The Espadrille Renaissance: Sustainable Summer Staples

Oh, Toronto summers! There鈥檚 just something magical about them, isn鈥檛 there? The city truly comes alive, buzzing with patio chatter, lakeside breezes, and that glorious golden hmy light that makes everything feel a little more cinematic. After months of bundling up, there鈥檚 this collective sigh of relief, a universal desire to shed the layers and embrace effortless style. And if you鈥檙e anything like me, my summer wardrobe strategy revolves around a few key principles: comfort, versatility, and increasingly, sustainability. Because let鈥檚 be real, running around from a brunch in Leslieville to an art exhibit at the AGO, then maybe catching a sunset view from Polson Pier, requires footwear that can keep up without sacrificing an ounce of style.

That鈥檚 why, year after year, without fail, my heart (and my feet!) returns to one particular summer hero: the espadrille. Now, I know what some of you might be thinking 鈥?espadrilles? Aren鈥檛 those a bit鈥?classic? And yes, they absolutely are. But here鈥檚 the thing about true classics: they never really go out of style. Instead, they experience these beautiful "renaissances," where their inherent charm and practical appeal are rediscovered by a new generation, often with a fresh, modern twist. And right now, my friends, we are firmly in the midst of an espadrille renaissance, one that beautifully aligns with my growing desire for fashion that feels good, looks good, and does good for the planet.

Forget everything you thought you knew about these woven wonders. Today's espadrilles are more diverse, more comfortable, and more chic than ever. They鈥檙e no longer just for Riviera holidays or quaint European towns. They鈥檙e perfectly at home navigating the bustling streets of Queen West, adding a touch of laid-back sophistication to a patio dinner in Yorkville, or keeping you comfortable while you explore the charming cobblestones of the Distillery District. For me, they鈥檝e become an indispensable part of my Toronto summer uniform, and I鈥檓 so excited to dive into why you absolutely need to make room for them in my own closet this season.

What Makes Espadrilles So Irresistible? My Toronto Love Affair

My first true espadrille moment wasn't actually in Toronto, but on a trip to Barcelona a few years back. I remember wandering through the Gothic Quarter, feeling a bit out of place in my sneakers, when I spotted a small, unassuming shop filled with rows and rows of these beautiful, rope-soled shoes. I bought a simple black canvas pair, and from that moment on, I was hooked. They instantly elevated my simple sundresses and linen shorts, making me feel like I belonged in that effortlessly stylish European landscape. When I came back to Toronto, I realized they brought that same magic to my everyday life here.

The magic, I've discovered, lies in a few key areas:

Unmatched Comfort: The natural jute sole is surprisingly flexible and breathable. On a hot, sticky Toronto day, when you鈥檙e power-walking to catch the streetcar or spending hours on my feet at a festival like Caribana or Luminato, my feet will thank you. No sweaty, cramped toes here! I鈥檝e worn my espadrille wedges all day exploring Kensington Market, hopping from vintage shops to taco stands, and my feet have felt fantastic. That's saying something!
Effortless Versatility: This is where espadrilles truly shine. They bridge the gap between super casual and subtly dressy like no other shoe. A flat espadrille mule can make a pair of denim cut-offs look instantly chic. A wedge espadrille can take a simple cotton midi dress from daytime casual to evening elegant with zero effort. I鈥檝e worn them to everything from a casual BBQ at a friend's place in Riverdale to a fancy rooftop cocktail event downtown. They just work.
Timeless Style: There鈥檚 an inherent charm to espadrilles that transcends fleeting trends. They carry a whisper of old-world glammy, a touch of Mediterranean ease, that always feels fresh. They instantly make any outfit feel a little more put-together, a little more intentional, without ever looking like you鈥檙e trying too hard. That鈥檚 the ultimate style goal, isn鈥檛 it?

The Sustainable Angle: Why Now is the Time for Espadrilles

The "renaissance" part of my title isn't just about renewed popularity; it's deeply connected to my collective shift towards more conscious consumption. As fashion bloggers, I'm always looking at what's next, but also at what truly lasts. And espadrilles, by their very nature, are a wonderfully sustainable choice. Think about it:

Natural Materials: The core of an espadrille is jute, a natural, renewable plant fibre. Traditionally, the uppers are made from canvas, cotton, or linen 鈥?all breathable, natural materials. Many brands are now also using recycled materials for their fabrics or opting for plant-based leathers and suedes.
Craftsmanship & Longevity: Authentic espadrilles are often handmade or hand-finished, particularly the intricate braiding of the jute sole. This traditional craftsmanship means they are built to last. Investing in a well-made pair means you鈥檙e buying something that will be a summer staple for years, not just a single season. This 'buy less, buy better' philosophy is central to sustainable fashion.
Reduced Environmental Impact: Choosing natural fibres and supporting traditional, often small-scale production, can lead to a lower carbon footprint compared to mass-produced synthetic footwear. Plus, their timeless appeal means less waste from chasing trends.

