Style

Summer Shoes

Summer is only three weeks away, so I think it’s high time to bust out a trusty pair of espadrilles. (It feels like a seasonal ritual at this point.) They’re tomboyish and cool and they make your legs look good in shorts.

Did you know they’ve been around since the 14th century? Originally worn by peasants, espadrilles later became the summer staples of chic women like Jane Birkin and Grace Kelly. They’re easy to slip on, comfy to walk in, and look so much better than flip-flops.

Here are some pretty colors…

Above: Striped, navy, red, chambray, d’orsay, platform, white and orange.

Do you wear espadrilles? (I just ordered the grey!)

P.S. My favorite sandals, and the five best shoes for traveling.

(Photos by Kendra Smoot for Cup of Jo. This post is sponsored by Nordstrom, which offers free shipping and returns. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Cup of Jo.)

Tags: kendra smoot

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Madie

June 12, 2015 11:48 am

After seeing this post, I ordered a pair of the Kaanas ones above (but in a different, multi-colored design, as the B&W was sold out in my size). Just wanted to check back and say they’re WONDERFUL. I was nervous they might cut up my feet, but have been a super easy break-in… no blisters! And super cute and feminine – I’m getting lots of compliments on them. Anyway, in case any of your readers are on the fence, the Kaanas are great!

Travels of a Beauty Addict

June 2, 2015 6:45 am

Wow, these are so gorgeous! I love the red stripey ones! They are some of the best shoes for travelling too, great sight seeing shoes!

Gemma

May 31, 2015 5:42 pm

I love espadrilles! I’ve got a denim floral pair from ASOS that I’m dying to wear during my holiday to Tenerife in a few weeks. I do however feel like I definitely need a few pairs of Toms and Soludos too!

Gemma x
http://www.thebritishfeather.com

Katherine

May 31, 2015 1:32 pm

I’ve never worn them! I’m in the market for a great shoe for summer that isn’t a sandal that I don’t need to wear with socks and that I can slip on quickly. Summer is carefree – my shoes need to be as well. I think I’m going to give these a try!

Marsya

May 30, 2015 8:31 am

I love these kind of shoes but it’s too flat that I’d scare that it will easily torn up. Love this post btw <3

http://www.kinikunormal.blogspot.com/

Deborah

May 30, 2015 3:23 am

So pretty!

Sylvie

May 29, 2015 10:32 pm

Yes! I love them. I wear them all year long as slippers and outdoors in the summer. Espadrillesetc.com is an awesome place to get them, straight from Spain. The customer service they offer is awesome! They didn’t have one that I ordered in stock so sent me 2 in other colors (that I was able to chose) free. No one does stuff like that anymore. Check them out and support the real thing:)

Clara

May 29, 2015 5:46 pm

I actually have a pair of red and white striped ones just like those! I absolutely love them!

Clara
https://colormepurpple.wordpress.com

Golden Closet

May 29, 2015 4:06 pm

I could wear these all summer long! The cutest! XO

Melissa

May 29, 2015 1:55 pm

I just got the blue and white striped Soludos and they are gorgeous! And what a bargain!

Cynthia

May 29, 2015 11:41 am

I’ve been wearing Toms for several years and I have not had an odor problem. I air them out between wearings and I don’t wear them two days in a row. You can hand wash the canvas Toms and let them air dry, but I wouldn’t try it with the glitter styles. Sprinkling baking soda in them overnight and then dumping it out in the morning helps. I find my Toms are more comfortable than sneakers, and they look great with everything.

Anna

May 29, 2015 11:31 am

I’d pick comfort over style on any regular summer day. But here I can have both! I really like all of these!

Beauty Follower

May 29, 2015 11:24 am

My favourite summers shoes! I got one pair every summer since I was in high school.
Yesterday I was on my way back home, when it started raining and I was wearing them. Do you know how to dry the woven sole of the espadrilles without loosing their shape?

Greets from Greece :)

heather

May 29, 2015 10:45 am

I really want a pair of espadrilles from Soludo. I have to take the leap and buy them.

<3
heather
fashionistanygirl.com

Prudence Yeo

May 29, 2015 10:31 am

I have a pair of navy blue striped espadrilles which I absolutely love as I find it really cute! Adore your selections too, they are perfect for Summer!

