Best Men's Espadrilles: 8 Pairs Worth Buying (2026)
Espadrilles are one of those shoes that are simple, lightweight, and comfortable, yet look elegant. Maybe that’s why they’ve stuck around as a summer classic for so long.
Traditionally, espadrilles feature a canvas or cotton upper and a flat sole made from esparto rope, though not every pair sticks to the traditional recipe anymore.
Now, you’ll find espadrilles in different materials, like suede and leather uppers, or with different styles, such as backless and higher, laced versions.
That’s great, because it means you can wear a leather pair somewhere a canvas or cotton espadrille would look too casual.
Even the soles have evolved. A lot of brands have swapped out the esparto rope for jute rope and added a rubber outsole underneath for durability and grip.
However, no matter how much the style changes or reinvents itself, the rope detail should be there, because, to me, that’s what really defines an espadrille.
So, styles like this one by Mulo that completely replace rope soles with solid rubber soles, in my opinion, lean more toward sneakers than espadrilles.
In this guide, I’ve rounded up 8 TRUE men’s espadrilles across different styles, materials, and budgets — some classic, some modern. But every pair here still has the rope sole that makes it a real espadrille.
8 Best Men's Espadrilles
1. Best Overall Espadrilles — Drake’s Herringbone Cotton Espadrilles
Key Specs:
- Upper: Herringbone cotton canvas
- Sole: Rubber with jute rope detail
- Fit: Runs large
- Made In Spain
Pros & Cons:
Pros:- Handmade in Spain with genuinely neat, tightly wound jute rope detailing
- Textured herringbone weave looks dressier than flat canvas
- Sturdy rubber sole adds grip and durability
- Runs large, needs to be sized down a full size
- A bit pricey for a cotton canvas shoe
The first thing you’ll notice about these espadrilles is the shape.
They’re cut low and slim with a slightly curved vamp instead of a boxy cut with a high, straight vamp you often see on traditional espadrilles.
The herringbone canvas upper adds texture and depth, and reads smarter than plain canvas.
So you can wear these not only on a beachside vacation but to places where a typical espadrille would look out of place.
The sole is rubber with jute rope details for more grip and durability.
Overall, they look a bit more modern than traditional espadrilles.
If you’re okay trading a little tradition for a shoe with more versatility, this one is hard to beat.
2. Best Budget Espadrilles — Diegos Herringbone Classic Espadrilles
Key Specs:
- Upper: Herringbone cotton canvas
- Sole: Jute thread and recycled textile fibers
- Construction: Hand-stitched
- Made in Spain
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- Very affordable for a fully hand-stitched shoe
- The sole is made with eco-friendly recycled textile fibers
- Herringbone pattern adds visual interest
- Handcrafted entirely in Spain
Cons:
- Basic construction compared to pricier pairs
- Canvas only, no material alternatives
I know this isn’t the cheapest one — you can buy a pair for $15 on vacation.
But these aren’t the pairs you’d throw away after the vacation either. You can wear them for more than one summer.
Everything here is done the traditional way, except the canvas. It’s a herringbone style rather than plain canvas, just like Drake’s.
The canvas is woven in Valencia, the soles blend jute thread with recycled textile fibers, and the whole shoe is hand-stitched by artisans in La Rioja.
Honestly, that’s a lot of handwork for $50.
You won’t get the plush comfort or fancy detailing of a $200-plus pair.
But you can wear these without babying them.
I mean, just throw them on with shorts and a T-shirt, and you don’t need to think twice about getting a little sand on them.
3. Best Designer Espadrilles — Brunello Cucinelli Techno Raffia and Suede Espadrilles
Key Specs:
- Upper: 55% nylon / 45% cotton “techno raffia” with suede detailing
- Lining: Leather half-lining
- Sole: Hand-stitched rope, reinforced at the toe, with a rubber outsole
- Made In Solomeo, Italy
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- Exceptional Italian craftsmanship
- Unique techno-raffia and suede material mix
- Reinforced, hand-stitched rope sole
- Elevated, logo-free design
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Raffia-style weave is less rugged than plain canvas over time
The price is extreme, especially for a pair of fabric shoes.
But when you buy from these luxury houses, you’re not just paying for the material or construction. You’re paying for the name and heritage.
So, that’s totally understandable if you can’t justify the price point and don’t think they are worth nearly a thousand dollars.
But some people are drawn to that heritage and the prestige of a designer label, and there’s nothing wrong with it, either.
Everything here is done by hand.
The rope edge is hand-stitched and reinforced at the toe.
A leather half-lining keeps the inside from feeling rough against bare feet.
