Understanding the History of Mexican Huarache Sandals

1. Understanding the History of Mexican Huarache Sandals Mexican huarache shoes are a favorite during the summer months. They’re versatile, comfortable, and allow air to flow freely. But often the ones found in the USA are cheap imitations of the original. They’re usually imported from China and made using cheap leather that’s glued together. In contrast, authentic Mexican huarache sandals that you will find from brands like Brand X Huaraches are made using vegetable-tanned leather and are handcrafted by Mexican artisans. To learn more about the rich history of Mexican huarache sandals, read on: Where Did Huaraches Originate? It is believed that huaraches originated around the Mexican states of Jalisco, Michoacán, and Yucatan and were popularly used by Mexican farmworkers pre-dating European colonization. The name comes from the Tarascan language, commonly spoken by the Purépecha community in Jalisco. Initially, farmers used whatever materials were available. The most basic huarache design used leather uppers woven through the holes in the sole. Because of the Spanish occupation, Europeans introduced new materials to use to make sandals. Instead of artisans using untanned deer leather, European-style tanned cow leather was used and became the most popular choice for huaraches. How Did Mexican Huarache Sandals Evolve? Through the 1930s, rubber soles were used for the Mexican sandals as rubber car tires become popularly used in the transportation industry. These were cheap, effective, and less complex to make. Gradually, two types of Mexican huarache shoes emerged: the simple and cheaper ones worn by the poor and the fancy ones sold to middle and upper-class city dwellers. How Popular Are Mexican Huarache Sandals Today? Mexican huaraches are popular in the United States and North America mainly because of the hippie movement in the 1960s. But even today, huaraches are worn, especially during the summer month. Generally, huaraches today are cheap and made using inferior materials. But a few companies like Brand X Huaraches are looking to change this. They work with local Mexican artisans who have been weaving Mexican sandals for generations and incorporate designs created in California. The sandals are made using high-quality, vegetable-tanned leather. The upper is handstitched to the outsole instead of glued like the many cheap Mexican sandalscommonly available. They are also easy to style. You can pair them with jeans, cargo shorts, or even flowy summer dresses. At Brand X Huaraches, you can choose from a range of huaraches available in different colors and designs. Author Bio: The author loves exploring Mexico’s pre-colonial culture and has written exclusively about the art and fashion of the period, including Mexican sandals. 1