The commonest footwear for shepherds and labourers.

Menorca’s most traditional footwear is called the avarca. It is a sandal with a coutchouc sole and a leather instep with a strap at the heel made of the same material. Formerly they were worn by shepherds and labourers, now they are worn by their kings and queens.

The avarca was the footwear worn by rural Menorcans, who were made up in the main of pastors (shepherds) and missatgers (labourers). The sole is made of tyre, the insole is made of open stitch leather and it has a strap that is attached to the heel.

Formerly the sole was made out of used tyres and the rest of the sandal was made out of pigs or cows hide with the fur on the outside. They were of course very rustic and only came in the original colour of the skin.

Today they are made in all colours and in different designs and, although they are usually made of cows hide, they can also be found in material, woven esparto grass or plaited raffia. There is even a seasonal fashion tendency which this year favours patterns and last year die-stamping.

The decorations that adorn these avarques (in plural) range from flowers to ladybirds among other motifs. The pyro-engraved sargantana (lizard) with the body on the left sandal and the tail on the right sandal has also been very popular. 

They are made from size 18 and the smaller sizes have a microporous sole (rubber air-cushioned) to make them lighter. There is also a hand-made eco-friendly line, using recycled tyre soles.

The popularity of this shoe has increased dramatically in the last few years. Among the loyal followers of this fashion is Queen Sofia, who usually sports avarques on her holidays in Mallorca.

The heavy demand for these shoes has made Menorcan shoemakers traditionally dedicated to more upmarket styles of shoe include this fashion in their latest designs.

This kind of sandal can be found in many shoe shops but you should be sure that they are indeed authentic Menorcan avarques. Apparently only those that come from here fit properly at the heel.

Menorcan avarques are made in Es Mercadal, Alaior, Ciutadella and Ferreries. They are sold in shoe shops all over the Balearic Islands.

Length: 2´45 min.

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