A Definitive Guide to Storing Espadrilles Properly: Preserve Their Shape and Style
Espadrilles are the quintessential symbol of effortless summer style. With their distinct woven soles and breezy canvas uppers, they bring a touch of laid-back elegance to any outfit. However, their unique construction, particularly the delicate jute or rope sole, makes them more susceptible to damage during storage than traditional footwear. Throwing them into a box or the back of a closet without proper preparation can lead to a host of problems: misshapen toes, frayed soles, mold and mildew, and faded colors.
This guide will walk you through a step-by-step process to ensure your espadrilles emerge from storage looking as fresh and fashionable as the day you bought them. We will move beyond the basics, providing you with actionable, detailed advice on cleaning, protecting, and organizing your espadrilles to extend their lifespan and preserve their iconic shape.
Step 1: The Essential Pre-Storage Deep Clean
Before any espadrille goes into hibernation, it must be meticulously cleaned. This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about preventing the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria that thrive on dirt and sweat. A proper clean is the most critical step in preserving the integrity of your shoes.
For the Canvas Uppers:
- Spot Cleaning: For minor marks or smudges, use a soft cloth or a clean toothbrush dipped in a mixture of mild soap and lukewarm water. Gently rub the affected area in small, circular motions. Avoid saturating the fabric, as excess moisture can be difficult to dry and may lead to discoloration.
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Washing the Entire Upper: If the canvas is noticeably dirty, a more thorough wash is needed. Mix a small amount of laundry detergent formulated for delicate fabrics with lukewarm water in a basin. Dip a soft-bristled brush into the solution and scrub the canvas uppers. Pay close attention to areas around the seams and eyelets where dirt tends to accumulate.
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Rinsing: Once clean, use a clean cloth dampened with plain water to wipe away any soap residue. Do not rinse the entire shoe under a tap; this can damage the jute sole.
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Drying: After cleaning, stuff the toes with white, acid-free tissue paper or crumpled newspaper to help them retain their shape as they dry. Air-dry the espadrilles in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or heat sources, which can cause the colors to fade and the jute to become brittle. Allow them to dry completely—this may take up to 24-48 hours.
For the Delicate Jute Soles:
The jute sole is the heart of an espadrille and requires special care. Do not submerge it in water.
- Removing Surface Dirt: Use a dry, soft-bristled brush or a stiff toothbrush to gently brush away any loose dirt, dust, or sand from the woven fibers.
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Targeting Stains: For stubborn stains, create a paste using a small amount of baking soda and water. Apply the paste directly to the stain with a toothbrush and let it sit for a few minutes. Gently scrub and then wipe clean with a barely damp cloth. The baking soda will help lift the stain without damaging the jute.
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Dealing with Scuffs: For minor scuffs on the rubber part of the sole, use a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser or a similar melamine foam sponge. Dampen it slightly and gently rub the scuff marks.
Step 2: The Art of Shaping and Stuffing
A key component of preserving the shape of your espadrilles is to fill them with a material that provides support without creating stress points. This is especially crucial for preventing the toe box from collapsing and the heels from bending.
- Choose the Right Material: White, acid-free tissue paper is the gold standard. It’s gentle, breathable, and won’t transfer ink or chemicals to the shoe’s interior. As an alternative, crumpled newspaper can work, but be mindful of the ink potentially staining light-colored linings. Do not use plastic bags or bubble wrap, as these materials trap moisture and prevent the shoes from breathing.
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Stuff the Toes: Roll or fold the tissue paper and gently stuff it into the toe box of each shoe. Apply enough pressure to fill the space and prevent the toe from caving in, but not so much that you stretch the fabric. The goal is to maintain the natural curve of the shoe.
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Support the Heel: For espadrilles with ankle straps or a structured heel cup, place a small amount of stuffing in the heel area to prevent it from collapsing or becoming permanently creased.
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Straps and Ties: For espadrilles with ankle straps or ribbon ties, lay them flat inside the shoe or wrap them neatly around the heel. Avoid tightly cinching or knotting them, as this can create permanent creases.
Step 3: Selecting the Ideal Storage Environment
The location where you store your espadrilles is just as important as how you prepare them. The wrong environment can undo all your careful cleaning and shaping.
