It’s finally summertime, so it’s time to break out the espadrilles! Espadrilles, a type of loafer, are the perfect summer shoe – they’re stylish, comfortable, and go with just about anything.
So today, we wanted to share our picks for the best espadrilles for men. Whether you’re looking for a classic canvas style, or something more unique, we’ve got you covered.
Summary
Here’s a table that compares all the espadrilles we reviewed:
| Espadrille | Upper | Sole | Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soludos Men’s Original Stripe Dali | Cotton | Jute | Best Overall |
| TOMS REPREVE Alpargata Rope Espadrille | Recycled Polyester | Rubber | Casual Wear |
| Diegos Provençale Espadrilles | Cotton Canvas | Jute | Affordable |
| Viscata Portbou Canvas Espadrilles | Cotton Canvas | Rubber | Made in Spain |
| STACY ADAMS Men’s Nino Slip-on Espadrille Loafer | Leather | Rubber | Semi-Formal |
| Rivieras Slip-On | Suede | Gum | Espadrille-Inspired |
| Tom Ford Suede Espadrilles | Calf Leather | Rubber | Luxury |
What to Consider When Buying Espadrilles
Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for espadrilles:
Material
Espadrilles are typically made from canvas (cotton), leather, or polyester (often recycled). Generally, canvas or polyester will be more informal but more affordable. On the other hand, leather will be more expensive but can also dress up a look.
Sole
Espadrille soles are traditionally made from jute. However, modern brands often use rubber. Rubber provides plenty of grip, which is critical if you wear espadrilles on wet pool decks or at the beach.
Keeping with their heritage, many brands will add a jute wrapping around the sole to provide visual interest.
Color
Like all shoes, espadrilles are no different in that they come in various colors. So think about what colors will work best with your existing wardrobe.
We recommend sticking with neutral colors like black, brown, or navy if you want something versatile. These will go with just about anything. If you’re looking for something more fun and unique, feel free to experiment with brighter colors or patterns. Just keep in mind that these will likely be less versatile.
Fit
Fit is critical when sizing espadrilles. You want them to be snug but not too tight as they don’t have laces. Espadrilles may feel slightly tight at first, but they will loosen up with wear.
Price
When researching espadrilles, we found that they can be all over the price spectrum. If you want a well-made shoe that’ll also look great, we recommend that you budget $50. However, if you’re looking for a more premium espadrille, brands like Vascata or Soludos will cost at least $75.
7 Best Espadrilles for Men in 2022
Here are our picks for the best espadrilles for men:
Best Overall: Soludos Men’s Original Stripe Dali
Founded in 2010 and based in NYC, Soludos makes a wide range of shoes for both men and women. But they’re perhaps most well known for their espadrilles – particularly their iconic Original Stripe Dali.
The Soludos Men’s Original Stripe Dali espadrille is the quintessential summer shoe. Named after the famed surrealist painter Salvador Dali, who wore espadrilles regularly in Barcelona, Spain, these shoes embody the effortless cool of the Mediterranean.
What makes this espadrille worth considering is that it features a hand-woven upper made from a breathable 100% cotton blend and an authentic jute sole.
The design provides an authentic look and feel, but it’s also extremely comfortable.
Other Noteworthy Features
- Runs true to size
- Available in 4 colors
- Size ranges from 8 to 13
What Other Men Think
- The Good: Men loved the comfortable fit and the wide range of colors and patterns available. They also appreciated that these shoes were made from sustainable materials. Some shoppers were repeat customers, having purchased multiple pairs in different colors and patterns.
- The Not So Good: Some reviewers wished these shoes were available in larger sizes (they stop at 13).
Pros
- 100% cotton upper
- Sustainably made
- Available in both patterns and solid colors
Cons
- Limited sizes
Casual: TOMS REPREVE Alpargata Rope Espadrille
Founded in 2006 by Blake Mycoskie, TOMS is a renowned shoe company known for its ethical practices and commitment to social responsibility. The brand has a wide range of shoes, but they’re perhaps most well known for their iconic slip-on Alpargata.
Let’s take a moment to truly appreciate what the uppers are made from – recycled polyester derived from plastic water bottles – that’s crazy! But as soon as you slip them on, they won’t feel recycled. Instead, they’ll feel just as soft and comfortable as any other TOMS shoe.
For details, we particularly loved the rubber sole that has been wrapped in jute rope. This gives the shoe an elevated look, making it feel slightly more formal than your typical espadrille.
But where these shoes shine is their support. With an OrthoLite Eco LT Hybrid insole, these shoes will feel like you are walking on clouds.
Other Noteworthy Features
- Runs true to size
- 100% vegan
- Available in 6 colors
- A portion of profits go towards supporting various causes
What Other Men Think
- The Good: Men loved the comfortable fit and the classic style of this espadrille. They also appreciated that these shoes were made from recycled materials.
- The Not So Good: Some reviewers wished these shoes were available in wide sizes.
Pros
- Eco-friendly design is good for the planet
- Versatile color selection can work with any summertime outfit
- Sole provides great support ensuring your feet won’t hurt even after extended wear
Cons
- It may feel slightly tight at first but will loosen up over time
- Not available in wide sizes
Affordable: Diegos Provençale Espadrilles
Are you looking to get an authentic espadrille but don’t want to pay a premium? Then look no further than Diegos.
Diegos is a Spanish company that makes handcrafted espadrilles in the traditional style. The shoes are made from a sturdy canvas upper and a natural jute sole, providing comfort and durability.
Priced at a modest $36, these shoes are an excellent value. And with sizes ranging from 7 to 13, they should fit most men’s feet.
