How to Find Espadrilles That Are True to Size: Avoid Returns

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A common woe for online shoppers is the dreaded “return pile,” and few items contribute to it more than ill-fitting shoes. Espadrilles, with their unique construction and materials, are particularly tricky. Their canvas uppers and jute soles can be unforgiving, and the lack of half sizes in many brands adds another layer of complexity. This guide provides a definitive, practical roadmap to finding espadrilles that fit perfectly the first time, sparing you the frustration of returns and ensuring your new shoes are a joy to wear, not a chore to send back.

The Espadrille Anatomy: Understanding What Affects Sizing

Before you even click “add to cart,” you need to understand the components of an espadrille and how they impact fit. Unlike a sneaker with a padded interior or a leather shoe that can be stretched by a cobbler, espadrille materials are less forgiving.

  • The Jute Sole: The foundational element of an espadrille, the jute sole is hand-stitched. This means there can be slight variations from shoe to shoe, even within the same size. The jute itself is not flexible and won’t stretch or compress significantly. Therefore, the length of the sole is a non-negotiable factor.

  • The Upper (Canvas or Leather): Typically made from canvas, but sometimes leather, the upper is what holds your foot in place. Canvas, especially new canvas, has very little give. It may soften slightly over time, but it won’t stretch enough to accommodate a foot that is too wide or too long. Leather uppers offer slightly more flexibility, but they’re still not as pliable as a traditional leather shoe.

  • The Insole: Often a thin layer of fabric or a light padded material, the insole offers minimal cushioning and does little to affect the overall fit. Your foot rests directly on it, which in turn rests on the jute.

The takeaway? You have to get the size right from the start. There’s no “breaking them in” to solve a fundamental sizing issue.

Pre-Purchase Checklist: Your Sizing Blueprint

This is the most critical phase. Before you even open a brand’s website, you need to gather precise information about your own feet. Don’t rely on the size you wear in other shoes.

  1. Measure Your Feet, Both of Them: Use a ruler or a tailor’s tape. Measure the length from the tip of your longest toe to the back of your heel. Do this while standing, with your full weight on your foot, as feet flatten and lengthen under pressure. Repeat for both feet. It’s common for one foot to be slightly larger than the other. Always use the measurement of your larger foot.
    • Example: You measure your left foot and get 9.5 inches, and your right foot gets 9.6 inches. Use the 9.6-inch measurement as your baseline.
  2. Measure the Width: While standing, measure the width of your foot at its widest point, usually across the ball of your foot. This is crucial if you have a wide foot, as many espadrilles are built on a standard-width last.

  3. Know Your Foot Shape: Are your toes squared-off, or does your big toe extend far beyond the others? This can affect how the shoe fits. A pointed-toe espadrille might not work for a person with square-shaped toes, even if the length is correct. Similarly, a high arch or a high instep can make it difficult to get into certain styles, like mules.

  4. Consider Your Socks: If you plan on wearing your espadrilles with thin no-show socks, account for that slight added bulk. If you’re a barefoot purist, this is less of a concern.

The Brand-Specific Deep Dive: Research is Your Best Friend

This is where you move from general knowledge to actionable, brand-specific intelligence. Never assume a size 8 from one brand is the same as a size 8 from another.

  1. Check the Brand’s Sizing Chart: This is your first and most important stop. Reputable brands will have a sizing chart that converts foot length (in inches or centimeters) to their specific shoe size.
    • Actionable Step: Take your measured foot length (from your pre-purchase checklist) and find the corresponding size on their chart.

    • Example: You measured your foot at 9.6 inches. The brand’s chart says 9.5-9.75 inches corresponds to a size 7. This is your starting point.

  2. Read the “Fit Notes” and Product Descriptions: Many brands, especially those that specialize in espadrilles, will include a specific section on how the shoe fits. Look for phrases like:

    • “Runs small, we recommend sizing up.”

    • “Fits true to size.”

    • “Best for narrow feet.”

    • “Stretches with wear.” (Take this with a grain of salt for espadrilles.)

    • “Slightly wide fit.”

  3. Scour Customer Reviews for Sizing Feedback: This is the gold mine of real-world data. Filter or search for reviews that mention sizing. Look for patterns in the feedback.

    • What to Look For:
      • “I’m usually a size 8, but had to size up to a 9 in these.”

      • “Perfect fit, true to my usual size 7.”

