Recycled Espadrille Sandals

The original shape, and still the best one. A closed slip-on cut with a V at the centre of the vamp, the sides dropping low along the foot so it slides on without a fastening and stays put once it's there. Nothing about it has changed much in a century, which is rather the point — it's a shoe that arrived at its final form early and has been quietly correct ever since.

Traditional espadrille construction underneath, made in Spain the way it's always been done: a wedge of coiled and braided natural jute rope forms the sole, stitched to the canvas upper, with a thin TR outsole bonded beneath it for grip on pavement. The rope is left visible all the way round — pale, fibrous, plainly handmade — and it's the whole visual argument of the shoe against the flat weave of the canvas above it. There's no shank; the build stays soft and folds with the foot from the first wear.

The canvas is soft and closely woven, made from 100% recycled polyester spun from recycled plastic bottles. Black gives you the sharpest version — the hard contrast of dark canvas against natural rope, and the one that carries into evening. Dusty pink is the softer proposition, chalky and sun-faded, sitting closer in tone to the jute so the whole shoe reads warm. Inside, a built-in cushioned footbed topped with soft vegan leather (100% PU) puts padding between your foot and the rope, where a traditional pair would give you none. Unlined, so the canvas sits straight against the skin.

Wear them with everything summer asks for: cropped or straight denim, dungarees, a cotton dress, linen trousers, a tee and shorts. Bare feet or a fine sock, either works. They're the pair you keep by the door from May onwards and reach for without deciding.