Espadrilles have become the unofficial summer shoe of style-savvy women over 60. These jute-soled wonders can either elevate your warm-weather wardrobe or leave you counting the days until boot season returns.
Finding the right pair means the difference between breezy confidence and painful regret. Let’s explore which styles deserve space in your closet and which should remain firmly on the store shelf.
1. Classic Woven-Wedge Espadrille
Timeless elegance meets practical comfort in this summer staple. The moderate height provides just enough lift to elongate your silhouette without the wobbling that comes with sky-high heels. Soft braided straps hug your foot securely while allowing plenty of breathability during those scorching July afternoons.
The natural jute wedge absorbs impact with each step, making these perfect for everything from farmers’ market browsing to sunset cocktails on the boardwalk. Unlike their plastic-soled counterparts, these beauties age gracefully—developing a lovely patina that only adds to their Mediterranean charm.
2. Leather Ankle-Tie Espadrille
Butter-soft leather meets playful ribbons in this age-defying design. The ankle ties aren’t just decorative—they provide crucial adjustability for those of us with narrower heels or wider ankles. Walking along cobblestone streets becomes a pleasure rather than a precarious balancing act.
The natural leather stretches to accommodate your foot’s unique shape, molding to you like a second skin after just a few wears. Available in earthy neutrals that complement everything from linen dresses to cropped pants, these espadrilles whisper rather than shout, letting your confidence take center stage.
3. Canvas Slip-On Espadrille
Morning garden visits or impromptu lunch dates become effortless with these no-fuss canvas beauties. Slipping them on takes seconds—perfect for busy days when you’re rushing out the door but refuse to sacrifice style. Memory foam cushioning cradles your arches, providing surprising support despite their delicate appearance.
The crisp ivory canvas pairs beautifully with summer’s vibrant prints while offering a refreshing alternative to predictable sandals. Machine washable (yes, really!), these espadrilles bounce back from beach sand and garden soil with just a quick spin in the gentle cycle—making them possibly the most practical luxury in your summer wardrobe.
4. Ribbon-Bow Low-Heel Espadrille
Feminine without being fussy, these low-heeled charmers bring a touch of ballet-inspired grace to summer outfits. The grosgrain ribbons add a whisper of Audrey Hepburn elegance without veering into juvenile territory. Modest one-inch heels provide just enough elevation to keep hems from dragging while maintaining all-day wearability.
The slightly pointed toe elongates your foot, creating a sleek line that works beautifully with both dresses and cropped pants. Unlike higher wedges, these remain appropriate for even the most casual gatherings, striking that perfect balance between dressed-up and comfortable that becomes increasingly important after 60.
5. Platform Braided-Jute Espadrille
Height without the hurt—the holy grail of summer footwear. The platform distributes weight evenly across your entire foot rather than concentrating pressure on your heels and balls, eliminating that dreaded end-of-day ache. Artisanal braiding around the toe cap adds textural interest while reinforcing the area most prone to wear and tear.
The slightly elevated stance lengthens your silhouette without compromising stability—crucial when navigating uneven boardwalks or grassy garden parties. Unlike trendy platforms that scream ‘trying too hard,’ these subtle elevators blend sophisticated design with age-appropriate ease.
6. Two-Tone Espadrille Mule
Mornings spent rushing to water the garden before the heat sets in call for slip-on simplicity. These half-linen, half-suede beauties slide on in seconds while offering surprising stability thanks to their thoughtfully designed footbed. The contrasting materials create visual interest without resorting to loud patterns or flashy embellishments.
Versatility reigns supreme—they look equally appropriate with flowing palazzo pants or a casual cotton dress. The backless design allows for air circulation during sweltering afternoons, preventing that unpleasant stickiness that closed shoes often create. Consider these your secret weapon against summer’s most punishing temperatures.
1. Stiff-Sole High-Platform Espadrille
Towering like a skyscraper but with none of the architectural integrity. These foot prisons combine the worst aspects of both stilettos and wooden clogs—height without flexibility, making each step a precarious adventure. The unyielding platform refuses to bend with your natural gait, creating a wooden plank sensation that transforms graceful walking into awkward clomping.
Blisters form within minutes as your foot slides forward, jamming toes against unyielding fronts. Despite promises of ‘beach glamour,’ these monstrosities leave you clutching railings and scanning for the nearest bench. Save yourself the twisted ankle and inevitable podiatrist visit.
2. Oversized Floppy-Rope Espadrille
Someone clearly misunderstood the assignment when designing these rope-obsessed nightmares. Excessive jute wrapping creates visual bulk that overwhelms any foot, making even slender ankles appear swollen and undefined. The loosely wound decorative elements catch on everything from car pedals to stair edges, creating not just fashion disasters but genuine safety hazards.
Each step becomes a calculated risk as the floppy attachments threaten to unravel or snag. Despite their coastal inspiration, these belong nowhere near actual beaches—sand becomes permanently embedded in the countless rope crevices, transforming your expensive purchase into a walking sandbox within minutes.
3. Strappy Gladiator-Style Espadrille
Roman warriors had servants to help with their elaborate footwear—you likely don’t. The endless array of straps requires the flexibility of a yoga instructor and the patience of a saint just to put them on. Bathroom breaks become strategic planning sessions as you contemplate the time investment required to unfasten and refasten the labyrinthine closure system.
The multiple buckles create pressure points precisely where mature feet need gentle treatment, leaving angry red marks that linger long after these torture devices are removed. Despite their dramatic appearance, they actually shorten the visual line of your leg—the exact opposite of what most women over 60 desire from summer footwear.