Avarcas.

"The avarca (, plural avarques) is a type of sandal popular in the Balearic Islands (Spain), especially Minorca. The shoes are made using a leather upper and a rubber sole.
Avarca is a traditional sandal originally developed in Minorca in the Balearic Islands. They were originally made from a leather upper and with the sole made from a recycled car tyre. Nowadays however the soles are made in the style of a car tyre but from a purpose made mould. These are hard wearing and much lighter in weight than the original car tyre sole.
Only original avarca manufacturers are granted with the label " Avarca de Menorca ". This label is granted by local Government and guarantees that avarcas accomplishes minimum quality standards and avarcas are really manufactured in Minorca island."


These sandals have come a long way from the version worn by farm workers in the fields, made from a single strip of leather and an offcut of an old tyre. Now they are high fashion items (price to match) and in an ever increasing variety of colours and designs. I love them and have several pairs already, but can't resist a peek at this year's fashions. If you visit the island, this is a must-have souvenir.