October 11, 2024, 1:57 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Slip-on, flat sandals, wedge heels, or mules – espadrilles are the perfect summer shoe for every occasion. However, the espadrilles season is slowly but surely coming to an end, and after a long summer, your favorite shoes could do with a deep clean. STYLEBOOK reveals how you can gently clean your shoes with the knotted natural sole.
Espadrilles-style shoes have been worn in Spain and the south of France for decades and reached Germany in the 1980s. Since then, the summer shoes with the knotted natural soles have become an integral part of the shoe collection. But how do you care for these delicate shoes with jute soles? STYLEBOOK reveals the answer because cleaning espadrilles is not that difficult!
Overview
Typical features of espadrilles
The original espadrilles are slip-on shoes made from linen or cotton without a fastener. The sole is made of knotted natural materials, which is a characteristic feature of these shoes. Due to the breathable and absorbent materials, they are very breathable but at the same time sensitive to moisture. Newer models are, therefore, usually fitted with an additional rubber sole. Due to the coarse nature of the natural materials, the rubber sole tends to come loose or crack over time. Nowadays, shoes with the typical espadrilles sole are available in almost all variations: with a wedge heel, as a flat sandal, or as an airy mule.
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Cleaning espadrilles
After wearing your espadrilles up and down all summer, do the soles of your favorite shoes look a little worn? No problem! With these tips and tricks, you can get your espadrilles fit for the next season!
Waterproofing espadrilles
Espadrilles can be waterproofed with a spray, just like other shoes. As the shoes with jute soles are particularly sensitive to water, you should treat them with a waterproofing spray immediately after purchase. This application can be repeated over time. An insole is recommended to keep the soles clean on the inside. This protects against sweat and odors.
Can espadrilles be washed in the washing machine?
Due to their nature, espadrilles are not suitable for the washing machine as they are very sensitive to moisture. The natural soles can swell and deform when drying, and the adhesive could come loose. The same also applies to the tumble dryer. It is best to always leave your espadrilles to air dry. To prevent the shoes from becoming deformed during the drying process, you can line the shoe with newspaper.
Cleaning espadrilles – the jute sole
To clean the natural sole, use only cold water and a mild detergent, to which you can add white wine vinegar if necessary. Now use a shoe brush to work the sole, taking care to only rub in one direction, otherwise the natural sole may fray. You can use a toothbrush to clean the corners and edges and work more precisely. Simply wipe off any soap residue afterward with a clean, damp cotton cloth and leave it to air dry. The rubber soles of the espadrilles can be cleaned with a dirt eraser or with a shoe brush and water.
Cleaning espadrilles – the shoe surface
Espadrilles are available with many different upper materials, e.g., suede, synthetic or smooth leather, canvas, or other cotton materials. Each upper material requires different care and cleaning. Coarse dirt on smooth leather can simply be wiped off with a soft cloth and then treated with a special leather care product. Suede leather is cleaned with a special suede brush and an eraser. To get canvas materials clean, mix water with a mild detergent and rub the upper material with an old toothbrush or a clean shoe brush. Work with more or less pressure, depending on how dirty it is, and then leave it to air dry.