Other Noteworthy Features
- Several colors and pattern options are available
- Free shipping on orders over $25
- Gracious return policy
What Other Men Think
- The Good: Men loved the comfort and durability of these shoes. They also appreciated the authenticity.
- The Not So Good: Espadrilles aren’t long-lasting or durable shoes by their very nature. Expect the jute sole on these espadrilles to require replacement at the end of the summer.
Pros
- Handcrafted in Spain
- Sturdy canvas upper
- Natural jute sole
Cons
- Not as durable as other options
Made in Spain: Viscata Portbou Canvas Espadrilles
Do you want an authentic espadrille that incorporates modern design elements? Then take a look at Viscata.
Founded in 2012, Viscata is a Barcelona, Spain-based company specializing in premium espadrilles.
The shoes are handmade from the highest quality materials in Spain, resulting in a stylish and built-to-last product. Take their best-selling Portbou Canvas Espadrilles, for example. Crafted from a canvas upper and a natural jute insole, these shoes are as comfortable as stylish.
However, you’ll find a rubber outsole that gives the shoes a bit more traction and durability without sacrificing any comfort. Additionally, Viscata slipped in additional cushioning underneath the jute insole, providing additional support – good if you are on your feet all day.
Other Noteworthy Features
- The wide lineup of espadrille styles
- Size range from 7 to 13
- 120-day return policy
What Other Men Think
- The Good: Men love quality construction and attention to detail. They also appreciate the wide array of style options and extended return policy.
- The Not So Good: Men found that these did run just a touch tight, so if you are between sizes, you may want to size up as they don’t offer half sizes.
Pros
- Handcrafted in Spain
- Traditional construction with a modern twist
- Extended return policy
Cons
- Slightly tight fit
- No half sizes
Semi-Formal: STACY ADAMS Men’s Nino Slip-on Espadrille Loafer
While espadrilles are often associated with canvas uppers, leather provides a level of sophistication and versatility that canvas simply cannot match.
Take the STACY ADAMS Men’s Nino Slip-on Espadrille Loafer, for example. Made from smooth leather with a jute wrapping and rubber outsole, these shoes will instantly dress up any outfit. Consider pairing these with a nice blazer or chinos to get a dapper look that’ll be sure to turn a few heads.
One particular feature about these espadrilles we loved was the size range. Available from 7 to 16 and half-sizes for many of those options, you should have no problem finding a pair that fits.
Other Noteworthy Features
- Memory foam insole
- Runs a bit small, so size up
- Available in 5 different colors
What Other Men Think
- The Good: Provides tremendous value. Leather uppers feel comfortable. The insole also had some great padding. Also, they are lightweight.
- The Not So Good: Despite having a large size range, the shoes are a bit tight for wider feet. The shoes are made in China.
Pros
- Leather adds a touch of sophistication
- Memory foam insole for added comfort
- Only available in 5 colors
Cons
- Runs a bit small, so size up
Espadrille-Inspired: Rivieras Slip-On
Famed fashion designer Tom Ford offers up his take on the classic espadrille with his Barnes Collapsible-Heel Leather-Trimmed Suede Espadrilles.
Like a traditional espadrille in that they feature a jute wrapping, these shoes set themselves apart with a soft calf leather upper and collapsible heel.
The muted color demonstrates a level of sophistication unmatched by any other espadrille on this list. However, these are not for the faint of heart as they come with a hefty $590 price tag.
Other Noteworthy Features
- Comes with a dust bag
- Made in Spain
- Rubber sole provides support
- Size range from 6 to 13
Pros
- Muted colors for a sophisticated look
- Made with high-quality materials
- Collapsible-Heel is a unique, versatile feature
Cons
- Pricey
What are the Most Popular Espadrilles?
When it comes to espadrilles, if you want to go with the most popular option, you really can’t go wrong with any of the following brands:
- TOMS: With a focus on comfort and style, TOMS offers a wide range of espadrilles for men, women, and children.
- Soludos: A relatively new brand, Soludos has quickly made a name for themselves in the world of espadrilles with their stylish and comfortable shoes. Their shoes are well-made and should last you for several seasons.
- Viscata: If you’re looking for a pair of authentic Spanish-made espadrilles, then Viscata is the way to go.
- Rivieras: For a more modern take on the espadrille, Rivieras offers a slip-on shoe inspired by the classic summertime shoe.
How to Style Espadrilles
There are a few different ways you can style espadrilles. One popular way is to pair them with shorts or chinos for a casual look. Bright colors or patterns can add a fun and festive touch to your outfit.
You can also dress them up by pairing them with a button-down shirt or blazer. If you go with this look, we recommend a lighter-colored blazer rather than navy, black, or charcoal, as it will provide a nice summertime look.
How to Clean Espadrilles?
How you clean your new espadrilles will largely depend on the materials they are made from.
For example, if your shoes are made with canvas, you can clean them with a damp cloth. However, if they are made with leather, you will want to use a leather cleaner and conditioner to clean and protect them.
Jute espadrilles can be cleaned with a soft-bristled brush.
Socks to Wear with Espadrilles
If you plan on only wearing the espadrilles for a single season, then sockless can be fine. However, you may have an issue with foot odor.
If you plan on wearing your espadrilles for multiple seasons, we recommend that you wear socks with them. Specifically, we recommend a good pair of no-show socks that will stay hidden underneath the collar of the espadrille.
Conclusion
Espadrilles are classic summertime shoes that can be dressed up or down. They are comfortable, stylish, and come in various colors and materials. When choosing a pair of espadrilles, we recommend that you consider the materials, color, and style that will best suit your needs.