A rubber sole underneath adds grip and support that a pure rope sole doesn’t have.
On their own, these don’t fully justify the price tag. But the brand’s heritage and the luxury label might make up the difference.
If you’re already the type who buys Brunello Cucinelli’s knitwear or tailoring, this is the espadrille that belongs next to it.
4. Best Lace-Up Espadrilles — Toni Pons Dixon Lace-Up Espadrilles
Key Specs:
- Upper: Cotton and jute fabric
- Sole: Jute with a non-slip rubber base
- Lining: Cotton
- Fit: True to size; size up if you’re between sizes
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- Secure, adjustable lace-up fit
- Cotton-lined insole for comfort
- Hand-stitched construction
- Non-slip rubber base for grip and durability
Cons:
- Laces mean a slower on/off routine than slip-ons
- Needs to be sized up if between sizes
Lace-up espadrilles are a quintessential summer staple for both men and women along the French and Italian Riviera.
They look like a combination of traditional espadrilles and low-top sneakers, and that combo makes them even more versatile.
You can wear them for a morning stroll as well as to a casual seaside lunch.
Lace-ups are also better if you have narrower feet, as the traditional slip-on versions are usually wider.
Dixon features a super breathable cotton and jute upper, and the sole blends jute rope with a non-slip rubber base, so you get the classic espadrille aesthetic with a nice grip on tile and cobblestone, not just sand.
Inside, the cotton-stitched insole is breathable and keeps things comfortable against bare skin even without socks.
5. Best Espadrille Mules — Aurélien Beachside Espadrille Mules
Key Specs:
- Upper: Suede
- Sole: Rubber, trimmed with braided jute
- Style: Backless mule
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- Backless design for fast on/off
- Supple suede molds to the foot almost immediately
- Patterned sole adds grip
- More refined than traditional slip-on models
Cons:
- No back support means not for long walks
- Suede needs more care than canvas
Traditional espadrilles are slip-on shoes, though you also can fold the backs down.
If that sounds like you, espadrille mules are for you.
Mules are also the laziest, most vacation-appropriate version of the men’s espadrille shoe, and Aurélien’s Beachside is a genuinely nice one.
The suede upper is soft enough that it starts molding to your foot almost right away, so there’s barely a break-in period. You just put them on and go.
The rubber sole trimmed in braided jute keeps the classic espadrille look while offering better grip than pure rope.
And because they’re backless, they’re the fastest shoe on this list to get on and off.
They are comfortable for lounging around a resort; just don’t expect to wear them on a long walk.
6. Best Espadrille Loafers — Castañer Nacho/002 Espadrille Loafers
Key Specs:
- Upper: 100% organic cotton (washed finish)
- Lining: 100% sheepskin leather
- Sole: Rubber with jute detailing
- Fit: True to size
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- Moccasin-style build feels more refined
- Organic cotton upper with a washed, worn-in finish adds character
- Full sheepskin leather lining is comfortable
Cons:
- Cotton upper feels more casual, not ideal for some dressier occasions
- Needs gentle, non-machine care
Espadrilles are for home or holiday, that’s what most people think.
But they’re also nice to wear to the cafe or the shops.
Some versions, such as esparille loafers, you can even wear to casual offices.
I think this is a genius combo, because the rope soles are more comfortable than rubber soles and feel like massaging your feet while walking.
So, if your office allows slip-on shoes, try these.
What I love about Nacho is the washed-finish upper. It looks slightly worn-in right out of the box.
Inside, it’s lined with sheepskin leather, so it feels plush against your foot.
Underneath, a jute-trimmed rubber sole keeps things grounded and durable.
7. Best Linen Espadrilles — OAS Linen Espadrilles
Key Specs:
- Upper: 100% linen
- Sole: Jute with rubber grip
- Fit: True to size
- Details: Vegan leather heel patch
- Handmade in Spain, designed in Stockholm
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- 100% linen upper is extremely breathable
- Jute sole reinforced with rubber for durability
- Understated, minimal Scandinavian design
Cons:
- Linen wrinkles and creases more visibly than canvas
Canvas espadrilles are the standard, but linen is the better choice for hot summer days.
Linen has more texture and drape than canvas, and it breathes better.
You’ll notice it on the first genuinely hot day you wear them if you usually wear canvas ones.
OAS Linen Espadrilles are made with 100% linen, while the sole pairs traditional braided jute with a rubber layer underneath, so you get the classic look without sacrificing grip or lifespan.
Plus, they’re designed in Stockholm and handmade in Spain, which splits the difference between beach-ready and genuinely stylish, meaning these are slip-on summer shoes you could reasonably wear well past the pool.
