About Huarache Blog
Despite the tagline at the top of the page, every now and then readers will ask me for ‘the real reasons’ why I write Huarache Blog?
“¿q proposito tiene en realidad tu blog? Si entiendo q los promuevas pero ¿Con q fin?”
For some it can be difficult to understand why I would be doing Huarache research and promotion for no financial gain. Especially as I am a non Mexican, championing this very Mexican craft which would appear very removed from my culture.
And for others it would probably be still harder understand if they knew that my day job is in fact that of a footwear designer. Something about me I often choose to not disclose as many Huaracheros and Huaracheria owners feel that their craft is also being threatened by the foreign manufacture of Huaraches. My aim is not to take the knowledge of Huarache making away from Mexico. My goal is to bring fresh interest, new ideas and inspiration to help nurture and progress this very special footwear craft that appears to be disappearing and leaving very little trace behind it.
Below is the link to my personal design portfolio and blog :-
Huarache Blog is a personal and unfunded project, for no personal financial gain. It’s main (though sometimes informal) aim is to create immediate awareness and demand, for this fascinating craft and tradition through the vast channels of the internet. Awareness that can lead to re-energizing and sustaining this endangered Mexican craft.
With so many factors determining the decline of Huarache craft, who knows what will eventually result? Maybe this project is over ambitiously trying to change the course of evolution? But my hope is that the Huarache craft does not disappear and with it the extensive knowledge of traditional footwear weaving and construction.
The other reason that keeps me researching and posting is simply because I enjoy learning about Huaraches and if I can share my findings with a community; all the better. So that knowledge about Huarache history, traditions and designs can also inspire others as it inspires me.
For as long as I can create awareness, be educated and inform about Huaraches I will keep writing and posting.
Because crafts can reveal wholesome perspectives on life and new directions in design thinking.
I found the most comfortable brown leather sandals ever in Cozumel, a closed toe end huarache with a label from Valladolid. The clerk said they are “unisex.” Because they feel so good, I went searching for information about them. What a wonderful site you have created. Thanks!
Hey man,
I’m currently living in New York, and would love to find a pair of well made huaraches. Unfortunately it’s super hard! Since I can’t make it out to Mexico, do you think you could recommend some places to find authentic, well made huaraches online?
Thanks!
Sorry Sam,
I don’t think there is much choice on the internet of Huaraches, Huaraches sales mainly happen in or around municipal markets in Mexican towns. I only know of the same companies selling Huaraches over the internet that come up in a Google search.
I think that most Huaracheros are not making enough Huaraches to export, or supply a high volume internet demand. I would also encourage you to try before you buy as fit can vary.
Having said that in my next post I will be introducing Huaraches and Huarache inspired designs from many international brands like Chubasco and Frye Boots, so stay tuned.
Ah, that’s a shame. Some of the craftsmanship you’ve shown on your blog is incredible, and I would love to have a pair. Knowing about the people who made them is a plus.
Shame it’s so hard to find them out here. Still, fit issues be damned, if you ever feel like mailing a pair out shoot me an email. I’d be happy to pay for them.
Keep up the awesome blog!
Thanks for your kind words Sam.
I should also add that finding man’s Huaraches US size 10 and bigger is close to impossible in Mexico as most Huaracheros invest in only a few different last sizes, usually US 7,8 and 9. If you ever buy Huaraches from Mexico be warned that a Mexican 8 equals a US man’s 9.
Hey there,
Awesome blog. I’m in df right now and looking for a good place to get some huaraches. Do you have any suggestions for me? I’m only here one more day so I can’t travel outside of the city.
Thanks again! Tyler
Sorry but I don’t know of any Huaracherias in Mexico City. You can try the main market called Merced, its huge and should have some tucked away, or some of the Artesania markets like la Cuidadela, but I’m doubtful that you’ll find any good ones. Maybe ask someone who is local about Huaracherias in the area, or go to the market in Cuernavaca that is an hour south of Mexico City.
maybe you are interested for this
http://articulo.mercadolibre.com.mx/MLM-66269767-huarachitos-_JM
Thanks for the site link! Its interesting that the Huaraches in question are 8 cm long. I have downloaded the photos and will use them in a post. Thanks again.
Felicidades,creo que compartimos la idea de preservar, esta tradicion de la elaboracion y uso de los huaraches.
Gracias! Me da mucho gusto saber que hay otras personas interesadas sobre el Huarache. Cualquier ideas o historias que se pueden implementar o escribir con este blog para ayudar a la preservación de las tradiciones, elaboración y uso de los Huaraches son muy bien recibidos. Un saludo amistoso.
Felicidaes, éste blog cuenta con muchisima información y detalle sobre gran variedad de Huaraches. Conozco de un tipo de huarache originario del norte de Jalisco que con gusto te mostratría.
