Minorcan Shoes

Mahon, Minorca: Spain---I immediately noticed the odd looking shoes as soon as I had my first walk-around among the shops. They were EVERYWHERE. In shops, outside and inside rows of all colors and sizes but the exact same design. Then I started looking down and watching people’s footwear on the sidewalks and there they were again. Men, Women, old, young; they were on EVERYONE.

So I started looking for information on what this was about.

In 1782, a census indicated that 281 islanders were shoemakers by trade. Since those days the industry has known times of great prosperity but also important setbacks and recessions. Thanks to the skill and professionalism of the craftsman’s product based on quality and design, it prevails today.

Turns out, the “Avarca” or “avarques”, is the most typical and successful lines of of Minorcan shoes. Originally, the peasant sandals were shoes that had a sole made from rubber with a leather upper and heel strap guaranteeing thousands of Kilometers of walking and well ventilated feet. In the past it was the worn by cow herders and laborers but today it is even worn by members of the royal household.

Today, by tradition and economic volume, shoemaking is one of the main industries on the island. Last year the Menorcan shoe industry produced approximately 1.4 million pairs of shoes that generated more than 69 million euros on the market, of which 30 million came from exports.

So, of course, I had to have a pair. Costing about 28 euros, I selected the traditional design with a modern twist. The leather upper has been stamped with a cut out flower design and they are gold. And yes, they are VERY lightweight and comfortable. We’ll see how many Kilometers or miles they will take me on the rest of this trip.