ABOUT

The huaraches (sandals) are an original Mexican footwear which are made by Mexican artisans in the Mexican states of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Michoacán, Yucatan and others. The origins of the huaraches are not certain since they pre-date Spanish colonization of Mexico and most of the history of such products was destroyed after the conquest. The name huaraches derives from the Tarascan word kwarachi from the Purépecha people of Jalisco. The shoes were worn by farmer field workers and indigenous communities. However, the huaraches have been changing throughout the years with a variety of unique woven styles. As result of the changes in the styles of the huaraches, their popularity increased during the twentieth century when the style of the huaraches changed with a rubber sole made from tires which is more durable. Therefore, making it from durable material such as leather and rubber helped preserve the durability of the shoe. Even though the huaraches had a popular demand at the beginning of its production, their popularity has declined in many areas where they used to be popular since people have inclined to aesthetic rather than the durability of the shoe in the latest decades. The prices of the huaraches vary from $50 ($2.48 USD) to $150 ($12.40 USD) Mexican pesos. 

Unfortunately, “huaraches” became the word of choice for the brand Nike for a name of their sneakers, which became one of the most popular sneakers for the American brand. And nowadays people only know huaraches because of Nike and not because of the Mexican huaraches (sandals).  

—Label written by Xavier Checo

ORIGIN
Mexico

APPROXIMATE DATE
20th/21st Century and Earlier

MATERIALS
Leather