Frequently asked questions
Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions.
Is Minorquines a Spanish or French brand?
Minorquines was created in 2012 in France. It is a French brand.
Minorquines did not invent the avarca. The avarca is a traditional product originating from the island of Menorca in the Balearic Islands, Spain.
Minorquines chose to create an avarca brand in order to introduce this product to the French, adapt it to their tastes and facilitate its distribution in France. Minorquines sells a Spanish product all over the world.
How do you pronounce Minorquines?
Minorquines is the French translation of Menorquinas (which comes from Minorca), and the s at the end is not pronounced. But everyone does as they please... so when we hear you say ‘minorquinesse’, that's fine with us too ;-)
Are your Minorquines made in Menorca?
No. They are made in Illueca, about an hour from Zaragoza, in central Spain.
In 2007, when we contacted the avarca manufacturers of Menorca, we connected with Riudavets. Founded in 1929, this company was then one of the island’s leading manufacturers.
As the company expanded across mainland Spain and internationally, Riudavets chose to entrust part of its production to a workshop in Illueca, in Aragon. The meeting happened almost by chance: the director left Mahón in his 2CV, took the ferry to Valencia in search of a partner… before being directed to this region renowned for its shoemaking expertise.
In 2011, when the Minorquines project finally came to life, the historic Menorca factory had unfortunately closed, a consequence of the 2007 crisis. The last owner was nevertheless pleased to see his family’s designs and craftsmanship continue in Illueca thanks to Minorquines.
Since then, season after season, Minorquines has carried on this heritage by creating durable, elegant and original sandals.
What size should I choose?
Always choose your exact size: do not go for a larger or smaller size.
Leather is naturally supple and may feel slightly tight at first, but it will quickly stretch to fit the shape of your foot perfectly. Foot length remains the most important factor to consider.
I'm half a size, what should I choose?
If you have narrow feet, choose the size below. If you have wider feet, choose the size above.
I have wide feet; which models are suitable for me?
All our models are made of leather or lined with leather, so they will soften and mould to your feet. That said, for maximum comfort right from the start, the softest leathers are Nubuck, Suede, Glitters, Metal and Moucharabieh.
The Avarca Buckle model can be adjusted for a perfect fit. And if the holes are not suitable, you can add more or ask your cobbler to do it for you.
I have narrow feet; which models are suitable for me?
If you have very narrow feet, we recommend trying the Compostella model. It makes your feet look very pretty. The Platja model is also a little narrower.
Another option: the Avarca Neo model is narrower than the Avarca model.
I have hallux valgus. Which models are suitable for me?
We have noticed that our customers appreciate the Avarca Moucharabieh models, whose openwork leather adapts to the shape of the foot.
For the same size, what is the difference between the model in the Men's category and the Women's category?
Shoe size advice
How to measure your foot correctly?
Stand barefoot against a wall on a sheet of paper. Make sure your heel is against the wall and your foot is flat. Draw a line in front of your big toe (or longest toe). Measure your foot size, rounding up to the nearest size in our size guide.
Guide des pointures
Bébés
| Taille du pied | 9,5 cm | 10,4 cm | 11 cm | 11,7 cm | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pointure ES/FR | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 |
| Pointure UK | 0,5 | 1,5 | 2 | 3 | |
| Pointure US | 1 | 2 | 2,5 | 3,5 |
Enfants
| Taille du pied | 9,5 cm | 10,4 cm | 11 cm | 11,7 cm | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pointure ES/FR | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 |
| Pointure UK | 0,5 | 1,5 | 2 | 3 | |
| Pointure US | 1 | 2 | 2,5 | 3,5 |
Femmes
| Taille du pied (cm) | 22,4 | 23 | 23,7 | 24,4 | 25 | 25,7 | 26,4 | 27 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pointure ES/FR | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41 | 42 |
| Pointure UK | 2,5 | 3,5 | 4 | 5 | 5,5 | 6,5 | 7,5 | 8 |
| Pointure US | 4 | 5 | 5,5 | 6,5 | 7,5 | 8 | 9 | 9,5 |
| Pointure IT | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41 |
Hommes
| Taille du pied (cm) | 25,7 | 26,4 | 27 | 27,7 | 28,4 | 29 | 29,7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pointure ES/FR | 40 | 41 | 42 | 43 | 44 | 45 | 46 |
| Pointure UK | 6,5 | 7,5 | 8 | 9 | 9,5 | 10,5 | 11 |
| Pointure US | 8 | 9 | 9,5 | 10,5 | 10 | 11 | 11,5 |
| Pointure IT | 39 | 40 | 41 | 42 | 43 | 44 | 45 |
Do avarcas stay on your feet well?
