Espadrilles are a summer staple that can make or break your warm-weather style. These rope-soled shoes come in countless designs, from casual flats to sky-high wedges.
Not all espadrilles are created equal though – some add effortless charm to your outfit while others can look awkwardly bulky. Let’s explore which styles to skip and which deserve a spot in your summer wardrobe.
1. Platform Espadrilles With Ankle Straps
Bulky platform espadrilles with thick ankle straps create an unfortunate visual weight at your feet. The combination of a chunky sole and heavy strapping cuts off your leg line, making even the tallest person look shorter and wider.
Walking becomes a clumsy affair in these shoes, with the rigid platform fighting against the natural flexibility your foot needs. Many designs feature unnecessary decorative elements like oversized buckles or excessive wrapping that only add to the chunky appearance.
Save yourself from ankle strain and fashion regret by avoiding these cumbersome styles that neither flatter your legs nor provide the easy comfort espadrilles are known for.
2. Canvas Slip-On Espadrilles
Simple canvas slip-on espadrilles represent summer footwear at its most elegant and effortless. These lightweight classics feature clean lines and breathable fabric that keep your feet cool during hot days.
Available in every color imaginable, these versatile shoes transition seamlessly from beach to sidewalk café. Their streamlined silhouette pairs beautifully with everything from linen pants to flowing sundresses without competing for attention.
The lack of unnecessary straps or embellishments gives these espadrilles a timeless quality that never feels dated or overdone. Their slip-on design makes them perfect travel companions that pack flat in your suitcase and can be quickly slipped on for impromptu adventures.
3. Overly Decorated Wedge Espadrilles
Gaudy embellishments transform what could be elegant wedge espadrilles into visual chaos. Sequins, oversized bows, and plastic gems compete for attention, creating a disjointed look that matches nothing in your wardrobe.
Manufacturing shortcuts often mean these decorations start falling off after just a few wears. The weight distribution feels off-balance too, with the decoration-heavy front making each step feel precarious and unnatural.
Fashion insiders avoid these over-the-top styles that scream “trying too hard.” When espadrilles attempt to mimic evening shoes with excessive ornamentation, they lose their relaxed summer charm and become uncomfortable footwear that belongs in neither casual nor formal settings.
4. Leather Espadrille Flats
Buttery leather transforms traditional espadrilles into sophisticated footwear that works for both casual Friday at the office and weekend brunches. Unlike their canvas cousins, leather versions develop a beautiful patina over time, becoming more personal with each wear.
Modern designers have refined these classics with subtle details like monochromatic stitching and minimalist logos. The natural leather upper molds to your foot, creating a custom fit that prevents the blisters often associated with synthetic materials.
Neutral shades like camel, black, or navy make these espadrilles incredibly versatile wardrobe workhorses. Their refined appearance elevates simple outfits without sacrificing the comfort and breathability that makes espadrilles a summer favorite.
5. Square-Toe Espadrille Wedges
Outdated square-toe espadrille wedges create an awkward, boxy silhouette that fights against your foot’s natural shape. The harsh geometric front looks particularly jarring against the traditional rounded rope sole, creating a visual disconnect that fashion experts immediately notice.
Movement becomes restricted and uncomfortable as your toes battle the unnatural square enclosure. This dated design often features additional fashion faux pas like contrasting stitching that draws unwanted attention to the already problematic toe shape.
Even luxury brands occasionally miss the mark with these clunky interpretations that feel perpetually stuck in a bygone era. The square toe combined with a wedge height creates an illusion of shorter, wider feet – rarely anyone’s aesthetic goal for summer footwear.
1. Pointed-Toe Espadrille Flats
Sophisticated pointed-toe espadrilles bring unexpected elegance to casual summer dressing. The elongated silhouette creates a leg-lengthening effect while maintaining the laid-back essence that makes espadrilles so beloved.
French women have long embraced this refined variation for its ability to transition effortlessly from market shopping to impromptu dinner invitations. The slight structure in the toe provides more support than traditional rounded styles, preventing the saggy appearance that can make feet look sloppy.
Designers like Castañer and Loewe have perfected this silhouette with thoughtful details like reinforced soles and premium canvas that maintains its shape. These modern interpretations prove that comfort and sophistication aren’t mutually exclusive in warm-weather footwear.
2. Excessively Tall Wedge Espadrilles
Teetering on sky-high espadrille wedges defeats the easygoing spirit these Mediterranean shoes were designed to embody. When the platform exceeds three inches, the natural flexibility of the rope sole becomes compromised, creating a stiff, awkward walking experience.
Falls and ankle injuries become legitimate concerns with these precarious designs. The extreme height creates a visual imbalance that makes your feet appear disproportionately large compared to the rest of your body.
Celebrities occasionally sport these impractical versions on red carpets, but real-life summer activities demand more sensible footwear. The excessive height transforms what should be comfortable seasonal shoes into uncomfortable statement pieces that limit where and how long you can wear them.
3. Lace-Up Espadrille Sandals
Romantic lace-up espadrille sandals bring Mediterranean vacation vibes to everyday summer dressing. The adjustable ankle wraps create a custom fit while adding a graceful element that elevates simple outfits.
Fashion influencers particularly love styles with slender cotton ribbons that can be tied in various ways – wrapped multiple times around the ankle or crisscrossed higher up the calf for different looks with the same pair. Unlike clunky ankle straps, these delicate ties create vertical lines that visually elongate the leg.
The open-toe design provides welcome ventilation during sweltering days. These versatile sandals work equally well with cropped jeans, floaty dresses, or linen shorts, making them a smart investment for maximizing your summer wardrobe options.
4. Rubber-Soled Hybrid Espadrilles
Misguided hybrid designs replace the traditional rope sole with chunky rubber, creating an identity crisis in footwear form. These confused creations attempt to merge espadrilles with sneakers or hiking shoes, resulting in visually heavy shoes that lack the charm of authentic espadrilles.
Manufacturers often add unnecessary details like contrast stitching or brightly colored rubber sections that draw attention to the awkward fusion. The weight of these shoes makes them surprisingly tiring to wear throughout a summer day.
Traditional espadrilles are valued for their lightweight, flexible construction – qualities completely lost in these bulky interpretations. Savvy shoppers recognize these as poorly executed attempts to modernize a classic that needs no improvement, and instead choose authentically crafted versions from heritage brands.
5. Backless Espadrille Mules
Effortless backless espadrille mules combine the best aspects of summer footwear: breathability, slip-on convenience, and understated style. Their sleek profile creates a more sophisticated silhouette than fully closed espadrilles without sacrificing comfort.
Morning coffee runs and farmer’s market visits become more stylish with these easy-to-wear shoes that require zero fussing with straps or laces. The absence of a back allows for better air circulation during hot days while maintaining a polished appearance.
Fashion editors particularly appreciate neutral leather versions that develop character with wear. The backless design creates a leg-lengthening effect similar to heels but without the discomfort, making these the perfect solution for looking put-together during long summer days that stretch into evening gatherings.