Things You Should Know about Huarache Sandals

Introduction

Huarache sandals are popular throughout the US and Mexico and have been since around the 1930s, though their history stretches back much farther.
They’re woven leather sandals that come in a variety of colors and styles, and with these details accompanying their versatility, they are worn by people from all sorts of backgrounds, for all sorts of functions.

Let’s examine what Huaraches are, the history behind them, tips for buying and maintaining Huaraches, and how to wear Huaraches.
What Are Huarache Sandals and Their History?
If you live in or around the southwest, you’ve probably seen Huarache sandals in your day-to-day, especially during the warmer months.

Huarache-style sandals are shoes created from woven strips of leather attached to a (usually) leather footbed. They come in a variety of different styles and colors, so Huarache sandals can mesh with several style types.

Though they’re stylish in today’s world, they’re far from new creations, as Huarache sandals date back several centuries, to the Pre-Columbian era in Mexico. Though they didn’t become popular in the US until the 1930s, they have a rich history of function on top of style.

How To Make Huaraches

Huarache sandals are relatively simple creations, composed of several leather strips (though some comparative products are made from rope or hemp cord) and a leather or rubber sole.

Creating a sole for the Huarache sandal involves tracing the wearer’s foot size or working with a size template. With a proper size template, Huarache makers can trace and cut out the right sole shape from the material being used. From there, the maker punctures the sole to attach the leather strips, then weaves them together in intricate sandal patterns.

Once the strips are weaved properly and attached to the sole, the strips are tied off so that they do not come undone and the shoe is complete.

Though creating Huarache sandals is a simple process, many wearers choose to purchase artisan-made Huaraches. Not only is the quality incredibly high in professionally hand-woven shoes, but there is a respect to tradition in wearing this type of Huarache sandal.

How To Wear and Style Your Huarache Sandals (Men and Women)

Part of what makes Huarache sandals so popular is their versatility. They do not require a lot of style upgrades to wear and can be switched out for the wearer’s regular shoes or sandals. They ‘go’ with everything, especially when Huarache wearers choose vegetable-dyed leather colors that match the colors they commonly wear.

However, wearing Huarache sandals can be a good reason behind changing up the wearer’s clothing style as well. While they fit with practically any outfit, they can create a great opportunity to try new fashions.

During the summer, they can be worn with light fabrics, and during mild spring and fall weather, they can be worn with casual apparel (jeans, slacks, chinos, skirts, etc.).

How To Choose the Best Size for Your Huarache Sandal

Huarache sandals are designed to fit close to the foot, being that the woven leather strips foster shoe mobility. They’re supposed to hug the foot closely and provide superior ventilation so that the wearer does not need to wear socks with them.

Because of this detail, many wearers find that they need Huarache sandals that are either half a size or a full size smaller than their standard shoe size.

For individuals shopping for leather Huarache sandals online, trying sandals on may not be an option. In these situations, it’s advisable to purchase half a size smaller than the wearer’s standard shoe. Be sure to shop from stores that offer easy exchanges, just in case sizing needs to be reduced further.

How To Buy the Best Huarache Sandal, 4-5 Things To Consider/Question Before Buying

Huarache sandals fit a variety of styles on top of being highly functional shoes. They come in several subtypes and colors, which means that before choosing a pair for the first time, there are a few things that potential buyers should consider.

In order to be sure that the best ethical and style-related choice is being made, it’s good to ask the following questions before committing to a purchase.

• What is the weather like where I live?
  The Huarache sandal is breathable, flexible, and can be worn throughout most of the year, especially in warm climates. However, if your area is particularly wet during certain seasons, you’ll need to maintain your sandals a little more thoroughly than wearers in dry areas. Leather Huarache sandals are not intended to get wet often so as not to wear down the quality of the material.
• Do I want an open-toe or closed-toe shoe?
  Huarache-style sandals come in both the open-toe and closed-toe variety, so depending on the function the shoe is supposed to fit, one decision may be more appropriate than another. For example, if the wearer’s workplace or school requires closed-toe shoes, then this type of shoe will be the appropriate choice.
• Do I want men’s style or women’s style Huaraches?
  Huarache sandals come in styles that fit all gender identities and expressions and both men’s leather Huaraches and women’s leather Huaraches come in a variety of sizes, including shoes that are designed to fit wider feet.
• What is my budget for Huarache sandals?
  Huarache shoppers often seek to save money when buying Huarache sandals, but the best way to get the most out of what the buyer pays for is to buy a high-quality product. Cheap Huaraches will wear down or fall apart relatively quickly, which means the wearer will need to purchase a new pair before long. Buying a high-quality pair of sandals will ensure that the single investment lasts for years rather than months.
• How can I respect the culture and history behind Huarache sandals?
  Huarache sandals are more than just a fashionable shoes for the people who make them. They’re a tribute to Mexican history and as such, Huarache sandals should be purchased from the artisans who have been hand-weaving these products for ages. For an authentic experience, hand-made Mexican Huaraches are the way to go.

