The true story of Minorcan sandals

The 50s: the birth of avarcas

Their origins can be traced back to Menorca’s farmhouses, where the peasants who worked the land began to make their own footwear for the hot season, out of necessity. These shoes had to be hard-wearing, comfortable and practical. They consisted of a strip of leather on the upper, slightly open at the toe so that the foot could breathe but not too much to protect the toes, a strap at the back to hold the sandal at the heel and a sole made of recycled tyres to make them waterproof. The tops of the shoes and the strap were sewn directly to the tyre sole. Avarcas, which were still very rudimentary, quickly became the norm on the island. In several villages, there was a shoemaker who made them to order for the villagers.

The 60s: the avarcas are transformed

Thanks to their comfort, practicality and sturdiness, avarcas became sandals worn by all Menorcans, young and old, whatever their occupation or social status. It was during this boom in the early 60s that avarcas were fitted with an insole and the heel strap was adjusted – the first major changes to avarcas. It was also in these years that José Riudavets set up the first large-scale avarcas workshop on the island. He introduced technical improvements that made them even more comfortable, such as the insertion of a thin strip of rubber in the strap to guarantee elasticity, the absorbent insole that prevents the foot from slipping inside the sandal and therefore provides better support, and the rubber sole that makes them more flexible, improving comfort without detracting from their original waterproof purpose.

The 70s: the conquest of the Balearics

Avarcas became widespread on the island of Menorca. In essence, they were the shoes for summer. The first pairs were sent to Mallorca, where they were an immediate success, and then to Ibiza, before finally expanding to the Balearic Islands.

The 80s: tourism for Menorca and the avarcas!

Tourism began to develop in Menorca and many avarcas found their way back into visitors’ suitcases. Avarcas became a typical Menorcan product. From then on, avarcas manufacturers followed trends in terms of colours and leather varieties.

In those years, French tourists discovered them and immediately adopted them, calling them ‘Minorcanas’ for ease of reference.

The 90s: the avarcas of today

The avarcas underwent their final transformations, such as the manufacture of ergonomic shapes (improvement of the shoe), and various aesthetic modifications that would make them the ones we wear today.

As tourism grew year on year, so did production, and avarcas became well known on the Spanish mainland thanks to the many celebrities, including the royal family, who wore them every summer.