Prudence
http://www.prudencepetitestyle.com

Danielle

May 29, 2015 9:48 am

I’ve been living in a pair of striped espadrilles that I bought for $10 on a whim at Wal-Mart of all places. So comfy and stylish for summer. I get compliments on them all the time and people are always surprised when I tell them were I got them, ha.

http://www.DisforDreamer.com

Heather

May 29, 2015 8:54 am

Lately I’ve been seeing men wearing espadrilles and Toms type shoes… and I think it looks so silly. It’s a weird silhouette, to see these men’s legs taper into this very soft and almost ballet looking shoe. Is it just me?! No thank you sir.

Joanna Goddard

Author

Reply to Heather

May 31, 2015 11:08 pm

haha that’s funny! i’m going to keep an eye out now :)

Cristina

Reply to Heather

June 1, 2015 2:09 pm

Espadrilles are our traditional shoes, historically worn by both women AND men. I do not think men look silly on them, at all.
Greetings from Barcelona.

yael steren

May 29, 2015 8:40 am

I’m not super into espadrilles typically, but I must admit I love the classic all white ones! Super cute!! xoxo yael

http://www.yaelsteren.com/blog/

Katy

May 29, 2015 8:20 am

No Bensimons this spring? I finally got my first pair and I LOVE them! Great for walking all over town (even Prague’s cobblestones!) with my babes. These espadrilles are adorable though :)

Bailey

May 29, 2015 8:15 am

If you’re ever in Barcelona, you MUST buy espadrilles at La Manual Alpargatera. Best pair I’ve ever owned (and I’m still wearing them after 7 years!). Way more comfortable than my Saludos or TOMS.

Carlyn

May 29, 2015 7:09 am

LOVE my Toms. Its funny because I never think of them as espadrilles. I finally got a pair of Saltwaters the other day and they are already my go to show for this summer, so comfy and practical! :)

Joanna Goddard

Author

Reply to Carlyn

May 29, 2015 7:22 am

saltwaters are so cute!

Fred B

May 29, 2015 6:49 am

I love espadrilles, it’s in my DNA…. I’m mad about this one
http://www.despetitshauts.com/fr/espadrilles-jutti-dore-11827.html
To avoid bad smell, you can put in it talc and boric acid.
(Please, forgive me if my english is not perfect;-)

Cris

May 29, 2015 6:39 am

Their origin are in Iberian Peninsula, (Spain, Portugal ) and also in south of France, they are very common to wear them since years here (despite of fashion´s waves). You could find a pair in any color, shape or fabric only for 10 € or less!

Vanisha

May 29, 2015 6:09 am

I love this style of shoe, so cool and easy to wear

Clarissa

May 29, 2015 1:43 am

I used to wear espadrilles all the time as a child.Not any more.Maybe it’s time I do again!
http://ladiesandcroissants.blogspot.fr/

Michelle O.

May 29, 2015 12:51 am

I love the red stripes, such a cute color.
xx, Michelle
http://rosetolife.com

Morgan A.

May 29, 2015 12:26 am

Ooooh I like the grey! I had no idea that brand was so affordable! I’ve been seeing it on a lot of bloggers but assumed (as usual) it was way out of my price range. Let us know if they are comfortable!

x. Morgan / http://www.morningappleblog.com

Alina @eclecticalu.blogspot

May 28, 2015 10:29 pm

This is what Argentine gauchos have been wearing during the summer for centuries! It’s surprising to me how big brands like Chanel make them and are so in now all over the world. Here these are everywhere! They are so easy to wear and look good. We call them “alpargatas”. Great for summer, only wash them often! :)

Alina
http://www.eclecticalu.blogspot.com

Erin @ Her Heartland Soul

May 28, 2015 10:22 pm

So many cute options! I absolutely love the striped navy TOMS pair!

Her Heartland Soul
http://herheartlandsoul.com

The Prestigious School

May 28, 2015 7:35 pm

When I was in college, I wore espadrilles all the time. I love them still, but I agree some of the prices are a bit outrageous.

katy

May 28, 2015 6:49 pm

These shoes sell for like 10 Euros in France! Every time I go there I stock up on all the colors!