In a world increasingly saturated with fast fashion, embracing a shoe like the espadrille feels like a breath of fresh air. It鈥檚 a return to quality, to natural beauty, and to a simpler, more mindful way of dressing.

Styling my Espadrilles: My Go-To Toronto Looks

Alright, let鈥檚 get down to the fun part: how to incorporate these beauties into my Toronto summer wardrobe! The beauty is their sheer adaptability. Here are a few of my favorite ways to style them, whether you鈥檙e brunching, exploring, or stepping out for a chic evening:

Casual & Cool: Flat Espadrille Mules or Sandals
These are my absolute everyday heroes. Perfect for wandering through a farmers market at Evergreen Brick Works, grabbing a coffee in Rosedale, or meeting friends for a casual lunch. Pair them with:
- Linen everything: Wide-leg linen trousers and a simple camisole, or a breezy linen shirt dress.
- Denim shorts & a flowy top: An instant upgrade from flip-flops, making the whole look feel more intentional.
- Maxi skirts: A simple white tee tucked into a colorful printed maxi skirt, finished with flat espadrilles, is pure summer perfection.
Emma鈥檚 Toronto Tip: I love a good flat espadrille mule for a spontaneous stroll along the HArborfront. They slip on and off easily if you want to dip my toes in the water, and they look great with just about anything!
Smart Casual & Chic: Espadrille Wedges
The wedge is arguably the most iconic espadrille style, and for good reason! They give you height and lengthen my leg without the instability of a stiletto, making them perfect for navigating the city. These are my choice for:
- Brunch & Patio Hopping: A floral midi dress or a chic jumpsuit with espadrille wedges is my go-to for a King West brunch or an afternoon on a rooftop patio.
- Summer Evenings Out: Pair them with tailored wide-leg pants and a silk camisole for a sophisticated yet comfortable look for dinner in the Entertainment District.
- Garden Parties & Outdoor Events: They sink less into grass than traditional heels, making them ideal for those beautiful outdoor summer gatherings that are so popular around Toronto.
Emma鈥檚 Toronto Tip: I recently wore a pair of nude espadrille wedges with a flowy blue and white striped sundress to a gallery opening at The Power Plant. I was on my feet for hours, mingling and admiring art, and my feet felt fantastic the entire time. No blisters, no aching soles 鈥?just pure comfort and style!
Elevated & Elegant: Heeled Espadrilles
For those occasions when you want a bit more height and sophistication, heeled espadrilles (not wedges, but actual heels with an espadrille-wrapped base) are stunning. They're perfect for:
- Date Nights: Pair them with a little black dress or a sleek midi skirt for a romantic evening in Yorkville or along the waterfront.
- Summer Weddings: They're dressy enough for a wedding but way more comfortable than traditional heels, especially for outdoor ceremonies.
- Professional Events: When you need to look polished but want to stay comfortable, heeled espadrilles with tailored trousers and a blazer strike the perfect balance.

Caring for my Sustainable Espadrilles

To make sure my eco-friendly espadrilles last season after season, here are my top care tips:

Protect from Water: While the jute sole is natural, it doesn't love getting soaked. If they do get wet, stuff them with newspaper and let them air dry away from direct heat.
Spot Clean Only: Use a damp cloth with mild soap to clean the canvas or fabric upper. Avoid submerging them in water.
Store Properly: Keep them in a cool, dry place. I like to stuff mine with tissue paper to help them maintain their shape during the off-season.
Rotate my Pairs: If you wear espadrilles frequently, having two pairs and rotating them gives each pair time to air out and extends their lifespan.

Final Thoughts

Espadrilles have truly earned their place as a summer staple in my wardrobe. They're comfortable, versatile, stylish, and when you choose sustainable options, they align perfectly with conscious fashion values. Whether I'm exploring Toronto's neighborhoods, meeting friends for patio drinks, or just running errands on a sunny day, my eco-friendly espadrilles are always my go-to choice.

This summer, I encourage you to give sustainable espadrilles a try. Your feet (and the planet) will thank you!

What's your favorite summer shoe? Have you tried espadrilles yet? Let me know in the comments!

Stay breezy and beautiful,

XOXO,
Emma Chen