Can I walk all day in espadrilles?

It depends on the pair and your feet. A flexible flat espadrille with no arch support is fine for short outings; for long days, look for arch support and a firmer sole.

Are wedge espadrilles better than heels for walking?

Mount Sinai foot and ankle surgeon Meghan Kelly says a block heel or wedge espadrille may support the ankle better than a stiletto if you need a heel.

Are Espadrilles Good for Walking? A Checklist

For short walks, yes; for long days on your feet, only some pairs. A classic flat espadrille is light, breathable and flexible, but it usually has little arch support. Meghan Kelly, a foot and ankle surgeon at Mount Sinai, gives a simple principle for summer footwear: look for arch support and a firm, inflexible sole. Many traditional espadrilles have neither, while some modern designs do.

What a traditional espadrille gives your feet

Feature	Good for walking?	Note
Light canvas upper	yes, cool and light	little structure around the foot
Braided jute sole	breathable	Naguisa notes that jute breathes well and absorbs sweat
Vulcanised rubber layer underneath	yes, grip and protection	English Wikipedia says most jute soles now have one
Flexibility	not ideal for long walks	Wonders calls jute more flexible than esparto; Kelly prefers firm soles
Arch support	usually none on classic flats	an insert can help in closed styles

The fold test

Kelly's quick check: if you can fold the shoe in half lengthwise, it is not supportive. Try it in the shop: a soft flat espadrille may fold easily, while a model with a firmer, thicker sole or a built-in footbed should resist.

A checklist before a day of walking

The fold test: the sole should resist bending in half.
Arch: is there any shaping under the arch, or a removable footbed?
Size: Kelly stresses that the right size makes arch support more effective. See our size chart.
Heel: if you want height, Kelly suggests a block heel or a wedge espadrille rather than a stiletto, for better ankle support.
Ground: Kelly warns that more walking on holiday, especially on uneven surfaces like sand or cobblestones, can make joint pain and arthritis worse.
Weather: a wet jute sole can lose its shape, so a rainy sightseeing day is the wrong day for espadrilles (can espadrilles get wet?).

Matching the pair to the kind of walk

Not every walk asks the same of a shoe. A stroll through a town on dry pavement, a lunch on a terrace or a short evening walk suit a light flat espadrille well. A day of museums or market streets means hours of standing and stopping, where a thin flexible sole tires the foot sooner, so it is worth choosing a firmer pair or a low wedge. Uneven ground is the hardest case: Kelly's warning about sand and cobblestones applies, and a loose slip-on style also lets the heel move with every step. A closed-toe style with a snug fit usually holds the foot better than an open one. A sensible habit is to wear a new pair for an hour or two around the house and on a short outing first, then decide whether it can take a longer day. If your feet ache after that short test, the pair is not the right one for walking, however good it looks.

If you have heel or Achilles pain

Kelly suggests a sandal with a slight wedge, which works like the heel lift found in some supportive closed shoes. She also notes that adhesive arch pads can be used in open sandals, and that traditional orthotics are designed for closed shoes; a podiatrist can customise one. If you plan to add an insert, try the shoe on with it before buying.

Stretches she recommends

To reduce strain over a summer of walking, Kelly recommends a plantar fascia stretch and a calf stretch, the latter held for five minutes, twice a day.

When to see a professional

This page gives general information only. If you have foot pain, flat feet, arthritis or a foot condition, ask a podiatrist or a doctor which shoes suit you before planning long walks in espadrilles.

Planning a trip where you will be on your feet? Our French Basque Country guide covers Mauléon, where the summer festival even includes a 5 km walk in espadrilles.