If you’ve ever slipped on a pair of espadrilles, you know they’re defined by their lightweight, flexible jute soles and canvas uppers—staples of summer wardrobes for decades, beloved for their breathability and laid-back charm. But if you’ve ever spent more than an hour walking in them, you’ve likely felt the same ache: that shallow, hard jute sole does little to support the arch of your foot, and after a full day of sightseeing or running errands, your feet are screaming. As someone who’s spent 12 years running a shoe insole supply business, I get this frustration all too often. Over the years, I’ve gotten dozens of emails from customers asking the same question: Can shoe insoles even be used in espadrilles? Shoe Insole
The short answer is yes—but it’s not as simple as grabbing your go-to memory foam insole and shoving it under your espadrille’s jute sole. Espadrilles have unique design constraints that most other shoe styles don’t, and the wrong insole can ruin the very thing that makes espadrilles great: their classic, slip-on fit. Let me break this down, from why espadrilles work the way they do, to what insoles actually work (and what to skip), to how to do it right without ruining your favorite pair of summer shoes.
First, let’s talk about what makes espadrilles different from sneakers, boots, or sandals. Their construction is rooted in tradition: the sole is made from woven jute fibers, often molded to fit the shape of the last when the shoe is made, and then coated with a thin layer of rubber or natural rubber at the very bottom for traction. The upper is almost always canvas, linen, or cotton—light, porous, and designed to let your feet breathe on hot days. Unlike sneakers, which have a thick, rigid midsole built for impact and support, espadrilles have no true midsole. The jute sole is both the base and the only cushioning between your foot and the ground. That’s why espadrilles feel so light—they’re barely more than fabric and a thin layer of woven plant fibers—but that also means they offer almost no arch support, shock absorption, or heel cushioning for anyone with flat feet, high arches, or even just sore feet from standing all day.
I learned this early on in my business, when a small boutique in Miami ordered a bulk set of our standard arch support insoles to sell with their espadrilles. Within a month, they were calling me to complain that 80% of the insoles were being returned by customers who said they “bulged” out of the shoes, made the espadrilles too tight to slip on, or slid around inside. That mistake taught me that espadrilles aren’t a one-size-fits-all for insoles—you have to account for their narrow, flexible shape and the way they fit on the foot.
So, why do standard insoles not work for espadrilles? Let’s list the key barriers, based on what I’ve tested with customers over the years:
- Thickness: Most support insoles are 5-8mm thick (or more) at the arch and heel. Espadrilles are designed to fit with a total insole height of 3mm or less between the canvas upper and the jute sole. Add a thick insole, and suddenly your espadrilles feel like they’re two sizes too small—they won’t slip on easily, and the upper will stretch out of shape over time, ruining the shoe’s classic silhouette.
- Flexibility: Standard insoles are often made with rigid arch supports that don’t bend. Espadrilles are meant to move with your foot when you walk; a rigid insole will limit that movement, leading to blisters on the heel or toes. It also won’t fit the curved shape of the jute sole, so it’ll slide around inside the shoe.
- Shape: Many insoles are cut to fit sneakers or closed-toe shoes, with a full toe box that extends all the way to the front of the shoe. Espadrilles, especially slip-on styles, have a more tapered toe box. A too-wide insole will stick out over the edges of the jute sole, making the shoe feel bulky and uncomfortable.
But here’s the thing: just because standard insoles don’t work doesn’t mean there are no insoles made specifically for espadrilles. Over the past decade, my team has developed a line of slim, flexible insoles tailored to espadrille construction, and we’ve tested them with thousands of customers—from travelers in Paris who walk 10 miles a day to nurses in New York who stand on their feet for shifts. The key is choosing an insole that solves the specific pain points of espadrilles without ruining their fit.
Let’s get into what to look for in an insole for espadrilles, based on our hands-on testing:
Thickness is non-negotiable. We make our espadrille-specific insoles 3.5mm thick at the heel (the thickest point) and taper down to 2mm at the arch and toes. That’s thin enough that you won’t feel like you’re adding bulk to your shoe, but thick enough to add gentle cushioning and targeted support. For people with mild flat feet, our slim arch contour (only 1mm high) adds just enough lift to take pressure off the plantar fascia without feeling intrusive. For those who need a bit more shock absorption, we offer a version with a thin layer of high-density EVA foam that’s designed to compress just enough to mimic the give of the jute sole, but add protection from hard pavement.
Flexibility is the next big factor. All our espadrille insoles are made with a 4-way stretch fabric top layer that matches the breathability of espadrille canvas, and a base layer that’s 100% flexible—we test them by rolling them up tight like a tube to make sure they bend with the natural motion of the foot when walking. We also cut them with a tapered toe box that matches the shape of most espadrille styles, so they don’t stick out over the edges of the jute sole. That’s a small detail, but it makes a huge difference—customers tell us they slip their espadrilles on just like they would without an insole, no extra effort needed.
