How to Tell the Difference Between Handmade and Industrial Avarcas

By Vidalma Fet a Mà · Sabadell, Barcelona

Every summer, thousands of people look for a good pair of Menorcan avarcas. But not all sandals sold as “handmade” are truly handcrafted. Do you really know what you’re buying?

In this article, we’ll show you how to distinguish genuine handmade avarcas from mass-produced ones — so you can buy with confidence.

1. Look at the sole: the first big clue

Traditional Menorcan avarcas are made with recycled tire soles. This has been one of the defining features of Menorcan footwear for decades. The texture feels slightly rough, flexible, and highly durable.

Industrial sandals usually use synthetic rubber or PVC soles, which are smoother, stiffer, and far less durable. In summer heat, they tend to warp or come apart.

How to check: turn the sandal over and look at the texture. If you can recognize the characteristic tire tread pattern, that’s a good sign.

2. The leather: quality you can feel

A handmade avarca uses premium natural leather — cowhide, nubuck, or suede. It feels soft, flexible, and breathable. Over time, it adapts perfectly to your foot and actually improves with wear.

Industrial versions often use split leather (the lower layers of the hide), synthetic materials, or faux leather. They feel stiffer, smell like plastic, and can irritate the skin with sweat and heat.

Tip: gently bend the upper leather. Quality leather returns to its shape without creasing. Synthetic materials stay wrinkled.

3. The stitching: handmade or factory-made

In a handmade avarca, the stitching is consistent but not mechanically perfect — and that’s exactly what makes it special. Every stitch reflects the work of skilled hands.

Industrial sandals have overly uniform machine stitching, thinner threads, and weaker bonding between the upper and sole. Over time, they are more likely to fray or separate.

Pay attention to: stitch spacing, thread thickness, and how the edges are finished.

4. The inner finish: where the real difference shows

Lift the insole (if possible) or run your fingers inside the sandal. A handmade avarca has a natural leather lining, smooth edges, and no sharp or rough areas. The insole is both glued and stitched — not simply glued.

Industrial sandals often use synthetic interior materials that peel away with heat, and unfinished edges that rub against the foot.

5. The labeling: transparency matters

An honest artisan brand clearly states where the product is made, what materials are used, and who makes it.

At Vidalma Fet a Mà, every pair carries our signature, and you can know exactly how and where it was made — in our workshop in Sabadell, Barcelona.

Industrial brands often use vague terms like “artisan style” or “Menorcan-inspired” without clearly stating the true origin of the product.

Always ask:

• Where is it made?
• What type of leather is used?

If the answers are unclear, be cautious.

6. Price: an indicator, not a guarantee

A quality handmade avarca usually costs between €45 and €65. That price reflects the real cost of natural materials, skilled craftsmanship, and the time invested in every pair.

If you find “handmade avarcas” for €15 or €20, something doesn’t add up. It’s simply not possible to handcraft natural leather sandals with recycled tire soles at that price.

That said, a high price alone does not guarantee artisanal quality. Some brands charge for the name, not the craftsmanship.

Checklist: how to identify authentic avarcas

Before buying, check these 6 points:

✅ Recycled tire sole
✅ Soft and flexible natural leather
✅ Strong stitching with thick thread
✅ Leather-lined interior
✅ Transparent information about origin and materials
✅ A price consistent with genuine craftsmanship (€45–€65)

Why we do it this way at Vidalma Fet a Mà

In our workshop in Sabadell, we have spent years making handmade Menorcan avarcas using carefully selected leather and recycled tire soles.

Every pair that leaves our workshop has passed through our hands, one by one, following the traditional artisanal process.

We are not the cheapest option. But over the years and many summers later, our customers understand why quality craftsmanship is worth it.

👉 Discover our handmade Menorcan avarcas