Angel, gracias por sus amables palabras. Me gustaría ver las fotos de su Huaraches. Debo admitir que he querido viajar a Villa Guerrero, Temastian y Totatiche, Jalisco para encontrar nuevos estilos Huarache. Me volvería a publicar las fotos de sus huaraches en Huarache Blog con su nombre. Por favor, envíe sus fotos a info74fdc@yahoo.com. Gracias otra vez, Markus
I work in footwear and would love to know if you can advise of any free trade organization in Mexico that would collaborate with other companies or sell there leather weaves components?
All Huaracheros buy their supplies at local retailers. Huarache factories probably have larger suppliers, but I know of none. That being said all hardware used on Huaraches is also used on shoes. The leather strips for weaving are not purchased pre-cut, are all cut by the Huaracheros and Huarache factories.
HI,
I am a footwear student and doing a research on “Huaraches”, can you recommend any books /websites ,Please.
Any information on history /making of “Huaraches” would be helpful.
Thank you
Ann
You could say that this blog is some ways my research project also. I don’t think there is much more published information about Huaraches than what is on this blog. There is one book I know of about Huaraches called ‘Calzado Mexicano, Cactli Y Huaraches’, its very old and probably not as detailed as you would like, but you can find it in this blog if you haven’t already. I have also translated it into english.
Let me know how your project comes along. If you like, it can be published on this blog to reach a wider audience. Good luck with your studies.
I found your blog while trying to research huarache sandals in Mexico. I thought they may be from just one city or maybe different styles were from different cities.
I ‘ve always wanted to try to make a pair myself. Can you recommend a place in Mexico that may help me make my own pair of sandals?
Thanks, and I just LOVE your blog.
Its hard to make recommendations, because I don’t know of any courses. But you might approach it as I did. In fact it might be easier for you now that Huarache Blog also has some Huarachero contact details. Basically call, email or visit. You should contact a Huarachero and see if they are willing to help you. Maybe find a style you like from Huarache Blog, travel to the area where they are made and ask where you can find the Huarachero. From there much will depend on how willing they are to help. Good luck.
Hi,
I am costuming a children’s play at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. The play is Pedro’s Magic Shoes…it is a traveling show to elementary schools in the Utah County area. I want to use huaraches as the magic shoes. I would love to have authentic hand made all leather shoes. I have searched the internet and have not been able to find a vendor. My biggest issue is I need a size 11.5 for a guy and a size 7 for a women. Both shoes need to look as similar as possible. What are some options, leads, contacts??? You seem to know more than anyone I have found.
Thoughts?
Nancy Cannon
Orem, Utah
Hi Nancy,
your best bet I think is visiting or finding someone who can buy you huaraches at the Olvera Street market in Downtown Los Angeles. Good luck with your play.
Hi,
Thank you! I will see what I can do – my family is from California :0).
Have a great day.
Nancy
Thanks for making this blog! I am interested in a handmade life and shoemaking has really caught me the last few years. Keep up the great work. I would love to see more of the making process and huaracheros shops if you get more.
Thanks for your kind words. Your Blog is also very interesting and I’m quite jealous the 8000 facebook hits your caravan post got. Believe me I would like to show more about the Huarache making process, but many Huaracheros are not only private individuals, but also rightly suspicious that their craft and designs could be copied.
I understand their wariness. Their trade is probably marginal at best but their craftsmanship will hopefully never be lost. I hope you can post more, even just snippets of works in progress. As an anthropologist, I know it’s often difficult to get into people’s lives.
Thanks again for all the great info. I can’t believe I haven’t found your blog before now.
What a fascinating blog and so many wonderful shoes and makers. I went to Mexico 4 years ago and in haste bought a nice looking but too small pair of women’s huaraches. I was at a market and convinced myself (along with the aid of the vender) that they would fit in time. I had read something about buying them a bit small and then putting them in water, leaving them on etc. to get a good fit. Well, it didn’t work but luckily I didn’t wreck them and my landlady was happy to get them. I am going again (near Puerto Vallarta, any shop suggestions?) and am wondering if you have any advice on how to choose a pair? Was that advice about wetting them out bad? thanks
Thank you very much. I’ve never been to Vallarta, but once there you should ask around. There are 2 Huaracherias with their addresses published online.
Huaracheria Fabiola
Ave. Ignacio L. Vallarta 145 at Calle A. Serdán
Colonia Emiliano Zapata
52-322-222-9154
Huaracheria Marina
52-322-156-9351
Avoid buying Huaraches that fit tight as the break-in period will be excruciating. Soaking them in water is only a last resort solution, but in my experience not very effective.
Thanks very much for your advice and the addresses. I wish I could go to the colonial towns but this might be the start of a wonderful relationship with huaraches, I’ve loved them since I was a kid.
donde se pueden comprar por mayoreo y cuales son los precios
Huarache Blog es un proyecto para crear un mayor conocimiento a nivel mundial de la artesania de los Huaraches. Desafortunadamente no vendemos Huaraches por mayoreo. Dependiendo de los estilos regiónales que le gustan en Huarache Blog, puede visitar allí donde fueron fotografiados y investigar sobre dónde comprarlos por mayoreo. El pueblo de Sahuayo, Michoacán, por ejemplo, tiene cerca de 200 fabricas y talleres de Huaraches. Simplemente preguntando, cada Sahuayense conoce una fábrica, o taller. Buena suerte.
http://www.pasthorizonspr.com/index.php/archives/03/2013/footwear-find-shows-family-side-to-roman-military
WOW!
