Viscata Grifeu Slip-On Espadrilles

Barcelona-based 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. Part espadrilles and part sneakers, the Viscata Grifeu slip-ons are comfy, stylish, and easy to pair with lots of outfits. Made with a mix of breathable canvas and neoprene, they feature a closed-toe design with an elastic slip-on fit to keep your feet secure. The 100-percent natural jute midsole offers a stable base and a leather cushion inner sole adds to overall comfort. 

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.