Castaner & Beyond: The Espadrille Edit for Sun-Season Dressing

Few shoes carry as much cultural weight as the espadrille. Born in the Pyrenees and adopted by the sun-soaked coasts of Spain and southern France, the jute-soled sandal has been a fixture of warm-weather dressing for centuries — long before resort wear became a category. What began as a peasant shoe has, over decades, been refined into one of fashion's most enduring warm-weather staples, precisely because its logic is so sound: natural materials, effortless comfort, and an easy elegance that translates from a terrace lunch to an evening aperitif without missing a beat.

At the heart of the modern espadrille story is Castaner, the Spanish house founded in 1927 that essentially defined what a luxury espadrille looks like. Their construction is worth understanding: the braided jute midsole is hand-wrapped in the Catalan tradition, giving each wedge its characteristic texture and that satisfying, slightly earthy feel underfoot. It's a technique that hasn't changed much in nearly a century, and that's entirely the point. This season, Castaner's range spans from low-profile flats to soaring platforms, with colourways that nod to the Mediterranean — aquas, golds, and clean crudo neutrals.

The Fresa is a strong case for the platform espadrille as a serious fashion proposition. Built on a thick braided jute platform, it pairs the house's traditional sole construction with a crudo leather upper — a natural, undyed tone that works as a genuine neutral across linen trousers, broderie midi skirts, or a simple cotton slip dress. The height adds drama without sacrificing the walkability that jute soles are known for, thanks to the inherent grip of the natural fibre.

For those who prefer embellishment with their espadrille, Castaner's Vals makes a compelling argument. Hand-embroidered floral detailing in white and gold runs across the ankle strap — the kind of artisan finish that reads far more expensive than its price point suggests. It's the shoe for a summer wedding, a rooftop dinner, or anywhere you'd otherwise reach for a heeled sandal but want something with more personality.

The Blaudi takes the classic wedge silhouette and finishes it in a warm gold metallic — not the flashy, high-shine kind, but a burnished, tonal gold that catches the light without demanding attention. It's the rare metallic that functions as a true neutral in summer, grounding an all-white look or adding warmth to earthy tones. Meanwhile, the aqua colourways across the Bruna and Chiara styles speak directly to the season's appetite for saturated, water-inspired hues — a nod to the kind of colour that looks most at home against sun-tanned skin and washed linen.

Worth a particular mention is the Loeffler Randall Gavi — a hand-woven raffia wedge sandal that brings a distinctly American sensibility to the espadrille tradition. Where Castaner works in jute, Loeffler Randall's Gavi is constructed from tightly plaited natural raffia, giving the upper a more open, artisanal weave. An adjustable ankle strap keeps the fit secure, making it a practical choice for longer days of walking — a reminder that a well-made wedge sandal is genuinely one of the most comfortable heeled options in existence, distributing weight evenly across the whole foot rather than concentrating it at the ball or heel.

At Lola Dré, the espadrille edit spans entry-level classics right through to considered investment pieces — all under $450. Whether you're drawn to the stripped-back simplicity of a natural jute flat or the elevated height of a braided platform wedge, these are shoes built for the kind of summer that deserves to be remembered.

Explore the full Espadrilles Under $450 collection →