Here comes the sun. You know it’s summer when you don’t need to wear socks anymore. And if you love shoes and in particular sandals, you’ll be thrilled with the huge selection at Alpargatería La Concepción. But the store has the proper footwear for every season. All handmade in manufactures on the Balearic Islands or the peninsula.

Among the all-time classics are the plain alpargatas made of linen and jute. The comfortable Mediterranean sandals, also known as espadrilles, are equally popular by men and women and young and old. They come in many colors and patterns, with long ribbons, platform soles and even heels. And they make you feel like walking on sunshine, right away.

Another exceptionally precious model for women are the ibicencas. A beautiful light espadrille from Ibiza, made of fine woven hemp. And then there are the avarcas, the traditional leather sandal which we like to associate with Mallorca. However, they originally come from Menorca, where they are still being made.

And indeed, it was a young woman from Mallorca’s little sister island who opened Alpargatería La Concepción in Palma in 1940. When she retired from the business at the age of 80, her longtime colleague María Visitación took over. Today, her daughter Aurora assists her in the emblematic store. Both welcoming customers from all over the world, celebrities, royals and Mallorca aficionados like Michelle Obama.

What alpargatas are to summer, babutxes are to winter. The traditionell Mallorcan leather slippers are still made in Inca. They keep your feet nicely warm and cozy on cold autumn and winter days.

Read more about Mallorcan shoes and Palma’s unique Emblematic Stores.