VISCATA is founded on the premise of selling eco-friendly shoes that come from plant materials, and we want to do our part in contributing and helping the sustainability efforts around the world. We also want to give you, our customers, the opportunity to take part in this important effort. That is why for every pair of shoes sold, we make good the offer to plant a tree.
]]>"The best friend on Earth of man is the tree. When we use the tree respectfully and economically, we have one of the greatest resources of the Earth." Frank Lloyd Wright
VISCATA is founded on the premise of selling eco-friendly shoes that come from plant materials, and we want to do our part in contributing and helping the sustainability efforts around the world. We also want to give you, our customers, the opportunity to take part in this important effort. That is why for every pair of shoes sold, we make good the offer to plant a tree.
Simply find your special tree-planting code in the box of your VISCATA shoes. Just follow the instructions online, plant your tree in the location of your choice, and share with your friends on Facebook.
The United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) has stated that climate change is now widely recognized as the major environmental problem facing the globe. Their goal is to plant 7 billion trees, and we want to contribute to this.
These trees not only clean our air by reducing carbon emissions and fighting global warming, but also provide significant income and livelihood options for indigenous people. Trees provide medicine, beverages, fruit, soil fertility, erosion control, and even something as simple as shade — all of which can help improve the quality of life for people.
We work with the great organization Treecycler to plant the trees: Treecycler has been helping communities around the world plant trees through seed distribution, agroforestry training, and in-country programs. Treecycler has empowered rural groups to restore tree cover to their lands protecting the environment and helping to preserve traditional livelihoods and cultures for generations.
For more information regarding Tree Conservation and the Environment please follow this link (Thanks Danielle!) http://www.treeremoval.com/guide-to-tree-conservation-and-the-environment/
]]>Traditional espadrilles are made of eco-friendly jute, a natural vegetable fiber that’s 100% recyclable and biodegradable. The quality of your espadrilles depends on the material of the sole. At VISCATA, we only use natural jute to make our authentic rope soles, from espadrille wedges to flats for men and women. The jute threads are woven and braided in beautiful designs by hand.X
]]>Plus, we’ve designed softer, more comfortable fabric tops and elastics for a custom fit to your feet. The result? A stylish, long-lasting, marvelously comfortable pair of shoes. Your VISCATA espadrilles are good for you and good for the planet. We are deeply committed to sustainability, and we plant a tree for every pair of shoes purchased with the organisation Treecycler.
As people become more and more environmentally conscious, jute is used as an excellent resource for a variety of products, from eco-friendly yoga mats to trendy jute rugs. In fact, jute sandals have been found by archaeologists and are said to be 4,000 years old—the original eco-friendly shoes! Over the centuries crafting espadrilles has become an art form, and at VISCATA we continue this tradition with soft, high-quality materials. We combine Spanish craftsmanship with modern manufacturing techniques to ensure your espadrilles are comfortable right out of the box. We also offer an wide selection of vibrant colors and elegant, stylish designs for every pair.
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The espadrille’s classic, comfortable, and eco-friendly design is a staple for any shoe collection. And espadrilles have come a long way in the last 500 years: originally designed in the Basque country, these shoes were worn by 13th century Spanish foot soldiers. Now espadrille wedges and flats seen everywhere from New York runways to Las Ramblas, Catalonia. VISCATA continues this tradition with a modern twist — every pair is hand made in Spain using all-natural jute in an array of fun colors and styles.
]]>VISCATA continues this tradition with a modern twist — every pair is hand made in Spain using all-natural jute in an array of fun colors and styles. We’ve improved the original designs with softer, more comfortable fabrics, elastics to fit feet of all shapes and sizes, and modern manufacturing techniques to ensure our espadrilles are comfortable right out of the box.
Centuries ago, espadrilles were considered a peasant’s shoe. They are lightweight and comfortable — perfect when you have to work long hours on your feet. Over the years these handcrafted shoes have become a significant part of Catalonian culture: Catalonia’s national dance is the sardana, a symbol of Catalan unity and pride. And guess what type of shoes the sardanistes wear for this iconic cultural dance? That’s right—espadrilles!
As they grew in popularity in the 19th century, espadrilles were manufactured and exported from Catalonia. By the early 20th century, espadrilles were made to have stronger rubber soles to be more durable and weather resistant. And in 1948 espadrilles first fascinated US fashionistas when Lauren Bacall wore them in the movie Key Largo. Her wardrobe was tropical, carefree, and stylish — which would soon become synonymous with the espadrille. In the 1960s the world renowned designer Yves St-Laurent ordered espadrilles with two-inch heels for a fashion show. Suddenly this working-class shoe became a beautiful, flattering fashion statement.
Due to the high demand for espadrilles throughout the world, much manufacturing is currently done in Bangladesh and China. However, VISCATA hand makes every authentic pair in Spain with love. VISCATA’s espadrilles keep the tradition alive and also offer a range of designs and vibrant colors to fit your style and keep things fresh.
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