THE ORIGIN OF THE ABARCAS

They are known as abarcas, avarcas, menorquinas, mallorquinas, ibicencas ... But it really is the story behind this shoe so typical of our island, Menorca. Menorcan sandals are now a classic in summer sandals, suitable for any age and sex. They stand out for being a comfortable shoe and easy to wear on any occasion. In addition to not going out of style, it is a classic that you can have in your wardrobe for every summer. Today we find them in many forms: flat, smooth, patterned, with a platform ... This makes it a shoe that cannot be missing every summer in your wardrobe.

But where did these shoes come from, what were they used to be in the past ...

THE MENORCAN SANDALS

This simple shoe has its origin on the island of Menorca, hence it is precisely known as Menorca in the rest of the world. The Menorcan sandals or known as avarques in Menorca. Although their origin is unknown for sure, he believes that the appearance of these shoes dates back to 200 B.C. at the time of fighting against the Romans.

In their origins it is believed that they were used by the stone throwers (slingers) in the fight of the Carthaginians against the Romans. Later, these shoes were inherited by the Menorcan countryside. The peasants saw in the sandals a strong and durable footwear. Made of leather that they make themselves, they protected their feet from a hard day's work in the specific field in the sun. Thus, it becomes a resistant and light footwear made by themselves with the material that is resistant at home. Later, the recycled tire sole was prevented, which gave greater resistance and protection to this shoe.

THE MENORCAN SANDALS OF THE 21ST CENTURY

In recent times and with the arrival of tourism on our island, the encompasses have become international, reaching the whole world. They stand out for being a rustic and different shoe that draws the attention of people who have never seen a shoe like it. In our store you can buy the typical handmade abarcas as our grandparents have done, following the Menorcan tradition. At Guelmi we continue the legacy of our grandparents by creating shoes adapted to the feet of our clients.

The Menorcan have evolved adapting to current trends. Nowadays, in the XXI century, you can find from the most traditional brogues made with leather to brogues with different patterns. We have also innovated including sandals with esparto platform and wedge, preserving the essence of the Menorcan sandals.

Also in this last year 2020 we have incorporated a new vegan model. We know the importance of conserving our planet. That is why we have decided to commit ourselves to the environment by creating covers free of plastics and products of animal origin as a novelty.

If you do not like animal covers but do not want to give them up, discover our new vegan range here.