Espadrille is a French term, which derives from the Catalan name, esperdenya, which refers to shoes made from esparto, a fine yet tough grass. Espadrilles originated in Spain and have been made in Catalonia since before the 14th century. Traditional espadrilles are flat and have a rope, rubber or crepe sole with a cloth or canvas upper and can be worn by men and women.

Today, espadrilles can be flat, platform, or wedge shoes and are either made out of natural fibers or synthetic fiber rope, or other synthetic materials made to look like rope. The upper part is made of almost anything today from leather to cotton, can be open or closed toe and back, and can be slip on, lace up, or clasped.