A closed toe, an open back, and a slim strap that comes round the heel ā the slingback is the most quietly flattering shape in the espadrille family. The vamp cuts low and round across the foot, the sides are scooped away, and the elasticated strap sits close without gripping. From above it reads almost like a ballet flat; from the side, the exposed heel and the rope edge give it away.
The construction is traditional and it's the reason these look the way they do. A wedge of coiled and braided natural jute rope forms the sole, stitched to the upper by hand in the Spanish method, and here the stitching is done in navy thread against the pale rope ā a fine contrast line running the whole way round the shoe. Underneath, a thin TR outsole is bonded on for grip where the rope meets the pavement. There's no shank; the build stays soft and moves with the foot.
The canvas is soft and tightly woven, made from 100% recycled polyester spun from recycled plastic bottles, and in this deep navy it does the classic thing that navy and natural rope always do together ā crisp, marine, unmistakably summer. Inside, a built-in cushioned footbed topped with soft vegan leather (100% PU) sits between your foot and the jute, so there's padding underfoot where a traditional espadrille gives you none. Unlined, so the canvas sits directly against the foot, light and breathable.
Wear them with a printed cotton dress, wide linen trousers, a denim skirt, a striped tee and cropped jeans. They belong in warm weather on old streets, and they're the pair you can walk all day in and still look put together at dinner.
