I stopped into the Handmade Avarcas & Espadrilles shop in San Juan, Puerto Rico just to browse & it was a really cool spot to check out.
Even just walking in, you can tell it's more than a typical shoe store. The space feels creative and focused on craftsmanship, w/ a strong local & handmade vibe. There was cool decor everywhere, even on the walls, which made the whole space feel artsy.I liked seeing all the different styles they offer, from traditional Spanish-inspired designs to wedges, flats, & sneaker-style espadrilles. It's high end pricing but you can tell the quality is worth it.
What stood out most was the customization aspect:you can choose fabrics, colors, & little details to design your own pair. Even though I didn't do the workshop, it was interesting to learn that they offer a hands-on experience where you can actually make your own espadrilles w/ guidance from artisans.
Glad I popped in while exploring it's 1 of those places that catches your attention even if you're just window shopping. Maybe next time when I'm not pressed for time & it's not so late in day I'll pick something up or participate in the workshop. read more