      • “Too tight for my wide feet.”

      • “The canvas stretched slightly after a few wears, but it was snug at first.”

    • Actionable Step: If you see multiple reviews from customers who share your typical size and they all recommend sizing up, you should follow their lead. Don’t just read the 5-star reviews; pay attention to the 3- and 4-star reviews, as they often contain the most nuanced feedback on fit.

  4. Look for Detailed Product Photos and Videos: High-quality images that show the shoe from multiple angles, especially the interior and the insole, can provide clues about the fit.

    • What to Look For: Does the toe box look narrow or rounded? Does the heel area look structured or soft? A video showing someone putting on the shoe can also give you a sense of how easily it slides on and where the pressure points might be.

The Sizing Dilemma: Half Sizes and The “In-Between” Foot

This is the most common reason for returns. Many espadrille brands only offer whole sizes (5, 6, 7, etc.). What do you do if your foot falls exactly between two sizes, or you have a foot that is a size 8.5?

  1. The Golden Rule: When in Doubt, Size Up. It is almost always better to have a shoe that is slightly too big than one that is too small.
    • Rationale: A shoe that is too small will be unwearable. The jute sole won’t give, and the canvas will put uncomfortable pressure on your toes. A shoe that is slightly too big can often be made to fit with a few simple tricks.
  2. How to Manage a Slightly Large Shoe:
    • Sole Inserts: A thin leather or fabric sole insert can take up a small amount of space inside the shoe. This is particularly useful if the length is good but the fit is a little loose.

    • Heel Grips: If the heel is slipping out, a small adhesive heel grip can solve the problem without affecting the toe box.

    • Padded Insoles: For a more significant difference, a full padded insole can be used to fill space and provide additional cushioning.

  3. The Dangers of Sizing Down: Never size down in an espadrille, even if the brand says they “stretch with wear.” The length of the sole is fixed. If your toes are touching the end of the shoe when you first try it on, they will always be touching the end of the shoe. This will lead to blisters, pain, and a shoe that is impossible to walk in.

Espadrille Style and Sizing Variations

Different styles of espadrilles have different sizing quirks. Be aware of these nuances before you buy.

  • Closed-Toe Espadrilles (Flats): These are the most common style and the most straightforward to size. The principles of measuring your foot length and width are paramount here. Pay close attention to the toe box shape. A pointed toe will require more length than a rounded toe.

  • Espadrille Wedges and Platforms: The added height of a wedge or platform can change how your foot sits in the shoe. Your foot might slide forward more, so ensure the toe area is not too tight. The straps on a wedge are also a consideration. If you have a high instep, ensure the strap won’t dig into your foot.

  • Espadrille Mules and Slides: These are open-backed, which means the length is critical. If the mule is too short, your heel will hang off the back. If it’s too long, your foot will slide around. Your arch and instep height are also key, as these styles can be difficult to keep on your foot if they are too loose.

  • Lace-Up Espadrilles (with Ankle Ties): The ties offer some adjustability, but they won’t solve a fundamental sizing problem with the footbed. They are meant to secure the ankle, not to make the shoe fit better. The fit of the main part of the shoe is still the most important factor.

The Final Purchase: A Confidence-Driven Strategy

You’ve done the research. You’ve measured your feet. You’ve read the reviews. Now it’s time to make the purchase with confidence.

  1. Trust Your Data, Not Your Ego: Don’t buy a size 8 just because you’ve always been a size 8. If the sizing chart and the customer reviews point to a size 9, buy the size 9. Your goal is a perfect fit, not a specific number.

  2. Order with a Clear Head: Avoid making impulsive purchases. The time you spend researching now will save you the time and hassle of a return later.

  3. Know the Return Policy (Just in Case): Even with all this preparation, a small percentage of returns are inevitable. Make sure you understand the brand’s return policy, especially if you’re ordering from an international seller. Check for restocking fees, return shipping costs, and the timeframe for returns. This is your safety net.

Finding the perfect pair of espadrilles that fit true to size is an achievable goal, not a game of chance. By moving from assumptions to data, you can build a reliable system for purchasing shoes online. Your foot measurements, coupled with meticulous brand research and a strategic approach to sizing, are the keys to a successful and satisfying purchase. The right pair of espadrilles should feel as good as they look from the very first step, and with this guide, that’s exactly what you’ll find.