The Huarache: A traditional Mexican shoe, Pre-Columbian in origin.
The name “Huarache” derives from the Purépecha language term Kwarachi which directly translates into English as sandal. The original huaraches originate from pueblos in Jalisco, Michoacan, Guanajuato, and Yucatan. These shoes come from poor and peasant communities but were then adopted by religious figures. Early styles were simply woven soles with leather, or even wood soles. In the early 1900s is when rubber car tires started being used for soles which increased the longevity and quality.
Not just any shoe can take the name of an authentic huarache. To be considered authentic it must be handmade and have a woven-leather body. Although the huarache has now moved from just being popular in Mexico, it is now being mass produced in places like China and being sold in American stores. We try to avoid this type of appropriation. Our huaraches are carefully designed and hand made by people in Michoacan. We support our people and we help them, help us.
