Manoletinas: the origin of their name

Perhaps there is no shoe more made in Spain than the ballet flats. This feminine and comfortable footwear has become a fashion essential. They adapt to any taste or style, and we can find them in different colors, prints or even fabrics. 

Continue reading and discover the origin of ballet flats, a story in which fashion and bullfighting go hand in hand.

Difference between ballet flats and ballerinas

Flats and ballet flats are very similar footwear, there is no doubt about that. Therefore, it is not strange that within the popular imagination they are confused. There are many people who do not know how to differentiate them and call a dancer a manoletina, and vice versa.

Therefore, if they ask you how these two shoes are different, you should check your sole. The flats have a thicker sole and, inclusive, they can even wear a wedge or heel; On the other hand, ballerinas are much thinner and more flexible.

And as you can see, these shoes are not the same, nor are they the same as the Mary Janes. For more information, do notaxes to read this post about differences between ballet flats, ballet flats and Mary Janes, sure you're interested!

Characteristics of ballet flats

Before knowing the origin of ballet flats, it is important to know the main characteristics of this shoe:

• Closed shoe: Flats are a type of shoe without closures that normally have a rounded toe; although there are also other models of ballet flats with square toes, for example. 
• Sole: They are usually flat shoes, but there are types of flats that have a heel or wedge. 
• Comfort: One of the main characteristics of ballet flats is their comfort. This flexible closed shoe adapts very well to the foot and therefore becomes an alternative to court shoes.
• Versatility: Whether you are looking for outfit Classic as well as modern, elegant or informal, flat shoes are your solution. And they go with any look and situation, they are ideal!
• Miscellaneous: Different colors, fabrics, prints, styles, with or without heels... the possibilities are almost endless. The ballet flats go with any look.

Manolete, the most famous bullfighter

Manuel Laureano Rodríguez Sánchez, better known as Manolete, is one of the most famous characters of the first half of the 20th century in our country. The matador, famous in Spain at that time, also had a legendary ending: he died after being gored in Linares (Jaén), which made Manolete's story still known today.

But this post is not about bullfighting, but about fashion. Manolete has been a milestone in the art of bullfighting, but also in that of footwear. In fact, as you can imagine, the origin of the name of the manoletinas comes from the name of this same bullfighter. 

And Manolete used these shoes during bullfights, a practice that is still visible in our times. But it wasn't then, since espadrilles were used.

History of the ballet flats

In 1940, due to Manolete's demand for comfortable and resistant footwear for being in the sand, he had a variant of the ballet flats made for him. A matador's shoes that they would achieve that stability so necessary for the task. Indeed, this is how ballet flats were born in our country.

And his success went beyond the square. Years later, the designer Manuel Rodríguez Sánchez made this footwear popular among the female gender, thanks to its comfort and flexibility. The acceptance was so great that, since then, women in Spain have this essential in their wardrobe. 

Did you find the origin of ballet flats curious? If you want to get this must for your wardrobe, stop by the online store of Defloresyfloreros! And take your look by the horns. Olé!