- Control the Humidity: Espadrilles, with their natural jute soles, are highly susceptible to moisture. The ideal storage environment is a cool, dry place with consistent humidity levels. Avoid basements, attics, or garages where temperature and humidity can fluctuate dramatically.
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Ventilation is Key: Ensure the storage location has adequate air circulation. This prevents stagnant air from trapping moisture and encourages the shoes to breathe.
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Light Exposure: Store your espadrilles away from direct sunlight or harsh artificial light. Prolonged exposure can fade the colors of the canvas and cause the jute to become dry and brittle. A closet or a dedicated shoe rack in a darker room is a good choice.
Step 4: The Correct Way to Store Your Espadrilles
Once cleaned, shaped, and ready for storage, the final step is to choose the right storage container or method. This choice will protect them from dust, pests, and accidental damage.
- Individual Storage Bags: The best option is to store each espadrille in its own dust bag. Look for bags made from breathable materials like cotton, muslin, or non-woven fabric. This prevents them from rubbing against each other and keeps dust at bay while allowing air to circulate.
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Shoe Boxes: If you use shoe boxes, choose acid-free boxes that are specifically designed for footwear. If using the original box, ensure it’s clean and in good condition. Punch a few small holes in the box for ventilation. Place one shoe per box, or if you must store them together, place a layer of acid-free tissue paper between them to prevent scuffing.
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Avoid Plastic Containers: As with plastic bags, hard plastic containers can trap moisture, leading to mold and mildew. If you must use them, ensure they have ventilation holes and place a small sachet of silica gel or a moisture absorber inside.
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Shoe Racks vs. Piling: Never pile espadrilles on top of each other. The weight of other shoes can crush and misshape the delicate jute soles and canvas uppers. Instead, store them on a shoe rack or shelf with adequate space between each pair. If space is an issue, consider a hanging shoe organizer with individual pockets.
Step 5: Advanced Protection Techniques
For those who want to go the extra mile in preserving their espadrilles, these advanced techniques offer an additional layer of protection.
- Sole Protector Spray: Before storage, consider applying a sole protector spray specifically designed for jute or natural fibers. This creates an invisible barrier that repels water and prevents stains from setting in. Follow the product instructions carefully.
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Pest Repellents: If you live in an area prone to pests like moths or silverfish, consider placing a cedar block or sachet in the storage area. The natural oils in cedar are a gentle deterrent that won’t harm your shoes. Avoid mothballs, as their strong chemical odor can permeate the fabric and be difficult to remove.
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Periodic Check-ins: If your espadrilles are stored for a very long period (more than a year), it’s a good practice to periodically take them out, air them out for a few hours, and check for any signs of mold, mildew, or damage. This allows you to catch any potential problems early.
Espadrille Storage by Style: Specific Considerations
Different styles of espadrilles have their own unique storage challenges. Tailor your approach based on the specific type you own.
- Wedge Espadrilles: These require special attention to the heel. Ensure the wedge is not placed in a position where its weight is supported unevenly, which could lead to warping. Stand them upright or place them in a box with a custom insert that supports the entire length of the wedge.
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Flats and Slip-ons: These are generally the easiest to store. Focus on maintaining the shape of the toe box with stuffing and preventing the heel from being crushed.
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Lace-up Espadrilles: For espadrilles with long, tie-up laces, unlace them completely before storing. This prevents the laces from pulling on the canvas and causing puckering or stretching. Neatly fold the laces and place them inside the shoe or in the storage bag.
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Leather and Suede Espadrilles: While the jute sole remains the same, the upper requires different care. Clean leather with a leather cleaner and conditioner, and suede with a suede brush. Ensure they are completely dry before storing. Use cedar shoe trees for leather to absorb moisture and maintain shape.
The Power of Proactive Preservation
Properly storing your espadrilles is not a chore; it’s an investment in your wardrobe. By taking the time to clean, shape, and protect your shoes, you are not just extending their life, but you are also ensuring that their inherent style and charm remain intact for seasons to come. You are preventing the inevitable cycle of buying new espadrilles every year because the old ones are no longer wearable. This meticulous approach to storage transforms a seasonal fashion item into a long-lasting, cherished piece of your personal style.
The effort you put in now, before you put them away, will be rewarded the next time you reach for them, finding them as pristine and ready to wear as the day you first fell in love with their breezy, bohemian spirit.