Make Authentic Espadrilles in San Juan
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 1 minute
Mobile ticket
San Juan's #1 Espadrilles Experience!
Explore the history of the traditional Espadrilles, stitch your own pair and take it home as the most amazing souvenir.
Reviewed as a once-in-a-lifetime experience by more than 10,000 guests. Awarded Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice in 2021 & 2023. A must-do in Barcelona according to BuzzFeed, The New York Times & many more.
We will meet at our workshop filled with materials, tools and products. This is where you become an insider on the history of this humble people's shoe that evolved into a major fashion trend.
Together with master artisans you will craft your own pair of Espadrilles. Handpicking out of 100k+ different combinations, you will chose the size of the base, the stitching style and the color and type of the laces, you will learn the different ways to lace them up!
At the end, you will feel like a true artisan. You'll get a wearable memory of San Juan (hardly available to visitors) and a really cool story to tell. Are you ready?
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Calle De La Fortaleza
We will first meet at the Entrance Hall of the Handmade Shop where we will learn about the humble origins of this shoe that today is considered a luxury item in the fashion world.
Calle De La Fortaleza
Then we will learn about the different traditional materials and we will choose the different colors, sizes and styles.
Options
CLASSIC EDITION
Duration: 2 hours
PREMIUM EDITION
Workshop Masterclass Duration: 2 hours High heel, wedge or platform
What‘s Included
Champagne, juice and water
Shoemaking tools
snacks and nuts
30 USD/pax for free flow of cava and extra food
Upgrade your experience for a premium base (wedge, heel or platform)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
19 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Such a fun experience!
Asha B,Feb 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had such a lovely time in this workshop! Learning about the history, having a great conversation with the ladies teaching the workshop, taking the time to sit down for a bit and craft something beautiful that we can take home and use was so much more meaningful than buying more commercialized stuff on a vacation. Plus - the espadrilles are so comfy!
Customize your own espadrilles!
Cynthia C,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A fun activity to do in San Juan! The espadrilles are great quality and if you enjoy crafting with friends, it's a fun activity to do with friends or family!
Our Favorite!
Amanda O,Jan 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our whole family enjoyed this experience. My 12 year old son has been wearing his espadrilles every day since! The history, skills taught, snacks, and cava made it even better!
Amazing!
Lisa M,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Friendly, fun, extremely talented staff. It was such a fun unique experience and so much fun. It was so fun to get creative and leave with a wonderful wearable souvenir.
Did this with my 16 year...
Jennifer M,Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Did this with my 16 year old daughter. We travel a lot and this was spectacular! She voiced how much fun she had numerous times! So did I!
Loved this experience
Tara G,Aug 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I came with my sister and a friend. Two of us made shoes and the other a bag. We had such a wonderful time. I was worried cause I am not particularly good at crafting. The staff were so helpful and made the experience so light and fun. It was a great way to spend some quality time together and enjoy this beautiful island.
Fun and educational experience
joyce w,Aug 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00So glad we chose this workshop while in San Juan PR! Our group was small and we had a lot of attention from our Hostess Sabina. We learned the history of espadrilles and left satisfied with our custom designed and hand made shoes at the end of our experience!
Fun, Hands-On, and Totally Worth It!
Shori A,May 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The espadrilles workshop was such a fun and memorable experience! Fernando was incredibly nice and knowledgeable—he guided us through every step and even helped me pick the perfect color for my shoes. I loved the hands-on aspect and learning about the craft. It was a unique way to spend time in Puerto Rico, and I walked away with something I made myself! I would definitely do it again the next time I’m on the island. WOULD RECOMMEND TO EVERYONE!
Rico with a unique souvenir that you make yourself
vauncea,Mar 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an amazing opportunity to learn about the culture of the shoes and actually make your own shoes. It’s right in the back of the shoe shop itself, but we had no problems with hearing the presenter. We had numerous colors of the ribbon to choosefor shoes. We did the flatter Espidrillas, that’s what comes with the $139 package but you should know the upgrades are pretty cool shoes. They also have a gym shoe that you can upgrade to.
Great afternoon!
Sherpa60422781069,Dec 30, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the best time!!! I made shoes with my 3 young adult daughters. The women assisting us were fun, knowledgeable, very patient and so kind. We recommend this activity to anyone who enjoys shoes, being crafty, or just wants a fun small group activity.
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