Jute based loafers with that soft espadrille fabric upper look to have some claim in Japan (and Spain) at the moment. We’re looking forward to them landing in the U.S.A. where thousands of sun-happy steppas will polish off their jigs to the sounds of everything from afro-beat to neu-rock. Loafer says hello; the spadrille embraces and we have a Summer love story.  (zozo)

More looks after the click.

Possibly some of the best takes on the classic espadrilles? Check these from n.d.c. “Available in two models, Maxim Laced – with brown washed linen uppers with occasional greased effect and, Pablo Lavagna – in a rich brown tone anthracite grey suede, they both feature leather stitched soles and the classic natural fiber jute braiding around the foot along with other sweet top-notch trimmings.” Por Vocacao has them.

More looks after the click.

These mid-tops espadrilles from Balenciaga will piss off the espadrille purists. We like them for their attempt to mix leathers into the picture and really making them into something new. Check that leather heel hit. Don’t worry, the jute sole remains. The black piping works as well. LN-CC has them.

More looks after the click.

Here’s a quick preview of some distressed espadrilles coming this Spring 2011 from Bed Stu. They’re clearly made to look pre-worn – for those who have no patience to do it themselves. The trend into the high-top espadrille continues here. A low is also available. Check them out yourself.

More looks at the Bed Stu Espadrilles for Spring 2011 after the click.

It would seem that the espadrilles market is heating up once again. Industry of All Nations (IOAN) previews their collection of the famous jute rope based shoes. The high lace-up is a slightly newer take on the classic form. They’re casual, breathable and made to be beat up and thrown out after a few season’s wear. Use them as house shoes or casual strollers.

Another look at the Industry of All Nations Espadrilles for Spring 2011 after the click.

August is almost upon us but the summer is not over yet. For those looking for a truly inexpensive summer shoe to walk around in, consider the legacy of the espadrilles. Soludos in Cali is now offering their own take on the slip-on classic. Coming in at under $28 a pair, the Soludos Espadrilles keep things simple while offering a wide range of fabrics and colors to admire. Look for them in Steven Alan, Ron Herman, Fred Segal, Surf Lodge, Sunset Beach. We’re also told that Soludos will have some Opening Ceremony only styles shortly.

More looks at the Soludos Espadrilles for Summer 2010 after the click.

Stubbs & Wootton slippers certainly aren’t for everyone. But, they have a playful nature that we can’t help but appreciate. This season they’ve teamed with star designer Michael Bastian, who collaborated with S&W’s Percy Steinhart on the “MB Seagull UK” (above). Their description reads, “the Seagull is our quintessential addition to your wardrobe for spending the summer in the Hamptons.” That pretty much sums up the Stubbs & Wootten aesthetic.

This extends to a few pairs of bold Espadrilles. Called the “Gatsby” S&W’s version comes in a brown camo and more subdued marine-blue linen.

Again, not for everyone, but they’ve a certain W.A.S.P. style worth looking at.

Images of the Espadrilles after the jump.

We have always been big fans of Espadrilles. They are practical in the summer, look nice, go with everything and are usually also very cheap. In some cases we can even appreciate the current trend of upgraded Espadrilles from high end brand. If they are better than the original and much nicer looking we are also willing to pay a premium. Kitsuné from Paris offers exactly that without going totally crazy on the pricing and offers their own pair of Espadrilles for Spring/Summer 2010 in navy and cream for a fair 62 Euros. They are now availalbe at Tres Bien.

Further looks follow after the jump.

We know. We know you’re either stomping through slush or skating on black ice on the way to work. We know you don’t wanna see espadrilles right now. But we’re gonna show you them anyway. They’re on sale ($149 from $298), summer will come in due time and you won’t regret buying these when the sun decides to show itself again. (Assembly)