Key Takeaways
- While woven shoes have been around since ancient times, modern takes in the form of raffia ballet flats, colorful mules, jelly flats, and more are trending as must-have footwear of the summer.
- To keep the trend feeling updated, lean into a timely statement hue or silhouette, then pair the shoes with a mix of breezy summer staples and head-turning accessories.
Woven shoes have been a staple in many wardrobes for centuries, with their origins dating back to ancient civilizations. But this summer, you can count these shoes among “must-have” items for fashion lovers everywhere. And it’s easy to see why: The shoes keep your feet cool due to the small openings, plus they’re simple, stylish, and come in countless variations, from flats to show-stopping stilettos. Many woven shoes are made with raffia (a natural, neutral color) or come in white or black, so they pair well with everything. However, if colorful accessories are more your style, you have options—including trending textures like jelly. With so much versatility, it’s really no wonder that these shoes are everywhere.
Ready to have a woven shoes summer? Continue reading to discover more about the trend and see eight of our favorite picks to add to your collection.
About the Trend
Woven materials may be trending thanks to their modern takes (think: Bottega Veneta), but they’re also staples that have been around for centuries. It’s hard to nail down precisely when woven shoes were invented, but they were around as far back as Ancient Egypt. It’s also well-documented that the indigenous people of Mexico skillfully crafted woven shoes that many of us know today as huarache sandals.
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Originally, the huarache was designed for farmers, keeping their feet cool and protected. You can still find handmade sandals with ancient techniques in Guadalajara (the capital of Jalisco state), which is also the birthplace of tequila and mariachi. There are also well-known artisans in Michoacán and Yucatán preserving the art of the craft. The huarache gained notoriety in the US in the 1960s, rising as a shoe of choice for the “hippies” of the time and countercultural movements.
Additionally, famed shoe designer Salvatore Ferragamo, who crafted custom shoes for style icons like Audrey Hepburn, brought his own flair to the woven shoe, working with raffia and straw to crochet and craft woven upper details of shoes, especially in the late 1930s and 1940s, when there was a leather shortage.
Types of Woven Shoes
As we look to today, there are tons of woven shoe options. For example, woven Mary Janes have been a recent go-to for style icons like Aubrey Plaza, Nicola Coughlan, and Sofia Richie Grainge in the summer and fall. The woven texture and sweetly sophisticated silhouette make this an excellent choice for a transitional look.
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Raffia mules, loafers, heels, and ballet flats are taking up major space, with brands like Larroudé and Birdies layering deep tan and black leather to their designs to add depth to the beige hue of the traditional raffia material. These shoes bring a modern spin to the woven shoe category and, like the Mary Jane, can serve as transitional pieces as we head into cooler months this fall.
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For those feeling especially adventurous, the jelly shoes trend has evolved to champion the jelly flat, a PVC take on woven shoes that you’ll often find in vivid or transparent hues. And, of course, there are the traditional open-weave flats that lend themselves to the craft of this ancient shoe style and technique.
How to Style
With the considerable variation in woven shoe options, styling them has plenty of room for creativity. For quintessential summer vibes, pair a traditional open-weave huarache with a high-waisted pair of linen pants, a breezy white button-down, and a matching woven belt to bring the look together. This would be an excellent option for the office or a weekend brunch. Add a raffia bag for good measure and the ultimate texture play.
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Alternatively, you can opt for an elegant pairing with a raffia sandal and a linen sundress, or take Katie Holmes’ approach to style by pairing denim and a simple top, with woven flats. For a simple yet personalized touch, add an ankle-length sock. With denim, you can also swap a neutral woven shoe for a clear or colorful woven jelly flat sans the socks.
The Best Woven Shoes to Shop
Whether you already have a pair (or two) of woven shoes in your closet or are curious about adding a pair to your evolving wardrobe, we’ve got some picks for you. Below are eight styles that offer multiple options that can be worn exclusively during the summer or flex between seasons.
