Viscata Woven Suede Espadrille – Massdrop Exclusive

Available exclusively on Massdrop, the Medes espadrilles from Barcelona-based Viscata combine centuries of Spanish design with natural materials and artisan craftsmanship. Like their forebears, these shoes feature a midsole made of 100-percent natural jute, a strong yet soft vegetable fiber most commonly found in India and Bangladesh. And in a more sophisticated departure from the traditional style, the upper is made of handwoven European suede in three colors that can be dressed up or dressed down. The full leather lining adds comfort, the rubber outsole improves traction and durability, and the elastic inseams ensure the shoes fit just right.

Viscata does one thing, and one thing only: espadrilles. The company name is a combination of the Catalan word visca, meaning “life,” and Catalonia, where espadrilles were born. Indeed, if there’s one thing these shoes promise, it’s a taste of the Mediterranean life. Designed and made by hand in Spain, each pair is based on tried-and-true designs that go back hundreds of years. The natural materials—such as jute—are traditional, too. And in a modern twist, Viscata has partnered with Treecycler to plant a tree for every pair of shoes purchased.

Espadrilles: They’re everywhere these days. But their history long precedes Brooklyn hipsterdom. The earliest iteration, a primitive sandal-like version of the shoe, dates back as far as 4,000 years, when it was worn by humans living near modern-day Cordoba. The espadrilles we know and love now—canvas upper, rope sole—trace their roots to the 13th century, when they were the shoes of choice for the King of Aragon’s infantrymen. Today, they’re still most commonly worn in Spain, but they’re increasingly popular across the globe, from Southeast Asia to Southern California.