The story of the alpargata began thousands of years ago, as it is believed the alpargata is a descendant of the Egyptian sandal. Around 1830, Basque immigrants to Argentina introduced a lightweight canvas shoe that became the alpargata. Rural workers loved the comfort and versatility of alpargatas, but we can thank the gauchos—those lonely, mythical, nomadic characters—for spreading the popularity of the shoe. In their travels throughout Patagonia, El Litoral, and the High Andes, the gauchos walked on foot and rode on horseback…always wearing alpargatas.

As time passed, alpargatas became a popular and important part of the Porteño wardrobe and spread to other cities besides Buenos Aires. The alpargata, traditionally made only in black or white, became the everyday shoe for Argentina. For people who valued a breathable and glove-like shoe, the alpargata was the perfect fit.

But while alpargatas were comfortable, they lacked a certain zest. And that got three friends thinking: why not make alpargatas with a twist, using fun colors and patterns? So that’s what they did. In 2007 they started making PAEZ and, with the help of other friends, bought their own production facilities in San Martín, a suburb of Buenos Aires. Our shoes are made there, always under strict no-sweatshop standards, ensuring fair labor practices and minimal environmental impact. In the last three years, PAEZ shoes have spread from Argentina and are now sold on five continents.

PAEZ has fought the trend to move manufacturing overseas. Unlike TOMS Shoes and some of our other competitors, we continue to make 100% of our alpargatas where they began—in Argentina. And who better to make an authentic Argentine casual shoe than the Argentine people who love them so much?

We at PAEZ offer you the real deal: the authentic Argentine alpargata. PAEZ makes it possible for you to enjoy both function and fashion, adding chic Buenos Aires design and flair to the beloved shoe created in South America almost two centuries ago. We at PAEZ encourage you to become part of the rich history of the alpargata and to enjoy the world around you—wherever your PAEZ may take you!

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