On warm mornings in Menorca, when the sun slowly illuminates the stone paths and the salty breeze blows in from the sea, local craftsmen would begin their day with an important task: creating shoes capable of withstanding anything. This is how the abarcas came into being.
The first models were handmade from natural leather with sturdy soles, designed to withstand hot sand, sharp stones and long days spent outdoors. They combined practicality, craftsmanship and knowledge passed down from generation to generation.
Originally created to meet the needs of local people and rural life, abarcas gradually outgrew their practical purpose. From being traditional footwear on the island, they became a distinctive symbol of Menorca and part of the cultural identity of the Balearic Islands.
The artisanal process continues to this day. Traditional techniques are still passed down from generation to generation, whilst modern design and new materials lend the abarcas lightness, comfort and versatility. The result is footwear that lends itself naturally to both everyday life and more special occasions, from a stroll along the beach to a night out.
Over time, the abarcas made their way off the streets of Menorca and found their place far beyond the island. They became a recognisable feature of Mediterranean style: unpretentious, elegant and authentically genuine..
To this day, every step taken in abarcas embodies the spirit of the Balearic Islands: a sense of freedom, a connection with nature and respect for tradition.
Because sometimes, it is the simplest things that leave the deepest impression.
It was precisely the history of the abarcas that inspired us to create Baleari, a brand born out of our love for the Balearic Islands, their culture and the unpretentious Mediterranean way of life.
Inspired by the authenticity of tradition, we have created our own sense of style: light, natural and contemporary, yet always respectful of our roots.
Baleari is our way of bringing the spirit of the islands with us every step of the way.