8. Best Leather Espadrilles — Castañer Polo/249 Leather Espadrilles
Key Specs:
- Upper: 100% cowhide leather
- Lining: 100% sheepskin leather
- Sole: Rubber with jute trim
- Fit: True to size
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- Cowhide leather upper looks and wears more like a loafer
- Full sheepskin leather lining for comfort
- More durable long-term than canvas or linen
- Dressy enough for smart-casual outfits
Cons:
- Less breathable than canvas and linen
- Needs proper leather care (polish, conditioner)
Leather is usually more refined than fabric when it comes to footwear, and that’s the case here.
I know some people question the purpose of wearing a leather espadrille.
Here are some reasons I can think of.
The first one is that it expands the lifespan of the shoes, as leather is more durable.
The second one is that it gives these Mediterranean-inspired shoes a more polished look, so you can dress them up for some casual offices or evening events where canvas might look too informal.
Castañer’s Polo has a full cowhide leather upper that gives it more structure and shine than any canvas or suede pair here.
Inside, it’s fully lined with sheepskin, which is softer and more flexible than cowhide leather.
Underneath, the jute-trimmed rubber sole keeps the classic espadrille silhouette intact.
This is the pair on this list you could realistically wear to a summer office, a wedding, or a nice dinner.
The only downside is leather doesn’t breathe as much as canvas.
How to Choose Espadrilles
Once you get past the “which brand is best” question, there are really three things that decide whether a pair of men’s espadrilles works for you: the upper material, the style, and the fit.
Here’s how to think through each one.
1. Upper Materials
1) Canvas & Cotton
This is the most traditional option.
Canvas and cotton espadrilles for men are breathable, affordable, and easy to wear with almost anything casual.
If you’re buying your first pair, start here.
2) Linen
Linen has more texture than canvas and breathes better, which makes it an excellent choice for hot, humid climates.
It also reads slightly more refined, so it splits the difference between beachwear and something you’d wear out to dinner.
3) Suede
Suede has a rich, soft texture that works well for smart-casual outfits, but you’d not want to wear it to a beach because it doesn’t handle sand and water.
Save suede espadrilles for the boardwalk, not the shoreline.
3) Leather
Leather is the most luxurious and most durable of the four.
Leather espadrilles for men can work almost like loafers, which makes them the pick if you want one pair that covers both casual and slightly dressier summer occasions.
2. Types of Espadrilles
- Classic Slip-On Espadrilles: The OG, and the easiest to wear for vacation and everyday wear alike
- Lace-Up Espadrilles: A more secure fit with a distinctly Mediterranean and Riviera look. Also a better choice for narrow feet
- Espadrille Loafers: Built on a moccasin last for a dressier profile. Good for smart-casual outfits and summer dinners
- Mule Espadrilles: Backless and fast to slip on, ideal for easy resort footwear and lounging around
3. Fit Considerations
Espadrilles should fit snug when you first put them on. Natural materials like canvas and jute have some give.
Canvas will stretch a little with wear, so a snug day-one fit is actually what you want.
If you have wide feet, avoid narrow Spanish lasts and look for a model specifically built for a wider fit instead.
On the other hand, if you have narrow feet, lace-ups work better.
FAQs About Espadrilles
1. What Are Espadrilles?
Espadrilles are casual, flat shoes with a canvas or cotton upper and a sole traditionally made from esparto rope.
They originated in the Iberian Peninsula and have deep roots in Spanish and French Basque Country footwear, though the sole and upper materials have changed a lot over time.
2. How Should Men Wear Espadrilles?
Casual espadrilles like cotton canvas and linen pair naturally with shorts, chinos, or linen trousers and a simple tee or short-sleeve shirt.
Dressier suede or leather pairs can work with a polo or linen shirt for a smart-casual look.
As a rule, keep the rest of the outfit relaxed. Don’t pair espadrilles with suits or anything formal.
3. Are Espadrilles the Best Summer Shoes for Men?
They’re one of the best summer shoes for men.
They’re more breathable compared to most sneakers, which trap heat.
And they’re more versatile than most sandals that show your toes.
Espadrilles are breathable and casual, but still put-together enough for most summer occasions.
4. Are Espadrilles Comfortable?
Most are, once broken in.
Canvas and linen uppers soften and stretch slightly with wear, so the first few times you wear a new pair, they might feel a little snug.
The main trade-off, though, is arch support. Traditional rope soles are flat and offer very little arch support.
5. Should You Wear Socks with Espadrilles?
Usually, no.
Espadrilles are designed to be worn without socks.
However, if you get blisters or if your feet sweat, no-show socks are good to go.
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