VISCATA Sitges - Navy Blue EU42

Okay, here we go.These espadrilles are a great construction, well made shoe. I would say get used to them and really break them in before you go and try to walk around some music festival all day because they are not a soft shoe. Really have the feel as more of a driving moccasin.Sizing:Contrary to most of these reviews, these shoes DO NOT RUN TRUE TO SIZE. I wear a size 12 and finally ended up with a size 13.5 that fits well. They will break in a bit but when you can't force your foot in, try the next size up.In fact, I would HIGHLY recommend purchasing 1 and 1.5 sizes higher than your regular size and simply sending back the shoe that doesn't fit. I personally didn't do this. I ordered the 12, it didn't fit, so I sent it back. Then I ordered the 12.5, it didn't fit, so I sent it back, then I ordered the 13 and it didn't fit so I sent that one back too. Finally I ordered the 13.5 and they fit well. (Note, this is the only reason I did not give these shoes 5 stars, had the listing explained that the shoes ran 1.5 sizes small, I would have given 5 stars)Styling:Definitely an must add to your wardrobe if you're looking for something that goes well with a pair of nice shorts and a button down shirt. The kind of outfit you'd where to stroll around a city in the summer but also wouldn't be out of place walking into a nice restaurant. These shoes offer the perfect solution between sneakers and dress shoes. Plus you automatically look more cultured than the guy wearing white Dad sneakers with the athletic socks.Also being in my late 30's, Toms shoes were out of the question so Viscatas are a much classier choice.Tip of the day, don't wear socks with these. If you must, wear no show socks.Break-in:Being that these shoes are canvas, expect them to break in over time and they will widen. They WILL NOT lengthen so make sure the size is long enough to fit your feet. I wore mine around the house for about an hour or two a day for two days and they fit great. (Also a shoehorn is your friend in the beginning)

I wear a size 11 in Adidas and 10-1/2 in most other shoes. I ordered the size 11 and it's just a smidge tight but that could be because it's new. It's not uncomfortable, just snug. But I know the 12 would be too loose. If they had something in between that would be perfect. But I know they will stretch a little and be comfortable although they may not last as long. I would order again but hope that when I do they have some half sizes.

In the less than a year, I've taken these shoes from my backyard, to Mexico, and even to Cuba. They're my go to casual shoes when going for strolls in the outdoors or running errands.Let me be honest: I don't recommend wearing these shoes for long walks In urban areas. I initially bought them with the intention of wearing them on campus, but because the rope sole is firm, they made my feet really sore after a while. So heads up if we're planning on using these in a city. Now you might be thinking, "Well, aren't they supposed be comfortable?" but again, they're made out a rope, with a layer of rubber on the sole (which doesn't add any cushioning) so their support is not on par with regular shoe soles.Where these babies do shine is when you walk on soft surfaces. From carpet to dirt paths, these are the type of surfaces these shoes were made for. I don't wear any socks with them (I don't believe you're supposed to anyhow), and I thoroughly enjoy the texture of the rope insole, more so that I find myself wearing these over my casual sneakers. Another reason as to why that is, is because they don't overheat. I wouldn't say they "breathe," but the canvas feels fresher. Quality wise, they looked sturdy from when I opened them to months after wearing them. I definitely felt like a really got my money's worth. In terms of fashion, they look great in person and even better on your feet. They look more sophisticated than TOMS, which I considered getting, but ultimately, the Sitges offered better versatlity. I made the right decision because I've gotten plenty of compliments on my pair. With all this in mind, these shoes earned a 5-star rating.Now in terms of durability, it all depends on how often you use them and what kind of conditions you put them through. Over a month ago, the rope sole on my right shoe started to unravel and overtime it got worse and worse, to the point where I stopped wearing them because they seemed they would fall apart. All of this was under a year since I purchased them. Now this is probably on me, because I've put them through some rough conditions (rain, mud, rocks), not to mention the extent of use. They were my main pair of shoes when I went to Mexico and Cuba. Had I gone easier on them, I'm sure they would have lasted much longer. I actually contacted Viscata's Customer Service (in about an hour, someone had replied to my message. Talk about prompt service!) about the unraveling, and they told me same thing. Here's some recommendations they gave me to extend the life of my espadrilles:"These type of shoes will all eventually start showing wear given they are made of natural plant products and depending on use frequency the jute threads will unravel a bit. However, they should be able to hold up enough that they won’t come completely undone. What you can do is just begin trimming as much of the loose threads as possible and if there are any big loose pieces if you put a little bit of glue it should help keep it together."I know this was a long review, but I just like to be clear and thorough, since I heavily depend on reviews when shopping on Amazon.

I was disappointed because the shoe run way, way too small. I had to return them unfortunately. I wear a 13 and ordered it but it fits like a tight 12. You need to size up a size or two. Otherwise a great shoe. Hopefully they will make a larger size.

I have been wearing Espadrille's for over 30 years, and no I don't live near the water. These are the best of all that I have worn, they are hand made in Spain, they have a much sturdy sole than I have ever had in this type of casual shoe. I walk in the park on trails BUT I also walk on cement as I live in an area with sidewalks also, but when walking on those I limit my walking much shorter than in the park, I also wear them just sitting in a lawn chair outside. I have read reviews that people complain about that the big toe area gets a hole, well LISTEN UP, I had the same problem until I found the squares of Moleskin in the section were they sell various foot products, such as Insoles. You cut the Moleskin in a curve and place it inside the shoe right were your toe hits. To be sure you are in the right place, put it on then find the spot and mark it with some chock, I use some for my small sewing, then you can find the exact spot to place the Moleskin, the chock comes of with a damp cloth.Hope this helpsJazzman65

I bought these in a size 10, one size larger than I usually wear and they are still tight. I have worn them for short spells indoors to try to stretch them but it was painful. I even resorted to soaking them in cold water and wearing them wet to break them in, a method I usually reserve for boots, but I would not recommend doing this with them at all as the colour comes out of the rope sole and makes the cotton tops a bit brown.I haven't given up on them yet as they are very good looking and stylish, and am going to continue to wear them for short spells until they submit.

I bought these as a surprise for my Spanish husband of 53 years but they were much too small. The size 43 is a 42. I wanted to return them but we live in Jersey and I don't think we have drop off points so he will have to give them to a relative with small feet when he goes to Spain this summer. Also the price is crazy - alpargatos like these should cost less than half this price.

Arrived today and fit perfectly. I ordered a UK 9.5 after previous reviews in reference to sizes which I found helpful. I am normally a UK 8.5 Which usually equates to a size 43 European. The pair that arrived today had 43 on the sole, go figure. That said they are good quality and colour. The advice from me is go a size bigger.

Expensive but good quality. You need to go up a size to get the correct fit.

Other than the size , which seems little tight to the one , the product is simply amazing