuring an almond toe, a slip-on style, a branded insole, Rockstud embellishments, a braided raffia sole, a fold-down back, and a detachable patch adorned with ostrich and rooster feathers.
Imported
Composition
Sole: Rubber 100%
Outer: Leather 100%
Lining: Leather 100%
Designer Style ID: WS0M63NKE
Dolce & Gabbana leopard print espadrilles
Brand: Dolce & Gabbana
Retailer: Farfetch
Price: $795
Dolce & Gabbana’s designs have been rooted in individuality since the house’s conception in 1984. As a result, leopard print has come to be a signature for the free-spirited label – emblematic of its values as seen here adorning the upper of these playful AW21 espadrilles.
Highlights
- brown/black
- calf hair/calf leather/jute
- leopard print
- silver-tone logo plaque
- round toe
- branded leather insole
- jute sole
Imported
Composition
Lining: Jute 100%, Leather 100%
Sole: Rubber 100%
Outer: Calf Hair 80%, Calf Leather 20%
Designer Style ID: A50454AO802
Prada quilted espadrilles
Brand: Prada
Retailer: Farfetch
Price: $850
Step up your summer shoe game. These white leather espadrilles from Prada are all you need on balmy days with their quilted effect. They’ll take your summer outfits to new heights.
Highlights
- white
- leather
- quilted finish
- round toe
- braided raffia platform
- ridged rubber sole
Composition
Outer: Leather 100%
Lining: Leather 100%
Sole: Rubber 100%
Designer Style ID: 1S067MF020038
Philipp Plein skull-embellished espadrilles
Brand: Philipp Plein
Retailer: Farfetch
Price: $805
Highlights
- black
- leather-cotton blend
- skull stud embellishment
- braided raffia platform
- round toe
- pull-tab at the heel
Imported
Composition
Sole: Rubber 100%
Lining: Leather 100%
Outer: Cotton 98%, Calf Leather 2%
Designer Style ID: SABSWSB0206PLE010N
Valentino Garavani ‘Rockstud’ espadrilles
Brand: Valentino Garavani
Retailer: Farfetch
Price: $790
Ivory calf leather ‘Rockstud’ espadrilles from Valentino Garavani featuring a round toe, an ankle strap with a side buckle fastening, gold-tone Rockstud embellishments, and a braided raffia sole.
Made in Italy
Composition
Outer: Calf Leather 100%
Lining: Calf Leather 100%
Sole: Rubber 100%
Designer Style ID: WS0530VTO
Valentino Garavani Vlogo raffia espradilles
Brand: Valentino Garavani
Retailer: Farfetch
Price: $770
Enjoy the warm weather in style. These Valentino Garavani espadrilles come in a woven raffia design and feature the iconic VLogo Signature to the front. A step in the right direction.
Highlights
- beige
- raffia
- woven raffia design
- VLogo Signature
- round toe
- branded insole
- contrasting heel counter
- braided raffia sole
Made in Italy
Composition
Outer: Raffia 100%
Sole: Rubber 100%
Lining: Leather 100%
Designer Style ID: WS0BH3WCW
Gucci embroidered GG espadrilles
Brand: Gucci
Retailer: Farfetch
Price: $750
There’s no summer without espadrilles. Crafted from silver-toned leather, these embroidered GG espadrilles from Gucci are the coolest way to hit summer in style without losing comfort.
The South of Italy is now waiting for you! Featuring a square toe, a slip-on style, a branded insole, a braided raffia sole, and an embroidered GG detail.
Imported
Composition
Outer: Raffia 100%, Leather 100%
Sole: Rubber 100%
Designer Style ID: 602508B8B00
René Caovilla crystal-embellished lace espadrilles
Brand: René Caovilla
Retailer: Farfetch
Price: $1,220
Highlights
- yellow/black
- cotton/leather
- crystal embellishment
- all-over leopard print
- lace detailing
- round toe
- slip-on style
- braided raffia sole
Imported
Composition
Outer: Cotton 100%
Lining: Leather 100%
Sole: Rubber 100%
Designer Style ID: C07676000TT01H344
Dolce & Gabbana monogram embroidery espadrilles
Brand: Dolce & Gabbana
Retailer: Farfetch
Price: $695
Who says you can’t have the best of both worlds? Decorated with an embroidered monogram, these espadrilles from Dolce & Gabbana are the perfect mash-up of comfort and style. Jackpot.
