Letizia of Spain’s wedge espadrilles: why this royal shoe keeps winning
Search for a warm weather shoe that works for city pavements, official daytime events and weekend plans, and one name lands on repeat: Queen Letizia of Spain in wedge espadrilles. Neutral canvas, ankle ties, a clean line that lengthens the leg. The look has become her signature through spring and summer appearances, and it still feels effortless rather than staged.
The formula is not a mystery. Spanish craft meets practical design, which explains the staying power. The brand most often associated with the style is Castañer, a house founded in 1927, and widely credited for creating the first wedge espadrille with Yves Saint Laurent in 1972, according to Castañer’s own archive notes. Heights usually sit between 60 and 90 mm, enough lift for posture with the stability of a wide base. That balance is why the shoe moves with ease from a royal walkabout to a seaside dinner.
What makes Queen Letizia’s espadrilles work in real life
First, the silhouette. A closed toe in cotton or linen canvas keeps the look polished, so outfits do not read as beachy. An almond toe quietly elongates the leg, which helps with midi skirts and tea length dresses that dominate summer wardrobes.
Second, the palette. Queen Letizia Ortiz often opts for sand, ecru, black or soft blush. These shades blend with skin tone and reduce visual breaks, which makes dresses and cropped trousers fall cleaner. It is a simple styling trick that feels intentional.
Third, comfort. A jute platform spreads body weight across the foot. Compared with thin stilettos, the walking experience changes completely, especially on cobblestones that are common in historic Spanish centers. That very practical point keeps the shoe on rotation.
Facts and figures to shop smart
Castañer dates back to 1927 and still manufactures in Spain. The famous collaboration with Yves Saint Laurent happened in 1972, when a wedge version of the classic espadrille entered luxury fashion, a milestone the brand recounts in its history materials. On current product pages, heel heights commonly listed are 60 mm, 80 mm and 95 mm. Those numbers align with what is seen on Queen Letizia during warm season engagements.
Price wise, core canvas styles from Spanish makers typically range between 90 and 150 euros during high season, based on the brands’ own e shops in 2024. That bracket covers the widely worn models with ankle ties and jute soles. For context, Queen Letizia became queen consort in June 2014, and summer photocalls in Palma de Mallorca have repeatedly shown wedge espadrilles in her looks across recent years, as recorded by Spanish photo agencies.
There is also longevity to consider. Jute is natural fiber, and many pairs include a thin rubber insert under the forefoot to slow wear. Some cobblers add a discreet protective outsole, which extends the life of the shoe without changing proportions.
Style it like Letizia of Spain
A few small choices recreate the clean, refined line seen on the Spanish royal, without fuss. The idea is to keep the shoe in harmony with the outfit, not the star of it.
- Choose a heel between 60 and 80 mm for day. It lifts without pitching weight forward.
- Match the shoe to either your skin tone or the hem color. Visual unity matters.
- Tie the ribbons above the ankle bone, not mid calf, for a neat, modern look.
- Pair with shirt dresses, A line midis or cropped trousers that stop just above the ankle.
- Keep pedicure and hemlines simple. The texture of jute already adds interest.
Care, comfort and the fit details most people miss
Start with size. Canvas relaxes slightly after two or three wears, so a snug first try can be the right call. If in between, many Spanish brands suggest the smaller option for closed toes. That small adjustment prevents heel lift when walking.
Tie strategy matters. Cross the ribbons once behind the ankle, bring the ends forward, then finish with a bow on the outside. This avoids pressure on the Achilles and keeps the bow visible for balance. It looks simple and it stays put through a full day.
Weather proofing helps. A light fabric protector on canvas repels splashes, and a thin rubber half sole added by a shoe repair shop increases grip on smooth floors. Store the pair with tissue in the toe box to support the shape, away from direct sun that can fade natural fiber.
Last point, and it is small but useful. Try the espadrilles with the exact dress length planned for an event. One centimeter changes how a hem lines up with the ankle ties, and that is the difference between crisp and busy. It sounds minor, yet it is definitly the tweak that makes outfits feel composed.