Russell and Bromley Espadrilles | Woven Sole Footwear
Our signature espadrille features hand-stitched jute rope soles and breathable canvas uppers that define effortless summer elegance. We've partnered with artisan workshops in Spain to create each pair using traditional techniques that ensure exceptional comfort and lasting durability.
The natural jute sole provides gentle cushioning while remaining lightweight enough for all-day wear. Designed for warm-weather versatility, this espadrille transitions seamlessly from coastal promenades to garden parties. Our customers wear them season after season, making them a cornerstone of their warm-weather wardrobe.
- Hand-woven jute rope sole crafted in Spain
- Premium cotton canvas upper with reinforced stitching
- Cushioned leather insole for all-day comfort
- Traditional braided jute sidewall detail
- Slip-on design with elasticated side gussets
Construction & materials
Every pair of Russell and Bromley espadrilles begins with premium jute sourced from sustainable farms in Bangladesh, then shipped to our partner workshops in Spain where artisans hand-braid the rope soles using centuries-old techniques. The jute is first softened in natural oils before being twisted into rope and stitched in concentric circles to form the distinctive sole.
Our canvas uppers use heavyweight cotton that’s pre-washed to prevent shrinkage and ensure consistent sizing. The elasticated side gussets are double-stitched using reinforced thread that withstands thousands of flexes. We finish each pair with a leather insole that’s been vegetable-tanned to avoid harsh chemicals, then cushioned with a layer of latex foam for shock absorption.
Sizing & fit guidance
We recommend selecting your standard UK shoe size when ordering Russell and Bromley espadrilles. Our espadrilles run true to size with a medium width fit that accommodates most foot shapes comfortably. The elasticated side panels provide approximately 5mm of give on each side, allowing the shoe to adapt to your foot’s contours during the first few wears.
If you typically wear half sizes, we suggest sizing up to the nearest full size for canvas styles, as the fabric will soften and mould to your foot over the first week of wear. For leather espadrilles, your usual half size works well since leather stretches more than canvas. Customers with wider feet often find our espadrilles particularly comfortable due to the flexible construction and lack of rigid structure.
Care instructions
Canvas espadrilles can be spot-cleaned using a soft brush and mild soap mixed with cool water. Gently scrub any marks or stains, then blot with a clean towel and allow to air-dry away from direct heat or sunlight. Never machine-wash espadrilles, as the agitation and heat can damage the jute sole and cause the glue bonds to fail.
For leather versions, wipe clean with a damp cloth and apply leather conditioner every few months to maintain suppleness and prevent cracking. The jute soles on all our espadrilles should be kept dry whenever possible, as excessive moisture can weaken the natural fibres. If your espadrilles get wet, stuff them with newspaper and allow them to dry naturally at room temperature.
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Common questions about our espadrilles
Our espadrilles are designed for comfortable all-day wear and work well for moderate walking throughout the day. The jute sole provides natural cushioning and flexibility that moulds to your foot's contours. For extensive walking tours or hiking, we recommend footwear with more structured arch support.
Many customers wear their espadrilles for city exploring and sightseeing with excellent results. The key is allowing a short break-in period so the jute sole conforms to your unique foot shape before extended wear.
We recommend ordering your standard UK shoe size for Russell and Bromley espadrilles. Our styles run true to size with a medium width fit. The elasticated side gussets provide flexibility to accommodate slight variations in foot width.
If you wear half sizes, size up to the nearest full size for canvas styles, as they will soften and conform during the first week of wear. For leather espadrilles, your usual half size works well since leather naturally stretches more than canvas.
We advise keeping your espadrilles dry whenever possible, as jute is a natural fibre that can weaken when saturated with water. Light moisture from damp pavement won't harm them, but avoid wearing them in steady rain or allowing them to become soaked.
If your espadrilles do get wet, stuff them with newspaper and allow them to air-dry naturally at room temperature away from direct heat sources. Never put them in a dryer or place them near radiators, as excessive heat can damage both the jute sole and the adhesives used in construction.
Store your Russell and Bromley espadrilles in the cotton dust bag provided, in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. Proper storage prevents the canvas from fading and keeps the jute sole from becoming brittle or developing mildew.
Before storing, ensure your espadrilles are completely clean and dry. Stuff them loosely with acid-free tissue paper to help them maintain their shape during months of storage. Check on them occasionally during the off-season to ensure they're staying dry and pest-free.
Jute is a natural plant fibre that's softer and more flexible than rubber, creating a sole that cushions your foot while remaining lightweight and breathable. The hand-braided construction allows the sole to flex and conform to your foot's movements in a way that rigid rubber cannot.
Jute also provides better temperature regulation, keeping your feet cooler in warm weather compared to synthetic materials. The trade-off is that jute requires more care around moisture and offers less traction on slick surfaces than heavily treaded rubber soles. Many of our espadrille styles feature small rubber tread pods strategically placed for improved grip while maintaining the aesthetic and comfort of traditional jute.
Our current espadrille collection features a medium width fit that accommodates most foot shapes comfortably thanks to the elasticated side gussets. These gussets provide approximately 5mm of give on each side, allowing the shoe to adapt to your foot.
Customers with wider feet often find our espadrilles particularly comfortable due to the flexible construction and natural give of the materials. If you have especially narrow feet, we recommend trying the leather styles, as they can be adjusted slightly with the addition of a cushioned insole for a more snug fit.
We source our jute from farms in Bangladesh that follow sustainable agricultural practices, and we work with Spanish workshops that maintain traditional craftsmanship techniques passed down through generations. The natural materials used in our espadrilles – jute, cotton canvas, and vegetable-tanned leather – are biodegradable and have a lower environmental impact than synthetic alternatives.
We're continuously working to improve our supply chain transparency and reduce our environmental footprint. Our espadrilles are designed to last for multiple seasons with proper care, which we believe is the most sustainable approach to footwear – creating quality pieces that don't need frequent replacement.