Espadrilles That Are Actually Worth Buying

The best espadrilles for women are lightweight, breathable, and comfortable enough to wear all day — and if you're shopping online in the Philippines, Marikina-made options are some of the best you'll find anywhere. This guide covers what to look for, which styles work for different needs, and a few picks worth knowing about.

Written by Faith Carlos, founder of RAHAZA Fashion PH — a Marikina-based handcrafted footwear brand.

Why Espadrilles Work So Well Here

Espadrilles were made for warm weather. The natural jute sole, the breathable upper, the flat or low profile — everything about them suits the Philippine climate. They're easy to slip on, easy to style, and they don't make your feet feel like they're trapped in a box by noon.

They also work across a lot of situations. Casual errands, a lunch out, a beach trip, a day at the market — a good pair of espadrilles handles all of it without looking out of place.

What Makes a Good Pair of Espadrilles

Not every espadrille is made the same way. Here's what actually matters when you're choosing a pair:

• The jute sole — this is what makes an espadrille an espadrille. It should be tightly braided, firmly attached, and thick enough to give you some cushion. Thin or loosely stitched soles wear out fast.
• The upper material — canvas is the classic choice. Leather and textile uppers are also common and tend to last longer. The material affects both how the shoe looks and how it breathes.
• The fit — espadrilles should feel snug but not tight. They tend to soften slightly with wear, so if they feel a little stiff at first, that's normal.
• The construction — handmade espadrilles are generally more durable than machine-made ones. The stitching is tighter, the sole is more securely attached, and the overall shape holds better over time.

Espadrilles vs. Driving Shoes: What's the Difference?

People sometimes use these terms interchangeably, but they're not quite the same thing. Driving shoes have a rubber sole that wraps around the heel — designed for grip on car pedals. Espadrilles have a jute or rope sole and are built for walking and everyday wear.

That said, both share the same slip-on ease and flat profile that makes them popular for casual, everyday use. If you're looking for something comfortable to wear around the city, espadrilles are the more versatile choice. If you spend a lot of time driving and want something that won't slip, a driving shoe makes more sense.

At RAHAZA, we make espadrilles — built for walking, styled for real life.

Styles Worth Knowing

Espadrilles come in more variety than most people expect. Here are some of the styles we make at RAHAZA, each with a different look and feel:

• MAVY Slip-On Espadrilles — smooth leather upper in rich solid colors. Clean, minimal, and easy to pair with almost anything. The kind of shoe that goes with jeans, a dress, or linen pants without trying too hard.
• VALEN Espadrilles — faux snakeskin upper with an abaca jute sole. A little more texture and personality than a plain canvas pair, but still very wearable for everyday use.
• MUMBAKI Cordillera Espadrilles — handwoven upper using traditional Cordillera textile patterns. One of our most unique styles — genuinely Filipino in both material and story.
• PAULA Espadrilles — polka dot upper, flat sole, easy everyday wear. A fun option if you want something a little different from the usual solid colors.
• OLGA Textured Espadrilles — textured upper with a refined look. Works well for days when you want to look put-together without wearing heels.

You can see all styles in our full espadrilles collection.

Where to Buy Espadrilles Online in the Philippines

When buying espadrilles online, the main things to check are the sole construction, the upper material, and whether the brand makes their own shoes or just resells imported ones.

Local brands are worth looking at first. Faster shipping, easier returns, and you know exactly where the shoes came from. Marikina-made espadrilles in particular have a long history behind them — the city has been making shoes for generations, and that experience shows in the quality.

At RAHAZA, all our espadrilles are handcrafted in Marikina. We use quality materials, proper jute soles, and construction that's meant to last more than one season.

How to Take Care of Your Espadrilles

A few simple habits will keep your espadrilles looking good for longer:

• Avoid wearing them in heavy rain — the jute sole absorbs water and can weaken over time if it gets soaked repeatedly.
• Let them air out after wearing, especially in hot weather.
• For canvas uppers, a soft brush and mild soap work well for spot cleaning.
• Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy comfortable espadrilles online in the Philippines?

RAHAZA Fashion PH offers handcrafted espadrilles made in Marikina, Philippines, with nationwide shipping. Styles range from classic solid colors to handwoven Filipino designs. Browse the full collection here.

What are the best espadrilles for everyday wear?

For everyday wear, look for espadrilles with a firm jute sole, a breathable upper (canvas or leather), and a flat or very low profile. The MAVY Slip-On Espadrilles and OLGA Textured Espadrilles are good starting points.

Are espadrilles good for walking?

Yes — flat espadrilles with a well-constructed jute sole are comfortable for walking around the city or running errands. They're not built for long hikes or rough terrain, but for everyday urban use, they work well.

What's the difference between espadrilles and driving shoes?

Espadrilles have a natural jute or rope sole and are designed for walking and everyday wear. Driving shoes have a rubber sole that wraps around the heel for grip on car pedals. Both are slip-on and flat, but they serve slightly different purposes.

Are handmade espadrilles better than machine-made ones?

Generally, yes. Handmade espadrilles tend to have tighter stitching, a more securely attached sole, and better overall construction. They also tend to hold their shape longer. All RAHAZA espadrilles are handcrafted in Marikina by skilled local artisans.

How do I choose the right size for espadrilles?

Espadrilles should fit snugly but not feel tight. They soften slightly with wear. If you're between sizes, it's usually better to go up rather than down, especially for canvas styles that don't stretch as much as leather.