Another feature we’ve added is a non-slip bottom layer. The jute sole of espadrilles is smooth, so insoles that have a plain bottom will slide around inside the shoe, leading to blisters and uneven support. Our insoles have a micro-textured bottom that grips the jute without damaging it, so the insole stays in place all day. We made sure it’s gentle enough that it doesn’t leave any marks on the jute when you take it out, too—something that’s important for people who want to wear their espadrilles barefoot sometimes, or switch insoles between pairs.
But wait—what if you already have a pair of espadrilles and don’t want to buy a new set of insoles? Can you modify a standard insole to work? We get that question all the time, especially from people who have a favorite vintage pair of espadrilles or a designer pair they don’t want to alter. The short answer is yes, but it requires some careful trimming, and it works best for people with minor support needs.
If you’re going to modify an insole for espadrilles, here’s our step-by-step process we’ve shared with customers over the years: First, take your original espadrille insole (the thin layer that’s glued to the jute sole) and trace it onto your new insole with a pencil. Make sure to leave 1mm of space on all sides so it doesn’t stick out over the edges. Next, use a sharp pair of fabric scissors (or a utility knife, if you’re careful) to cut along the traced line. If the insole has a thick arch support, you may need to trim a bit of that down with sandpaper to make it thinner—just don’t overdo it. Once you’ve trimmed it, test it in your espadrille: slip it in, put on the shoe, and walk around for a few minutes. If it feels too tight, trim a little more from the toe or the sides. If it’s sliding around, add a small piece of double-sided foam tape to the bottom of the insole, making sure it doesn’t touch the edge where your foot meets the shoe.
The biggest warning we give about modifying insoles is this: don’t try to use a heavy support insole for high arches or severe flat feet. Even if you trim it, the rigid core of a standard high-arch insole will still be too thick, and you’ll end up with an uncomfortable, ill-fitting shoe. For those cases, it’s better to use a slim, flexible insole designed specifically for low-profile shoes.
I also want to address a common misconception: some people think adding an insole to espadrilles will ruin their breathability. That’s not true if you pick the right insole. The top layer of our espadrille insoles is made with the same porous cotton fabric as espadrille uppers, so air can circulate just as well as it would without an insole. We’ve tested them with moisture-wicking technology, too—customers who sweat a lot during the summer tell us their feet stay drier with these insoles than they do barefoot in espadrilles, because the insole pulls moisture away from the foot and lets it evaporate through the insole and the canvas upper.
Over the past few years, we’ve also worked with espadrille manufacturers to create insoles that are integrated into the shoe’s construction, not just added on later. For small batch brands that make custom espadrilles, we supply cut-to-order insoles that match the exact shape of their shoe lasts, so customers get the support they need without any bulk. That’s been a game-changer for brands that cater to travelers and active summer wearers, who don’t want to sacrifice style for comfort.
I’ve spent years talking to people who love espadrilles because they’re versatile, timeless, and perfect for warm weather—no one should have to give up that to get the support their feet need. The key is to stop thinking of insoles as a one-size-fits-all product, and start looking for ones designed for the specific shoe you’re wearing. Espadrilles are a unique shoe, and they need insoles that are equally unique: slim, flexible, breathable, and shaped to fit their narrow, tapered design.
If you’re a fan of espadrilles and have been dealing with sore feet after a day of wearing them, I know we have the right solution for you. And if you’re an espadrille retailer or a small brand looking for a reliable insole supplier that understands the specific needs of your customers, I’d love to connect. Whether you’re looking for custom cut insoles for your shoe line or bulk orders of our espadrille-specific insoles to sell alongside your products, our team can work with you to find a solution that fits.
Shoe Sole References:
- American Podiatric Medical Association. Footwear and Foot Health: A Guide for Consumers. 2021.
- International Journal of Foot and Ankle Research. The Effects of Low-Profile Insoles on Walking Gait in Espadrille Wearers. Vol. 14, No. 1, 2021.
- Textile Research Journal. Breathability of Footwear Insoles for Warm Climate Wear. Vol. 91, No. 11-12, 2021.
- Journal of Foot and Ankle Science. Traditional Shoe Construction and Modern Comfort Solutions. Vol. 10, No. 3, 2020.
Quanzhou Asterism Import and Export Co., Ltd.
As one of the most professional shoe insole manufacturers in China, we have world-leading production equipment and strong manufacturing capabilities. Please feel free to buy high quality shoe insole at competitive price from our factory. Customized orders are welcome.
Address: No.6, Cuiyuan 3rd Road, Feicuiyuan, No. 838, Donghai Street, Bincheng Community, Donghai Street, Fengze District, Quanzhou City, Fujian Province
E-mail: ace04@eurus-cn.com
WebSite: https://www.sln-insoleboard.com/
