Abarcas, avarcas, Menorcan sandals, espadrilles ... there are so many names for this well-loved footwear. So what is the story behind them?
Although you can find various types of avarcas, undoubtedly, the Menorcan avarcas are best known to all. Comfortable shoes throughout the years that never go out of fashion.
But do you know the history of Minorcan avarcas? Do you know the origin of this footwear?
The story goes that the first people to have these shoes were the slingers who lived in the Balearic Islands. They were in service of the Carthaginian Hannibal, when he fought against the Romans.
Years later, these were used by the peasants who worked the land, preferred because they were strong but flexible. The peasants believed that this shoe protected your feet because of the materials used.
Although initially the avarcas were completely made of leather, it was in the early twentieth century when they began to replace the sole material for tire rubber. This material would allow avarcas to last longer and give further protection from moisture and uneven, stony earth. This also meant the shoe was more comfortable in a non-slip, more flexible material.
Over the years, avarcas have been increasingly popular as part of Menorcan fashion. It was in the sixties, that this shoe, that was well-known to all as a farmers footwear, became an essential fashion item. It was the Menorcans who first took to them, but gradually, tourists travelling to Menorca also fell in love with this stylish yet comfortable and durable shoe.
Today, although many farmers are still wearing avarcas to work the land, these have become a key element not only for fashion, not only in Menorca. At Avarcas.com we know that more and more countries are interested in this shoe. That is why on our website anyone can easily buy their menorquinas avarcas to be taken wherever they are, quickly and safely.