Best 5 Huarache Sandals (Men and Women, Use Brand X Huarache Products)

For shoppers who are unsure which shoes they’d like to try, take a look at the 5 Best Huarache Sandals available at Brand X today.

1. Men’s Ranchero Huaraches
   Open-toed Huarache sandals that come in a variety of natural vegetable-dyed colors and sizes. They’re a durable, flexible summer shoe.
2. Women’s Fisherman Huaraches
   These sandals are made from thick bands of woven leather for extra breathability. They come in a natural deep brown color and have a variety of sizes available.
3. Men’s Huarache Boots
   Closed-toe leather boot-like sandals that come in several natural colors and a variety of sizes. They’re perfect for workplace wear.
4. Women’s Huarache Boots-Phoenix
   This version of women’s Huarache boots is available on clearance for added savings opportunities. They come in a variety of both natural and vibrant colors.
5. Women’s Playa Huarache- Gladiator Sandals
   This version is a fun, bold style of Huarache that includes wrap-around ties that adorn the legs. They’re available in a variety of sizes and come in a soft tan color.

Pros and Cons of Huarache Sandals

A leather Huarache sandal is typically a simple, straightforward choice when it comes to summertime shoes. However, to make the choice easier for shoppers, take a look at the pros and cons of owning and wearing Huarache sandals.

Pros of Huaraches

• Breathability without the need for socks
• Flexibility when it comes to style combinations
• Durability
• Cultural significance
• Affordability: a single pair of hand-made sandals can last a wearer for years

Cons of Huaraches

• Can be difficult to size at first
• Need to be “broken-in” initially (due to stiffness of fresh leather)
• Need maintenance in damp climates (to protect the leather)
• Leather-made which may exclude vegan purchases

FAQ

Do you have to get a size up in Huaraches?
Usually no, sizing Huaraches generally requires the opposite. Most buyers purchase a pair of sandals that are either half a size or a full size smaller than their standard shoe size.

How do you “break-in” Huaraches?
Wearing the sandals and moving significantly will break in a pair of Huaraches, but wearers can break them in by placing a damp (not wet) sock or piece of newspaper into the shoes to stretch the leather naturally as well.

What can you wear with Huaraches?
Huaraches are highly versatile sandals and can be worn with practically anything: jeans, slacks, shorts, skirts, rompers, suits, and more.

Do Huaraches stretch out?
Yes, Huaraches sandals stretch out after the first couple of times wearing them. Leather is a bit stiff at first naturally, so the sandals will indeed stretch after being worn.

Can Huaraches get wet?
Because Huaraches are made from woven leather, it is not advisable to get them wet. Excessive moisture breaks down leather and can cause the woven strips to tear.

Are Huaraches comfortable?
Huarache sandals are very comfortable and breathable. They do not require the wearer to have a pair of socks on, but they also keep the foot well ventilated to prevent sweat and odor.

Conclusion
Huarache sandals are not only fashionable summertime shoes, but they’re also historically and culturally significant when it comes to honoring Mexican artisans. They have been around for centuries and have gone from being mostly functional shoes to style choices throughout Mexico and the US.

They can be worn as an accessory with any outfit type and can accommodate practically any functional purpose and size requirement.

Hand-made Huarache sandals are the best choice of purchase, being that Mexican artisans that create Huaraches do so with quality in mind. Hand-made sandals last longer than those made in factories, the dyes are natural, and the hand-woven shoe choice is respectful to the history behind the popular sandal type.

Brand X Huaraches meet all of the shoe requirements that buyers could hope for. Our sandals are designed to suit both men and women, satisfy several desired style additions, and last for years when properly maintained. They’re affordable, authentic, and versatile.