The Best Places on Menorca to Buy Shoes

If you’re a fan of the espadrille then Boba’s in Mahón is the place to go. The shop is like a shoe version of a sweet shop, with row upon row of bright eye-catching colours, and is Instagram heaven. Local designer Llorenç Pons has created some stunning contemporary versions of the classic rope-soled canvas shoe, in neon colours, patterned fabrics, and in a number of different styles and shapes (some of which are limited edition). A fantastic and inexpensive way to take a piece of Menorcan design home with you.

Homers is a Menorcan family business that has been running for over 40 years. Originally producing high-quality slippers, the business has evolved and they now produce beautifully made leather shoes in a range of styles using mainly traditional artisan methods. All production takes place in the factory in Ciutadella, but the shoes are popular worldwide (particularly in Japan). The brand has a good online presence, but when visiting Menorca, the best place to shop for these stunning shoes, made from exquisitely soft leather, is the shop in Mahón which not only has the current collection, but usually has a sale section for some real bargains.

Opening hours: Monday – Saturday 10am – 1.30pm and 6pm – 9pm

MIBO produces traditional Avaracas (Menorcan sandals) in their factory in Ferreries, where you can watch the soft leather shoes being made on the production line. Not only does the factory shop offer a huge range of the sandals, and often at very reasonable prices, but you can also put in an order for custom-made sandals. Beautiful, buttery soft leather footwear, in your choice of colour and style, fitted specifically to your foot. An opportunity for a genuine Cinderella moment.

Opening hours: Monday – Saturday 9.30am – 2pm and 4pm – 8pm, Sunday 10am – 2pm

For Menorcan sandals in every size, colour, shape, and style imaginable, head to the RIA shop in Ferreries. There is an outlet section for the bargain hunters, and a chance to tour the factory, but its worth a trip just for the main shop itself, as they have a much bigger selection than any other Ria outlet on the island. The brand has been around since the 1940s, and the soft muted colours of the nubuck leather is particularly pleasing to the eye, and the quality of the traditional craftsmanship is excellent. Whether you want classic Avarcas, heeled rope-sole wedges, sandals for your kids, or perhaps a pair of novel felted slipper-sandals, you are unlikely to regret a visit to this huge shop.

Opening hours 9.30am – 8pm Monday – Saturday

If you know that it’s flat ballet-style pumps that you want, and you don’t fancy traipsing to Ferreries to the Mascaró factory shop, there is a branch of Pretty Ballerinas on the harbour in Mahón. The store, with its trademark pastel pink facade, is fairly small but still stocks a good range of the soft leather pumps, as well as a few sandals, loafers and other slip-ons.

To experience a more old-school Menorcan shoe shop, head to C’an Magi in the beautiful town of Ciutadella. Old-fashioned but aesthetically very pleasing, this shop is full to the brim with Menorcan sandals, espadrilles, hiking shoes and other footwear, and the ceiling is hung with an array of handmade baskets. Prices can be a little steep, but there are also boxes and baskets of reduced price items.