La Manual Alpargatera

"Like Antigua Casa Crespo in Madrid, La Manual is where you want to go for authentic Spanish espadrilles. With roots that go back to the Spanish Civil War, it’s really no wonder the handmade slip-ons, slides, lace-ups, and wedges have amassed a cult-like following among locals. Tourists tend to get a little overwhelmed at the sight of floor-to-ceiling cubbies packed with shoes, but at under $50 a pop, leaving with multiple pairs is totally justifiable. "

"La Manual Alpargatera, a living room–size espadrille workshop, is such a flurry of activity that it reminds you of a Disney animation—the fairy godmothers scurrying about getting Cinderella ready for the ball. Or, in your case, a stylish day of city strolling. The store sits proudly down an old-town side street between the Cathedral and Las Ramblas. It’s traditional-looking, inside and out, and a real institution on the historic Barcelona shopping scene." - Gemma Askham