How to Care for Espadrille Soles: Rope and Rubber

Why rope and rubber soles need different care

Espadrilles combine two very different sole materials: a natural rope layer and sheets or patches of rubber. Rope is soft, absorbent, and attractive when dry; rubber is firm, grippy, and easy to wipe clean. Because the two materials react differently to water and cleaners, the best way to care for the sole is to treat each part on its own.

The goal of routine care is to keep the rope dry and the rubber clean. You do not need a long list of products. A soft brush, a clean cloth, mild soap, and time to air dry will handle most jobs. Start with dry cleaning, use water sparingly, and dry the shoes completely before the next wear.

Clean rope soles without soaking them

Rope soles pick up dust and grit from every step. Before you try any wet cleaning, brush the sole with a soft brush or an old toothbrush. Work in the direction of the rope's twist and tap or shake out the loose dirt. This simple step keeps particles from grinding into the fibers and causing frayed edges. The same dry-brush habit applies to outsole treads.

If the rope still looks stained, spot clean it. Dampen a clean cloth with plain water or a small amount of mild soap, then dab the stain. Avoid pouring water over the shoe, and never submerge the sole. Wet rope swells and dries slowly, and a soaked sole can soften the connection between the rope and the rubber. After spot cleaning, blot the area with a dry cloth and let the shoe air dry.

• Brush dry rope soles before reaching for water.
• Use a damp cloth and mild soap for spots only.
• Never soak the rope part of the sole.

Clean rubber sections with a damp cloth

Most espadrilles have rubber in the areas that touch the ground most: under the ball of the foot and the heel, or as a full rubber outsole over the rope. Rubber does not absorb water the way rope does, so it is easier to clean. Wipe the rubber with a damp cloth after dusty or muddy wear. If dirt is stuck, scrub gently with a soft brush and mild soap, then wipe the residue away.

White rubber shows dark marks quickly. Use a gentle cleaner made for rubber outsole materials if you want to brighten it, but apply the cleaner only to the rubber and keep it away from the rope. Avoid harsh solvents and abrasive pads; they can dull the rubber and weaken the bond where the rubber meets the rope. For a more detailed routine, see how to clean white rubber soles.

Dry espadrilles fully and control odor

Espadrilles are worn in warm weather, and feet sweat inside them. If you wear the same pair day after day, moisture and odor build up in the rope and the lining. Let the shoes air out between wears, and rotate them with another pair when you can. Stuffing them with clean paper or a shoe tree helps the shoe hold its shape while the rope dries.

To control odor, sprinkle a light layer of baking soda inside the shoe, let it sit, then shake it out. Baking soda is a simple at-home deodorizer. Keep the shoes away from direct sunlight, radiators, and dryers; high heat can shrink the upper and make the rope brittle. Follow the same drying principles outlined in drying wet shoes properly and odor control in shoes.

• Rotate espadrilles so each pair has time to air out.
• Use clean paper or a shoe tree to hold the shape.
• Deodorize with baking soda when needed.

Protect the sole from water and inspect it early

The main enemy of a rope sole is water. Puddles, rain, and wet grass soak into the rope and soften the fibers. If you know conditions will be damp, choose a different pair. For occasional light moisture, wipe the sole with a dry cloth as soon as possible and let the shoe dry fully before wearing it again. A fabric protector for the upper can help with stains, but it is not a way to make the rope waterproof. For more on limits, see waterproof vs water-resistant shoes.

Check the sole regularly during the season. Look at the edge of the rope and the line where the rubber attaches. If the rope is wearing thin or the rubber is separating, take the shoe to a cobbler for an assessment. Repairing the sole early can extend the life of the shoe. See signs that a sole needs replacing and resoling shoe construction for what to expect.

Foot discomfort should not be ignored. The APMA's patient resources say your feet are your foundation for a healthy and happy life and can help you learn when to see a podiatrist. OrthoInfo, the patient education website of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, also covers foot and ankle conditions. If a shoe causes persistent pain, change shoes or speak with a professional.

Choose care habits that match how you wear shoes

Your care routine can also guide your next purchase. Some warm-weather shoes are easier to keep fresh than others. If you want a similar slip-on style but prefer easier cleaning, look for canvas slip-ons with rubber soles. If you want open shoes that dry quickly, sandals are a strong option. The table below shows the care match for common summer shoe choices.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Can I wash espadrilles in a washing machine?

No. Machine washing soaks the rope and can loosen the rubber. Brush the rope, spot clean with a damp cloth and mild soap, and let the shoes air dry.

How do I remove stains from rope soles?

Brush away dry dirt first, then dab the stain with a damp cloth and a small amount of mild soap. Do not soak the rope. Blot dry and let the sole finish drying before wear.

Why do my espadrilles smell?

Sweat and moisture collect in the rope, lining, and rubber. Give each pair time to air out, rotate your shoes, and use baking soda inside when odor appears.

Can I wear espadrilles in rain?

Rain and puddles are hard on rope soles. Wet rope weakens and can separate from the rubber. If you expect rain, choose a waterproof or water-resistant shoe and save espadrilles for dry days.

How can I make rubber soles last longer?

Wipe them after wear, clean white rubber with a gentle sole cleaner, and keep the shoes away from direct heat. If the rubber separates from the rope, have the sole repaired early.