Spring is right around the corner, and one hot trend is flat espadrilles, the rope-bottomed shoes. The term espadrille is French and supposedly comes from the word that people in Southern France used for the shoes ("espardenya"), which derives from the Catalan word for "esparto," a tough Mediterranean grass used in making rope. No matter what they're called, these shoes are going to be huge for spring and summer 2011, so if you're looking for a big shoe trend that's cool for teens - this is it!
1. American Eagle Outfitters "Stitched Laceless Sneaker" in Navy, $24.50
Photo © AE.com.
One of the great things about espadrille flats is that they're affordable, as this pair from American Eagle Outfitters shows. At under twenty-five bucks, you can pick them up without stressing over it.
2. Express "Flat Espadrille Shoes" in Denim, $29.90
Photo © Express.com.
Express has now started carrying shoes, including these cute dye effect espadrilles. They also have this same style in several other colors, so you can get a pair to match almost any casual outfit.
3. Poetic Licence "Blue Crush" in Blue, $39
Photo © MustHaveShoes.com.
As cute as can be, Poetic Licence has taken the traditional espadrille rope bottom and updated it with an adorable ballet flat shape and ribbon detail. These are a great replacement for leather ballet flats when the weather heats up!
4. Rebels "Rascal1 Ballet Flat" in Tribal, $39.99
Photo © Endless.com.
Rebels created this easy-to-wear shoe in an on-trend exotic tribal print that pairs perfectly with khakis, browns and greens.
5. Juicy Couture "Tease" in Multi Denim Pile Printed Canvas, $78
Photo © Zappos.com.
Juicy Couture's espadrille flats are a bit of a departure from their normal pink, girly shoes - in a good way! These kicks have a bit of a retro surfer vibe to them, and they're the perfect size to throw into a beach bag.
6. Nina "Valise" in Gold Glitter Grosgrain, $79.95
Photo © NinaShoes.com.
A dressier option, Nina's espadrille ballet flats have gold glitter on them to add dimension and shine. You could probably wear them for a casual night out, but it's even trendier to flaunt your sparkle during the day!
7. Anthropologie "Cross-Continent Sneakers" in Coral, $98
Photo © Anthropologie.com.
Anthropologie is known for finding unique footwear from all over the globe, and this lace-up pair of espadrilles is no exception. Made in Spain, these sturdy rope-bottomed sneakers are made of a soft suede.
8. Tory Burch "Striped Lace Up Espadrille" in Lava Red, $135
Photo © ToryBurch.com.
Tory Burch is the queen of vacation footwear, and these lace-up striped espadrilles would be perfect with a summer sundress at any resort spot. They would also be perfect for a date night where you want to look cute - but not too fussy.