It was in 2017 that I first felt the tug of the huarache sandal. They were popping up on the feet of lifestyle, granola-type bloggers everywhere, and I loved the aesthetic of a closed-toe shoe while still falling under the category of “sandal” with its woven craftsmanship. I finally purchased my first pair of huaraches in April of 2020, and I pretty much haven’t taken them off since.
To kick off the summer, I want to pay tribute to the huarache – a shoe that says, “I’m put together, but I still like to feel the sand between my toes.” A shoe that begs to explore old-world cobblestone streets and can take you from running errands to happy hour without having to run home to change first.
History of the Huarache Sandal
Huarache (wa-ra-chay) sandals originate from Mexico, dating back to the pre-Columbian era, also known as the pre-contact era – an indigenous time before European influence and conquest. The term “huarache” is derived from the word “kwarachi” of the Purépecha language, which directly translates to “sandal” in English. So forgive me for every time I write “huarache sandal” as I’m basically saying “sandal sandal.”
Originally, huaraches were worn in farming communities and made of all-leather construction, hand-woven into a braid-like pattern. They served as work shoes for farmers due to their durability, breathability, and ease of repair. If a strap broke, it was easy to remove the broken strand and weave a new strand in its place.
Up until this point, huaraches were seen as peasant shoes, worn primarily by Mexican farmhands who had immigrated into the States to work the land. That was until the rise of the Chicano Movement – a movement in which Mexican-Americans fought against racial segregation to be recognized as equal to white Americans and gain civil rights. During this time, Mexican-Americans began to reclaim racial slurs and items of segregation, wearing them with pride. This included reclaiming the title of “Chicano,” which had been a slur up to that point, and proudly wearing traditional huaraches as a sign of resistance and affirmation of their culture.
American rogue Jack Kerouac paid homage to huaraches in his 1957 book On the Road. “My shoes, damn fool that I am, were Mexican huaraches, plant-like sieves not fit for the rainy night of America and the raw road night.” Huaraches also found their way into other beatnik and jazz circles, becoming an underground symbol of nonconformity.
By the 1960s, the Chicano Movement gained full power alongside other civil rights movements of the time, and the huarache’s popularity grew with it. Chicano student activists wore huaraches to university, where they gained mainstream popularity among the broader American youth, most notably among hippies and California surfers. The Beach Boys even immortalized them in their 1964 hit “Surfin’ USA”:
If everybody had an ocean
Across the U.S.A.
Then everybody’d be surfin’
Like Californi-a
You’d seem ’em wearing their baggies
Huarachi sandals too
A bushy bushy blonde hairdo
Surfin’ U.S.A.
I’m often stopped by aging, salty-types when they see my huaraches and tell me about how they used to wear them “back in the day.” To which I hope they realize the good old days are still alive and well.
Where to Find Huaraches
Huaraches have evolved since the pre-contact days, and along with them have emerged different styles. Some may be open-toe, while others are more of a completely closed-in shoe. Some include ankle straps, others are more of a slide. While different stylings are part of their appeal, to be considered a true blue huarache, it must be handmade. While soles may be made of rubber or other materials, the upper-woven half of the shoe must be leather.
Why so strict? Because in recent years, Chinese knock-offs have flooded the market. These mass-produced versions often use synthetic materials and machine-made techniques that compromise the integrity and authenticity of traditional huaraches. They may look similar, but they lack the craftsmanship and durability that define a genuine huarache.
Authentic huaraches are crafted with care, often by artisans who have honed their skills over generations. The handwoven leather not only provides a unique, custom fit as it molds to the wearer’s foot over time but also ensures breathability and comfort. The intricate weaving process, which can take hours to complete, is a testament to the artisan’s skill and dedication.
So when you’re in the market for huaraches, look beyond the surface. Seek out brands and makers committed to authenticity and craftsmanship. This way, you ensure that your purchase contributes to the survival of this beautiful tradition and the well-being of the artisans who keep it alive.
My Huarache of Choice – Nisolo
I’ll admit, I’ve only ever worn and purchased one brand of huaraches. My huarache of choice is Nisolo’s Huarache Sandal. While an American brand, they are handmade in Central and South American factories by workers who earn a living wage. They come in both men’s and women’s styles in a variety of colors and have a sleek, pointed-toe look. I can vouch for their durability; mine have held up for over four years of pretty much everyday wear and show no signs of wearing down any time soon.
Another selling point is Nisolo’s commitments to sustainability and the craftspeople who make their shoes. You can read up on the details of Nisolo’s practices yourself, but highlights include:
- Climate Neutral, Leather Working Group and B Corp certifications
- 100% of the people creating products in Nisolo factories earn a living wage
- Transparent reporting on environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices
These values are important in a time where fast fashion rip-offs exploit environmental resources and native working communities. While affordability is a concern for most these days, an authentic pair of huaraches is made to hold up and be repaired easily and cheaply, which in the long run will give you way more bang for your buck.
Brother Vellies
Brother Vellies is another brand focused on ensuring the craft of handmade huaraches is celebrated. Sourced from Michoacán, México, Brother Vellies curates a selection of huaraches and keeps inventory low to maintain authenticity.
Sols
Also hailing from the Michoacán region, Sols carries huarache sandals in a variety of styles and uses a more padded footbed for comfort and long wear. They pride themselves on sustainably sourced materials and provide a living wage for the 42 artisans who craft their shoes, as well as their families.
Espíritu
Finally, I had to include Espíritu. Just like every brand mentioned so far, they focus on the artisans who make their shoes, honoring their craft and supporting them with a living wage. They adhere to huarache tradition, even vegetable tanning each piece of leather.
How to Style Huaraches
Huaraches are fashion unicorns. They can be dressed up or down, styled modern or old-school, and easily add a point of interest to any outfit. They instantly elevate a simple shirt and jeans. I’ve worn my huaraches with everything from simple jean shorts and a tank to flowy sundresses. But there’s something about pairing them with wide-leg linen trousers that feels extra right.
Simple Tee & Jeans
Breezy in Linen
A Splash of Color
Beach Cowboy
The Gentleman’s Huarache
If you need further inspiration, the good people at The Good Trade have put together a huarache inspo quiz to help you out.
Huarache Blog – The Online Authority on All Things Huarache
While I could scour the interwebs for huarache resources, I would be doing you a disservice. Everything you need to know about huaraches can be found over on the Huarache Blog. Markus Kittner, an industrial footwear designer and self-identified “huarachologist,” founded the Huarache Blog to document, preserve, and promote interest in the art of making these fine shoes.
“My aim is to help create an awareness that can lead to re-energizing and sustaining this endangered Mexican craft,” says Kittner.
Huarache sandals are a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional craftsmanship in modern fashion. Their rich history, cultural significance, and stylish versatility make them a must-have in any wardrobe.