If you choose your size correctly, your foot will be perfectly supported between the upper at the front (the part above the foot) and the strap at the back. You won't lose your sandals.
What's more, we insert a thick rubber insert into the strap, which is slightly elastic but not too much, to prevent the strap from sagging over time. This is one of our manufacturing secrets. And it's what sets us apart from some other manufacturers.
What is the difference between the Avarca model and the Avarca Neo model?
The Avarca Neo model differs from the Avarca in its sole. It is made of leather and rubber, whereas the Avarca sole is made of rubber only. In addition, the construction differs: the Avarca Neo is sewn like a sandal, while the Avarca is sewn and glued. Finally, the upper (top of the foot) is thinner and shorter on the Avarca Neo.
This model, which is more handcrafted and made from higher-quality materials, is more expensive. However, its quality and elegant design make it a more urban and chic model, ideal for working women, for example.
Are avarcas suitable for men?
This is a men's model!
Historically, the first people to make avarcas for themselves were farmers on the island of Menorca. To work the land in summer, they came up with the idea of creating a sandal that was closed at the front to protect the foot and open at the back to allow air to circulate.
What's more, the design generally covers the toes, which is what many men are looking for, as they tend to avoid sandals for this very reason.
In the Balearic Islands, in Catalonia, almost all men wear them. Without question. So for a man, to try them is to adopt them :)
Why are Avarca sandals cheaper at markets?
We have chosen to work with a family-run workshop based in Spain, which uses traditional methods and materials selected and produced in Spain.
We could ask our workshop to lower its prices. But its family structure and artisanal production methods do not allow this.
We could also look for materials produced in low-cost countries. But this could call into question the Spanish origin of our avarcas.
We could also look for materials produced in low-cost countries. But the Spanish origin of our avarcas could be called into question.
So we have chosen to lower our margins as much as possible. Our price is calculated as accurately as possible and unfortunately does not allow for significant development of our brand. We will remain small. We cannot compete with certain avarcas sold on the markets, but that suits us. And we hope that you will find what you are looking for by prioritising the quality and origin of our avarcas.
What steps are you taking to protect the environment?
Our sandals are already made in Spain. In a traditional factory that employs an entire family and local workers.
What's more, avarcas are sturdy sandals that last for years. They never go out of style either. They are sustainable products.
Since Minorquines was founded, we have been committed to reducing our waste production.
Leather is only purchased once pre-orders have been placed. The factory does not keep raw materials in stock for future orders. Everything is used during production.
Furthermore, while B2B customers (retailers) receive sandals delivered in shoe boxes (the smallest possible and adapted to each size category), sandals sold on the website are sent in their pouches. This is because shoe boxes are very rarely used once at home. And this once again allows us to choose smaller shipping boxes with an optimised carbon footprint.
Finally, we have decided not to include a return slip with your order. This is to avoid printing unnecessary paperwork. If you wish to return your products, please click on the link below.
How does your after-sales service work?
If you are not satisfied with the product or wish to exchange it, please click on the following link: https://www.coliback.com/retour.php/en/minorquines-fr-retour.
If your enquiry concerns another matter, you can write to us at contact@minorquines.fr. We will respond promptly.
How do I clean my Minorquines?
You can clean avarcas daily with a brush or a dry, soft cloth, removing dust and dirt.
In addition, to preserve elasticity and prevent damage, you can apply natural wax or grease depending on the leather.
Finally, nubucks and suedes can be protected by a waterproof bomb.