Highlights
- beige/gold-tone
- cotton-silk blend
- embroidered monogram
- round toe
- slip-on style
- metallic threading
- branded insole
- braided raffia sole
Imported
Composition
Cotton 62%, Flax 20%, Silk 7%, Polyester 7%, Metallic Fibre 2%, Glass 2%
Designer Style ID: A50445AO299
TOM FORD two-tone raffia-sole espadrilles
Brand: Tom Ford
Retailer: Farfetch
Price: $690
Set the tone for your summer style. With a two-tone design, contrasting trim, and braided raffia sole, TOM FORD says relax. Now you can put your feet up, even if it is just to show these espadrilles off.
Highlights
- neutral/brown
- cotton
- two-tone design
- contrasting trim
- round toe
- slip-on style
- braided raffia sole
- flat sole
Imported
Composition
Outer: Cotton 100%
Lining: Leather 100%, Straw 100%
Sole: Rubber 100%
Designer Style ID: J1243TTCN016
Fendi FF logo print espadrilles
Brand: Fendi
Retailer: Farfetch
Price: $650
Missing your last summer holiday? Sadly you’re stuck at the office and it’s pouring outside but you can still picture yourself poolside, with a drink in your hand and your feet in these FF logo print espadrilles from Fendi. Daydream away!
Highlights
- maya brown/black
- deerskin/lambskin/raffia
- FF-logo print
- braided raffia sole
- almond toe
- slip-on style
- tonal stitching
Made in Italy
Composition
Sole: Raffia 100%, Rubber 100%
Outer: Deer Skin 100%, Leather 100%, Polyester 60%, Cotton 33%, Resin 7%
Lining: Lamb Skin 100%
Designer Style ID: 7P1359AAWB
Dolce & Gabbana broderie anglaise flat espadrilles
Brand: Dolce & Gabbana
Retailer: Farfetch
Price: $695
These espadrilles from Dolce & Gabbana are made from white cotton, with broderie anglaise which offers a charming aesthetic and breathable construction. The pair sits atop a classic braided raffia sole.
Highlights
- white
- cotton
- broderie anglaise
- round toe
- slip-on style
- branded insole
- braided raffia sole
- rubber sole
Imported
Composition
Sole: Rubber 100%
Outer: Cotton 90%, Lamb Skin 10%
Lining: Goat Skin 90%, Nylon 10%
Designer Style ID: CE0118AY145
Where to Buy Designer Espadrilles
In the race to attain that beach-bod, we suggest that you snatch a pair of espadrilles on the way to buy sunscreen, swimsuits, and other vacay necessities. The question is, where exactly can you buy them?
For those looking to treat themselves, here are a few luxury retailers that they should definitely check out.
- Nordstrom
- Moda Operandi
- Net-A-Porter
- SSENSE
- Farfetch
- Saks Fifth Avenue
- Mytheresa
How to Choose the Best Designer Espadrilles
Considering that you’ll be stomping in the sand, shopping on Rodeo Drive, and spending evenings at the Santa Monica Pier, you’ll need a pair of designer espadrilles that can take a hit.
Of course, woven shoes can only offer a limited amount of durability—but it’s best to find a high-quality set that can withstand the elements. After all, we just want to have fun in the summer.
For those at a loss of how to choose the best designer espadrilles, we’ll discuss some factors to consider during your next shopping trip.
Brand
Don’t just opt for any willy-nilly store. The best designer espadrilles require some careful consideration and a heftier budget. It’s always a good idea to support a brand that’s known for its shoes, such as Dolce & Gabbana and Tom Ford.
Material
Quality is a big factor to consider when shopping for shoes. Obviously, you don’t want to opt for a pair that feels flimsy and poorly made. The best designer espadrilles are usually constructed out of esparto rope, braided jute fiber, crepe rubber, leather, or suede. In some cases, companies will use synthetic materials to help save costs.
Style
Designer espadrilles usually feature the same woven platform. Aside from its iconic shape, there are hundreds of styles to choose from. There’s the classic peep-toe, the wrap-around self-tie, the thick leather straps, and more. Before you settle on a brand, it’s important to consider your shoe preferences.
Comfort
I know; heels aren’t the most comfortable of shoes. With that being said, I’m pretty sure that espadrilles offer more support than the average stiletto. A good set of platform sandals should be roomy, breathable, and secure to help prevent twisting and slippage.