Chandra

May 28, 2015 6:31 pm

Love these, especially the Kaanas pair!

For those worried about stinky shoes, I found these washable shoe liners that I use whenever I’m not wearing socks: http://www.aldoshoes.com/us/en_US/accessories/shoe-care/comfort-%26-fit/c/334/471-072/p/56076573-97

Joanna Goddard

Author

Reply to Chandra

May 28, 2015 11:48 pm

oooh such a good idea, thank you!

Amy Lauree

May 28, 2015 6:06 pm

Cute! I’m partial to my chambray Vans sneakers or gold Sperry Topsiders as both go with everything.

Ash

May 28, 2015 5:54 pm

You’re not alone :)

Judy

May 28, 2015 5:41 pm

So cute! I always feel like I need a little bit of a heel to make my legs look longer/better in shorts. I’ll have to give them a go. But $224 for the chambray/Jimmy Choo ones? Yikers. Think I’ll have to look at Old Navy :-) Love your re-design, Joanna. Congratulations! And I always read your hubs’ work on NYT. Great and interesting stuff.

Joanna Goddard

Author

Reply to Judy

May 29, 2015 12:00 am

thank you so much! and we agreed that the jimmy choos were insane, but they’re so pretty… wonder if we can find a steal…

here are a few similar:

http://cupjo.co/1HzvjEw
http://cupjo.co/1d2NoTh
http://cupjo.co/1SFzxTy
http://bit.ly/1RsZHaG

hope that helps!!

Kate

May 28, 2015 5:39 pm

Okay, embarrassing – am I the only one who has a problem with these shoes stinking to high heaven after only a month? Any tips or secrets? A friend of mine actually banned anyone wearing these during a road trip since they would all be in close quarters so much.

Nervously awaiting feedback,
Kate

Daniela

Reply to Kate

May 28, 2015 10:37 pm

I wash them in the sink with the antibacterial soap that I use to wash my hands when I come home from the street and I use cotton lined removable soles, then everything dries up in the sun. But the ones I use (I’m from Argentina, we call them alpargatas) are cheap and sturdy, I know nothing about the US brands :(

Joanna Goddard

Author

Reply to Kate

May 28, 2015 11:48 pm

such a great tip.

Lauren

May 28, 2015 5:35 pm

Love this post. Living in Phoenix with our constant warm weather (and nearly unbearable summers), it’s easy to get into a flip flop rut. I’m so glad to see this because I really need something that will look a bit classier but still easy and casual. My Sketchers Go Walks are tre comfiest shoes ever but not the most attractive.

Liz

May 28, 2015 5:25 pm

Holy mess! Those are so overpriced for espadrilles. I bought mine for 5 euros and I think mine are way cuter.

Lauren at adorn la femme

May 28, 2015 4:13 pm

I adore espadrilles for summer! Just spotted some bright red Valentinos at Nordstrom…..and I was very proud of myself and loathing my decision at the same time!!

(=’.’=)
-Lauren
adorn la femme

Felisha

May 28, 2015 4:09 pm

You had me at: ” make your legs look good in shorts.”

I want the white ones, but I’m sure they’d be subject to all sorts of strange and unidentifiable stains after one block in NYC! I love white shoes, but I feel like it’s nearly impossible to keep them lookin’ fresh in this city.

http://www.smallestthing.com

Joanna goddard

Author

Reply to Felisha

May 28, 2015 5:38 pm

Agreed! I wonder if there’s a good way to clean them. I’ll do some googling!

Maja M.P.

May 28, 2015 4:04 pm

I’ve been huying Soludos for a few summers and love them! So happy to see them included here:). All the other ones look great too:)

Emelia

May 28, 2015 4:02 pm

I love these! However, any tricks for not getting them, ahem, gross? I probably wear them too often, but mine tend to get a little less than fresh after a while.

Shoko

May 28, 2015 3:46 pm

I buy a new pair of Kaanas every summer — I love them!

joy

May 28, 2015 3:42 pm

yes yes yes!! i’ve been meaning to order a pair. they also look so sweet and effortless with cotton dresses.

Kristi Craig

May 28, 2015 3:23 pm

Love these! Especially the blue stripes!

Kristi | http://www.beloverly.com

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