Stories from Menorca
Craft, culture, and the art of slow living — from the sun-bleached shores of the Mediterranean.
The abarca is one of Menorca's most recognisable objects, but its simplicity often hides the work behind it. Making an abarca is a slow, manual process that has changed little over time, rooted in practicality and local knowledge rather than industrial efficiency.
It starts with sole
Traditionally, the sole of an abarca was made from recycled tyre rubber. This material was easy to source, durable, and well suited to the rocky terrain of Menorca. While modern production often uses new rubber that meets today's quality and safety standards, the principle remains the same: a flexible but resistant sole designed for daily wear.
The rubber is cut by hand into the familiar shape of the abarca, slightly wider at the front to allow the foot to rest naturally.
Cutting thr leather
The upper part of the abarca is made from a single piece of leather. This leather is selected for strength and comfort rather than perfection — small natural marks are often left visible.
Using metal patterns, the leather is cut into shape. This piece will eventually cover the front of the foot and form the distinctive open toe. Precision matters here: a few millimetres can affect both comfort and fit.
We don’t design to impress. We design to express — naturally, honestly, and without excess.
Stiching the pieces togather
Once the sole and upper are ready, they are joined together. This step is done by stitching the leather directly to the sole, traditionally by hand and, in some workshops today, with the help of specialised sewing machines.
The stitching is visible and intentional. It reinforces the structure of the shoe and is one of the details that gives abarcas their recognisable look.
Adding the heal strap
The heel strap, another defining feature of the abarca, is cut separately and attached to the sides of the sole. Its job is simple: to hold the foot in place while allowing easy movement.
The strap is designed to flex and adapt over time, becoming more comfortable the more the abarca is worn.
Finishing and Inspection
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A shoe shaped by us
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