Of course, espadrilles also come with a flat outsole, but they’re usually not the most comfortable either. You should always be on the lookout for orthopedic soles and adjustable buckles.
Durability
As we mentioned before, the best designer espadrilles should be made of high-quality materials. These components should offer a wide degree of durability to help withstand the elements. Of course, it also depends where you wear said espadrilles, as shoe resilience can decrease when walking in dirt, sand, and any muddy areas.
Price
Designer espadrilles don’t come cheap. From the shoes we’ve featured, you’re looking at a price range of about $650 to $5,379. It’s worth noting that a majority of these models cost around $600 to $800, so you don’t have to worry about breaking the $1,000 barrier.
How to Style Designer Espadrilles
Obviously, the best way to wear designer espadrilles is to go full cottage-core. During the months of March to July, you absolutely need a frilly floral midi dress to twirl around in. Accessories are totally up to you, but we suggest a pair of shades and a woven handbag that matches the braided accents of your shoes.
Espadrilles are synonymous with summer fashion. With that being said, I understand the frustration of letting your July sandals ‘hibernate’ during the cold season.
For those looking up ways to style their platform wedges in November, how about giving this ensemble a try? Composed of beige trousers, a white blazer, and a relaxed tee, it’s the perfect OOTD for brunch spots and casual office meetings.
Of course, espadrilles aren’t solely exclusive to women. Guys can rock them too. Take, for instance, this outfit, which features a relaxed white button-up and gray linen pants. The subtle, boho accents embodied in the ensemble marry well with the shoes. Don’t forget to add a pair of sunnies to finish off the look!
If the weather calls for 25-degree heat, perhaps it’s time to ditch the pants and go for shorts instead. This outfit features a pair of bright orange bottoms paired with a cream sweater and a blue nautical shirt underneath. It definitely screams, ‘I’m having a yacht party on Wednesday,’ but isn’t that the life we all aspire to have?
FAQs
Why are espadrilles so popular?
Like the red patina on a Louboutin, espadrilles are known for their iconic esparto rope outsole. The rustic, bohemian accents of the braided platform should remind you of macrame tapestries, tasseled baskets, and picnic bags. In short, they bring forth major summer vibes—which is something that you want to have before winter hits.
Aside from comfort and support, multiple celebs have been spotted wearing espadrilles. This includes Scarlett Johansson, Jennifer Aniston, Emma Watson.
How are espadrilles supposed to fit?
According to online experts, espadrilles should fit snugly. It’s common for them to feel tight while walking, but that’s just the break-in period. As you continue to wear the shoes, they’ll gradually conform to your foot and loosen up.
Obviously, you shouldn’t opt for a pair that’s way too tight or too loose. You may end up with bruises, swelling, or bunions as a consequence of suffering in silence. But, there’s always the aid of ankle tape, orthopedic soles, and bandaids.
Are espadrilles still in style?
Of course! Espadrilles are still as popular as ever. In fact, celebrities such as Meghan Markle, Taylor Swift, and Gigi Hadid are still wearing them today. If you’re in need of some styling inspiration, we suggest hitting up Pinterest, TikTok, and Instagram for some outfit ideas.
Naturally, espadrilles will decrease in popularity as seasons change. There’s a reason why boots are highly searched for on Google during the wintertime.
When can you start wearing espadrilles?
As we mentioned previously, espadrilles are commonly worn during the spring and summer. They should typically be styled during the dry season, considering that the woven outsole is susceptible to water and dirt. We don’t recommend wearing them during the transition months, as it’s usually a period of heavy rainfall and lots of slush.
If you’re vacationing abroad, why not pack your pair of espadrilles? Countries that don’t experience fall or winter provide ample opportunity to show off your new kicks.
What are the most comfortable designer espadrilles?
In short, the most comfortable designer espadrilles come with ankle support, sole cushioning, and adjustable buckles. From the shoes we’ve featured, here are some designs to consider if you plan on walking for miles:
- Kiton collapsible-heel crocodile effect espadrilles
- Brunello Cucinelli panelled slip-on espadrilles
- Dolce & Gabbana leopard print espadrilles
- Prada quilted espadrilles
- Valentino Garavani ‘Rockstud’ espadrilles
- Dolce & Gabbana monogram embroidery espadrilles
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