Casa Hernanz

A historic espadrilles shop near Plaza Mayor in Madrid. I loved shopping there with the thought that the owners are creating these shoes for 5 generations already. It was quite busy but there was no long queue. It’s best to take pictures outside of the styles you like and then you just show what you want to try on and what size. I got the impression that the staff does not speak English so I had to get by with the little Spanish I know.

Located in the heart of Madrid, this espadrilles store is a true embodiment of contradictions. Offering top-notch quality products and an impressive selection of espadrilles, it's a paradise for those seeking footwear that exudes elegance and style. However, despite its outstanding merchandise, the store's service falls far below expectations, leaving customers disenchanted and frustrated. Regrettably, despite the store's strong emphasis on quality, the service leaves much to be desired. The staff members, seemingly disinterested and indifferent, lack the enthusiasm and knowledge one would expect from a premier establishment. It's not uncommon to encounter long waiting times for assistance, as employees appear more engrossed in their own conversations than in attending to customers. Requests for recommendations or information are often met with a dismissive attitude, leaving shoppers feeling ignored and undervalued.

Such a fun experience!! We went right after they opened (around 9:30) and did not have to wait in a line. However, once we were done, a small line had formed. The experience was very simple and exciting . They had so many more styles and colors than online, so I would for sure recommend visiting in person if you have a chance. We just showed the sales person a photo of the shoes we wanted and told him our size, and he brought us them. I recommend taking a photo of the shoes you would like from either the window or the wall (especially if you do not speak Spanish) and make sure you have your European shoe size on hand. This expedited the process exponentially, instead of trying to describe the shoes we wanted. Our sales associate was able to immediately recognize the shoes from the photo, and grab them for us very quickly. Do not be surprised if the first size you try on does not fit perfectly, and also do not be afraid to ask for sizes larger or smaller. The sales associate we worked with was so kind and brought us multiple different sizes, in multiple different shoe styles, to ensure we left with ones we truly wanted. Most of the shoes were more suited for women, but my brother purchased two pairs of the classic shoes, and probably could’ve have purchase more. While we didn’t have to wait in a line, I would easily wait in order to get these shoes again. The shoes are really easily compactible, so fitting them in luggage was a breeze. I purchased two pairs of sandals, and my brother purchased 2 of the classic shoes and we had no issues. They would make great gifts for the people back home!!! If you want a fun souvenir you will actually use, I would 100% recommend stopping by.

The one thing I wanted from our Madrid trip was espadrilles. We arrived around 10am and had to wait about 15 minutes before we were allowed into the shop. You are then called in and a staff member helps you one-on-one. Tip for non-Spanish speakers: Take photos of the shoes you want in the store window and include the name of the shoe. (See pic example). That helps if you are served by a staff member who doesn’t speak your language. Also, have second choice for colors ready. There’s a huge selection but they may not have your size and color. Well worth the wait and good prices.