A shoe with a sole made from, or edged with, braided rope such as jute, often with a canvas upper.
An espadrille is identified by the braided rope at its sole, rather than by a particular upper material or heel height. Castañer describes stitching the jute braid and using heated moulds to bond the braided sole to a rubber layer through vulcanisation. That rubber forms a separate wearing surface beneath the rope. Canvas is familiar, but the V&A also records Biba espadrilles with white leather uppers and plaited rope wedge heels, and a Tabitha Simmons pair made with silk, leather and jute. The construction accommodates both flat and raised styles.
In job listings
This word comes up in seasonal product and buying work more than in the wording of a vacancy. A footwear advisor may be asked about the rope sole’s care and wear, and a designer about how the sole is made and finished. Search local jobs for “footwear”.
