Alpargata vs Espadrille vs Loafer: What Is the Difference?
Alpargata vs Espadrille vs Loafer
An alpargata is a casual fabric slip-on, an espadrille is a similar shoe traditionally on a rope sole, and a loafer is a structured leather or suede slip-on. The main differences are the sole, the upper and how dressy they look. LoQo makes all three styles.
- Picks below
- 3 styles
- Price range
- ₹2,499 to ₹3,199
- Shipping
- Free
Side by side
| Alpargata | Espadrille | Loafer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper | Canvas or textured fabric | Canvas or soft upper | Leather or suede |
| Sole | Traditionally rope or jute; LoQo Alpari uses TPR | Braided rope or jute midsole | Firm leather or rubber sole |
| Look | Relaxed, casual | Summery, resort | Smarter, polished |
| Best for | Daily wear, travel | Dry weather, holidays | Office, evenings |
Where the names come from
Alpargata is the Spanish word for the style, and espadrille is the French word for a close cousin. The shoes have Mediterranean roots. The longer history is in What Is an Alpargata Shoe?.
Which should you buy?
Choose an alpargata-style slip-on for daily wear and travel. Choose an espadrille for summer and holiday looks. Choose a loafer when you need to look sharper. If you also wear sneakers, Sneakers vs Alpargatas compares them with alpargatas.
Frequently asked questions
Are alpargatas and espadrilles the same?
They are close cousins. Alpargata is the Spanish name, espadrille the French one. Traditionally both have a rope sole. Modern versions often use rubber soles.
Is a loafer the same as a slip-on?
Not exactly. A loafer is a structured leather or suede slip-on. A slip-on is any laceless shoe, including soft canvas ones.
Does LoQo use rope soles on Alpari shoes?
No. Alpari slip-ons use a flexible TPR sole. The esparto range uses a braided jute midsole.
Which is more comfortable?
It depends on the build. Look for a cushioned insole and a flexible sole in any of the three.
LoQo is a men's footwear brand from Bengaluru, and the picks above are our own range. Prices are in INR, include taxes and were checked in October 2026. Offers change, so confirm on the product page.