Huaraches, pronounced wah-RAH-chays, have been a staple in Mexican footwear for centuries. Originating from indigenous communities, these sandals were traditionally handcrafted using leather and plant fibers. Each pair was a testament to the artisan’s skill, with intricate weaves and durable construction made to hold up in the fields, the streets, and everywhere in between. The name “huarache” comes from the Purépecha word kwarachi, meaning simply: sandal.
Once known as the “poor man’s shoe” and worn primarily by farmworkers, huaraches slowly made their way into the American consciousness in the early 1940s. By the 1960s, they were a full-blown fashion icon, even earning name-drops in The Beach Boys’ hits Surfin’ U.S.A. and Noble Surfer, solidifying their place in West Coast surf culture.
While we were in Mexico, we found and fell in love with the huarache. Local vendors dotted along the streets, each stall with its own take on the sandal. We picked up a pair that’s now seen over three years of heavy wear and has held up beautifully.
In collaboration with a third-generation, family-owned business in Mexico, we’ve embraced traditional methods of huarache crafting. Each pair of our huaraches is handmade with woven leather uppers ensuring breathability and a snug fit that molds to your foot over time. They’re finished with a thin leather sole, made to pair naturally with tailored pieces like wide beach trousers or gurkha shorts. They wear easy and when broken in become your favorite go-to shoe.
