PRODUCTION LOCATIONS
- France
- Spain
- Morocco
- Italy
WORKING CONDITIONS & LIVING WAGES
Espadrij states that it works primarily with long-standing family-run businesses in Europe and collaborates with one of the oldest factories in France for certain products.
According to the brand, employees are paid above average, though no further details or third-party verifications are provided. They monitor their production sites through regular on-site visits.
MATERIALS
- Canvas
- Rubber
- Jute (sole)
- Suede
- Microfiber
- Cotton
- Palm leaves
- Leather
- EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate)
Espadrij uses natural materials where possible, including jute, cotton, and leather. They also offer a selection of vegan products. Material choices vary by model, and while sustainability is mentioned as a value, no specific material certifications are referenced.
PACKAGING
According to Espadrij, they use FSC-certified recycling packaging materials, indicating attention to reducing its packaging footprint. The brand does not disclose any further packaging details used throughout the supply chain.
WATER USAGE & CHEMICALS
The brand does not provide specific information regarding water usage, chemical treatments, or dye processes used in production.
CIRCULAR PRODUCT DESIGN
The brand does not mention take-back, repair, or recycling services. Customers are, however, encouraged to prolong the life of their shoes with a dedicated care page on the website and on each product page.
CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODELS
The brand makes no mention of repair or take-back, rental, or resale services.
DISTANCE & COMPLEXITY OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN
- France
- Spain
- Italy
- Morocco
- Espadrij HQ is located in Düsseldorf
- Espadrij sells internationally through its online shop
Due to its mainly European production and in-house warehouse setup, Espadrij’s supply chain is relatively tight, and products only need to travel short distances between sites.
TRANSPORTATION
Within Germany, the brand relies exclusively on road transport to fulfil orders. Espadrij makes no specific mention of methods used for international or distribution transport methods.
- Suede leather
- Morocco
While many models contain leather, Espadrij also offers vegan-friendly styles. Vegan products are clearly labeled on their website.
PRODUCT DESIGN
Espadrij promotes timeless silhouettes and a “small but fine” collection approach. The brand positions its products as non-mass-produced, appealing to customers seeking quality and craftsmanship.
They offer stylish women’s sandals, clogs, and platform wedges, as well as lace-up shoes, sandals and loafers for men. The brand also features seaside inspired accessories such as bags, beach towels and hats.
SLOW FASHION PROCESSES
Espadrij embraces slow fashion principles by focusing on quality and releasing fewer collections throughout the year.
According to the brand, the focus is on attention to detail and traditional manufacturing, creating products in limited batches.
TRANSPARENCY ON PRODUCT
Each product page states materials used, and provides care instructions. Items may be traced down to their production countries and an article number is provided.
TRANSPARENCY ON PROCESSES
Espadrij shares some insights into their production approach and values, emphasizing they work almost exclusively with long-established and traditional family businesses and prioritise long-term, respectful partnerships. They note that their production facilities operate under fairer conditions and claim to ensure above-average wages through regular on-site visits.
However, the brand does not publicly disclose the names or exact locations of its suppliers or provide third-party certifications to verify these claims. They also do not publicly release an annual impact report. While Espadrij communicates a commitment to fairness and quality, the level of transparency remains limited.
Conclusion
Espadrij stands out for its commitment to traditional craftsmanship and a focused, quality-driven collection. While more transparency on specific sustainability metrics would add clarity, Espadrij offers a reliable choice for those seeking quality and timeless style with a responsible touch. Find the brand on the COSH! map below.