Espadrilles 2026: the timeless Mediterranean classic
Espadrilles make a comeback every summer because they have something few shoes achieve: they are comfortable, cool, flattering, and capable of transforming any look with that Mediterranean flair that never fails. In 2026, they are also moving beyond being just "vacation footwear" to fully integrate into city life: with flowy dresses, linen pants, straight-leg jeans, relaxed office looks, and evening plans.
At XTI, you'll find espadrilles for every summer occasion: flats, low wedge, mid-wedge, high wedge, platform, black styles, and vegan options, all designed to combine trend and comfort for everyday wear. The key is to choose the right height, color, and design for your plans.
Why espadrilles remain the essential summer footwear
Espadrilles have a clear advantage: they add texture, freshness, and style without complicating your look. Their esparto grass aesthetic and artisanal vibe perfectly match the clothes we wear most in summer: linen, cotton, denim, crochet, flowing dresses, and light-toned outfits.
This season, wedge espadrilles are regaining prominence because they balance comfort and elegance. The Spring-Summer 2026 trends specifically highlight this search for comfortable yet impactful footwear, capable of working equally well in the city, on vacation, or at relaxed events.
At XTI, this classic is updated with versatile and easy-to-wear designs: from flat styles for walking to wedges and platforms that lengthen without sacrificing stability. It's the kind of footwear that solves many looks with a single decision.
How to choose your XTI espadrilles based on your plans
Not all espadrilles serve the same purpose. To make the right choice, first consider the use: will you be walking a lot? Do you want to add height? Are you looking for something for the office? Do you need a pair for summer dinners or events? From there, choosing between flats, wedges, or platforms becomes much easier.
Women's flat espadrilles, model 14127206
Flat espadrilles: everyday comfort with a Mediterranean touch
Flat espadrilles are the most comfortable option for busy summer days: strolls, vacations, errands, outdoor cafes, or weekend getaways. They work especially well with shirt dresses, linen shorts, flowing skirts, and cropped jeans.
For a polished look, let the hem of your pants show off the shoe. Straight-leg or ankle-length jeans are a good choice because they don't cover the espadrille and help balance the silhouette. This type of combination appears repeatedly in style guides because it is comfortable, natural, and easy to replicate.
Low or mid-wedge espadrilles: comfortable height for all-day wear
Mid-wedge espadrilles strike the perfect balance between comfort and a leg-lengthening effect. They add height while maintaining more stable footing than a thin heel, making them ideal for summer office looks, lunches, travel, or informal dinners.
If you prefer something more comfortable, we invite you to explore our collection of low-wedge espadrilles.
Combine them with palazzo pants, midi dresses, or linen sets. If you choose neutral tones like beige, off-white, camel, or black, you'll have a versatile pair to wear all season long. Mid-wedges are particularly appealing if you want to look more dressed up without feeling like you're wearing overly formal shoes.
High-wedge or platform espadrilles: the most flattering touch
High-wedge and platform espadrilles are ideal when you want to gain inches, lengthen your legs, and maintain a relaxed aesthetic. They are a good alternative for summer dinners, daytime events, vacation looks, or occasions where you want to dress up without resorting to traditional heels.
A formula that works very well: patterned midi dress + wedge espadrilles + small handbag. The wedge adds presence and helps lengthen the silhouette, while the esparto grass reduces the formality of the outfit and makes it more natural. Vogue also highlights wedge espadrilles with romantic dresses, flowing silhouettes, and light tailoring as a key combination for summer 2026.
Xti women's black espadrilles, model 17077102
Black espadrilles: the most urban essential
If you're looking for an espadrille that's less boho and more city-chic, black espadrilles are a great choice. They work with plain dresses, flowing pants, dark denim, white outfits, and monochromatic looks. They have that practical touch of black, but with a more summery texture than a closed sandal or classic shoe.
They are also perfect for day-to-night wear. With a black dress or a white linen set, you achieve a clean, modern, and easy-to-replicate look. Plus, if natural tones aren't your thing, black espadrilles are the most versatile alternative.
Espadrille looks to wear this season
Espadrilles are easy, but to make the content valuable, clear formulas need to be provided. These combinations help visualize the product in real situations and connect with different XTI sub-collections.
Mediterranean look with a white dress
White dress, mid-wedge espadrilles, and a raffia or shopper bag. It's a clean, bright, and very summery combination. If you want a more casual result, choose flat espadrilles; if you're looking for a more elongated effect, opt for a mid-wedge or platform.
Office look with linen and low wedge
Linen pants, a flowing top, a light blazer, and low-wedge espadrilles. It's a comfortable way to look dressed up without losing freshness. Beige, camel, black, or off-white tones work especially well because they maintain a polished and easy-to-combine image.
Urban look with straight-leg jeans
Straight-leg or cropped jeans, a basic t-shirt, an open shirt, and flat or black espadrilles. It's the easiest city look: comfortable, modern, and with that relaxed touch that makes the outfit seem effortlessly chic.
Dinner look with midi dress and platform
Midi dress, platform espadrilles, and gold or metallic accessories. The platform adds height and presence, but the esparto finish keeps the outfit fresh. It's a good alternative for summer dinners, outdoor cafes, or vacation plans.
Relaxed event look with high wedge
Flowing jumpsuit, long dress, or two-piece set with high-wedge espadrilles. For daytime events, garden parties, or more informal celebrations, espadrilles can be an elegant and comfortable option. However, it's best to choose clean designs and easy tones to avoid overcomplicating the look.
Women's espadrilles, model 17264403
Espadrille colors you'll wear most often
Color greatly influences the actual use of the shoe.
If you want a practical purchase, start with neutral tones: beige, off-white, camel, or black. These combine best with light dresses, denim, linen, and patterned garments. Style guides often agree that sand, beige, and off-white tones are the most versatile for summer.
If you already have basics, you can add espadrilles in more special shades: blue, red, green, metallics, or multi-colored. XTI offers a chromatic variety within the collection, with colors like yellow, blue, white, gray, brown, multi-color, black, gold, silver, red, or green.
For a summer capsule wardrobe, a good combination would be: a pair of neutral flat espadrilles, a pair of mid-wedge espadrilles, and a black pair. With these three pairs, you can create beach, city, office, and evening looks without overpacking your suitcase.
Common mistakes when wearing espadrilles
- The first mistake is choosing a height that doesn't fit your routine. If you're going to walk for hours, a high wedge might not be the best option; a flat, low wedge, or stable platform would be better. If you're looking to lengthen for a dress or event, flat espadrilles might be too informal.
- The second mistake is covering them with overly long pants. Espadrilles look best when they're visible: cropped jeans, ankle-length pants, midi skirts, and dresses are their best allies.
- The third is using them as formal footwear for any event. Espadrilles can be elegant, yes, but they always maintain a relaxed vibe. They work especially well in summer contexts: lunches, dinners, vacations, daytime events, or outdoor celebrations.
How to care for your espadrilles to make them last longer
To keep your espadrilles in good condition, avoid getting them excessively wet and gently clean them after each use. Remove dust with a soft brush or a dry cloth, and if there's a specific stain, use a slightly damp cloth without saturating the area.
Store them in a dry place, away from direct heat sources, and avoid crushing them in your suitcase. If they have a wedge or platform, position them so the structure doesn't deform. With simple care, they will better maintain their shape, color, and texture throughout the season.
Discover the XTI espadrille collection
Explore the XTI espadrille collection and find the style that best suits you: flat espadrilles, low wedge, mid-wedge, high wedge, platform, black, or vegan options. Comfortable, modern, and easy-to-match designs to bring Mediterranean style to all your summer plans.
