Bayona shoe boxes stacked in the workshop

Company founded in 1890

Bayona, a Basque espadrille manufacturer since 1890

From Jules Victor’s workshop in Bidache to the collections featured by Chanel, Rykiel, and Saint Laurent—135 years of a single legacy. This is what Bayona is all about: how long it’s been around, and where it all began.

Wooden chest filled with Bayona sneakers and Mary Janes

Company founded in 1890

Bayona, a Basque espadrille manufacturer since 1890

Close-up of khaki espadrilles and their braided rope soles
Close-up of khaki espadrilles and their braided rope soles

Company founded in 1890

Bayona, a Basque espadrille manufacturer since 1890

Bayona lace-up espadrilles with a wedge heel, made of beige suede calfskin and displayed on a wooden box

Company founded in 1890

Bayona, a Basque espadrille manufacturer since 1890

Our Craftsmanship

The Lineage

Wooden chest filled with Bayona sneakers and Mary Janes

1890

The story begins in Bidache, in the Adour Valley, when Jules Victor founded a small artisan workshop. After his workdays in the quarries, he would make espadrilles by hand.

This focus on movement, effort, and precision forms the foundation of Bayona’s identity.

Bayona Black Wedge Espadrilles with Workshop-Style Design

1922

Over the decades, the family-run workshop expanded. In 1922, Jules Victor’s sons settled in Bayonne and established the company in the city from which it takes its name.

Bayona has established himself as a leader in the field, recognized for the quality of his work and his consistently high standards.

Bayona lace-up espadrilles with a wedge heel, made of beige suede calfskin and displayed on a wooden box

1970

In the 1970s, the fashion house collaborated with Sonia Rykiel, Coco Chanel, and Yves Saint Laurent.

The espadrille is stepping out of the summer wardrobe to become a fashion staple in its own right. This is the period when a workwear item made its way into Parisian fashion houses.

Pair of Bayona men's espadrilles in taupe canvas

2006

Committed to this legacy, Pierre Larralde, a former employee of the company, bought the brand with the intention of preserving it.

His son Nicolas grew up in the midst of this world, in the family shop on Rue Gambetta in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, developing a keen understanding of the products and customers’ expectations from a very early age.

Woman wearing beige Bayona wedge espadrilles

2016

In 2016, Nicolas and Alexandra took over the brand together with a clear goal: to evolve the espadrille without ever losing sight of its roots.

They now design their collections from Saint-Jean-de-Luz.

Where can you find Bayona today?

The collections are designed in Saint-Jean-de-Luz and manufactured in Spain, in workshops that specialize in espadrilles. They are available online, in our store, and at our retailers.

Bayona espadrilles arranged in their wooden box with tissue paper

All of our espadrilles

Women's and men's, from traditional styles to wedges.

View the collections
Bayona Espadrille Store

Our Store

Saint-Jean-de-Luz.

Visit Us
plain espadrille - plain espadrille - Bayona

Our Resellers

A selection of stores in France and abroad.

Find a retail location

How a Bayona espadrille is made

The materials, construction, sole, and hand-stitching: the entire process is described on the “Craftsmanship” page.

Expertise

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the history of the Bayona brand?

Bayona is a brand of espadrilles founded in 1890, specializing in the production of handcrafted espadrilles inspired by Basque tradition.

Who runs the Bayona company today?

Nicolas and Alexandra took over the brand in 2016. They design the collections from Saint-Jean-de-Luz, continuing the legacy of the fashion house acquired by Pierre Larralde.

What sets the Bayona brand apart from other espadrille brands?

Bayona combines traditional craftsmanship, carefully selected materials, and contemporary design, all while preserving the distinctive character of Basque espadrilles.

Is Bayona a premium espadrille brand?

Yes. Bayona positions itself as a brand of premium handcrafted espadrilles, with a particular focus on materials, craftsmanship, and comfort.