Espadrilles — laceless, rope-soled fabric shoes — are “dominating the men’s category in Europe … prompting many to predict the trend will reach even further come spring ’11,” says (warns?) WWD. Now, Spain’s Maians and France’s Rivieras are bringing espadrille collections to this week’s Compass trade show in New York. The style originated in Spain and has become increasingly popular Stateside after Toms made a variation on the classic shoes and donated proceeds to charity. But will this suddenly hip style really replace the seemingly limitless top-sider trend for men come spring? Both styles spark love-’em-or-hate-’em reactions, but is one less offensive than the other? Leave your comments below.
Related: Mandals on the Rise — Thanks a Lot, Birkenstock [NYM]