I bought a pair of what was austensibly a Mexican style in the early 1970s; they had tire soles, and were very similar to the ones that you have on your page for San Luis Potosi — the ones with what is basically a single wide strip of leather for the vamps, an adjustable buckle strap over the instep and a backstay that curves up from the insole. They finally failed me about three years ago and I’d give my eye teeth to have some more.
That said, I also saw a comment above that a large American size is difficult to impossible to find. I found what appears to be a pretty genuine pair of huaraches on eBay a month or so ago, and they are marked “30″ They are a tad snug, but seem to be stretching slowly as I have time to wear them. My American size is 13 so I’m not sure what that would translate into for anin a Mexican size. I’d almost say that the next time you were going through SLP, I’ll send some money with you and you can see if you can find me some US 13 equivalents.
I would say that unfortunately a US mens size 13 or MX mens 32 is close to impossible to find here in Mexico. Especially for Huaraches, the reasons being that not only do Huaracheros have limited income to invest on lasts, but very few Mexicans have feet that big.
A great blog and I enjoyed it immensely. It is a true treasure trove of information on the craft of the traditional huaraches. I would further encourage you to write a book as some of the information that you have captured probably only exists on this blog. Huaraches as you have noted (and as I have discovered) is a dying craft. The Chinese and Brazilian’s are undermining the market here in Mexico with their cheap sandals made out of synthetics and most huaracheros either can’t compete or have turned to making the same crap so that they can compete.
Thanks! You have made a lot of good observations.
I have thought of writing a book and this I might do in the future. But for now the most important thing is the immediate promotion of the craft, filling Google searches with good information and photographs about Huaraches and supporting individual Huaracheros who are also being sidelined by increasing factory made Huaraches.
I think everyone who understands the whole huarache conundrum appreciates your efforts.
I don’t know if you’ve read any of my stuff but my support for the craft, while orthogonal to yours, is solid support nonetheless. I believe that through modernizing some of the designs we can make the sandals more relevant for today’s markets. I don’t know if you approve or disapprove of that but I contend that part of the reason why the huarache is disappearing is that a) too many of the designs are stuck back in the 1940′s and b) because so many of the old style huaraches have such a limited appeal, the average huarachero, just to stay alive, is having to make up the difference by building the same sandals the Chinese and Brazilians are importing.
So everyone ends up competing in that same 100 peso/pair market; building crappy sandals out of synthetic materials where the only winners are the owners of the big foreign factories that have the cheapest labor. The local huaracheros lose because there ain’t a whole lot of profit that can be squeezed out of 100 pesos and the consumer loses because he/she essentially have (in most marketplaces) only two viable sandal choices: buy good but expensive sandals from the Italians (or custom made Italian-like) or buy the cheap synthetic crap that makes up the other 98% of the market.
But either way the huarcheros lose; there is no profit in making the synthetic crap and the markets for the older, more traditional designs are shrinking. As you know from living in Mexico, only the old timers wear huaraches, and then only mostly at the beach. Mexican kids wear Nikes.
There needs to be a some evolution that builds on top of the intent of the original huarache; make an affordable comfortable sandal that not just doesn’t wear out but gets better looking and more comfortable over time. That’s a place that you just can’t get to with synthetics.
Maybe all this smacks of heresy to you but I personally think that doing some design modernization is a way to keep the huarachero way of life alive.
I am down in Mexico taking a chance that people other than myself would like quality sandals at an affordable price. So my mission is simple: Build the best sandals in the world; handmade using that Italian design aesthetic, crafted with the finest full grain leathers and double lock stitched onto soles made from virtually indestructible recycled airplane tires.
I’m glad you’re bringing up such points about the current state of the Huarache market. They’re thought provoking and like brainstorming can help find ways to re-energize the craft. You brought up a lot of valid points and I can only begin to reply to a few. I hope you can keep an open mind to my response.
I feel that you are approaching the problem with a business mind intent on helping the local economy and not the craft itself. But maybe you have a 2 step strategy to create revenue first and then to encourage the design of evolved huaraches.
I agree that there is a market for evolved designs, but there is also a market for traditional designs.
Huarache designs might be from the 1940′s, but Converse Chuck Taylors are from the 1920′s and yet they are still the biggest selling shoe design in the world.
I know that a lot of Mexicans wear huaraches to the beach and that younger Mexicans wear sneakers. But that’s not just because of Huarache design, its also due to the marketing, price and quality of the Huaraches. Huarache weaving is a unique construction method and can be used to make dress shoes, sandals, even furniture, old styles and new styles.
A big part of the craft of Huaraches is the art of weaving the upper into the sole from a single strip of leather without the use of glue and for me it is fundamental that this knowledge is not forgotten.
In my view any evolved Huarache designs should encourage Huaracheros to develop their unique weaving ability that already sets them apart from any shoe making craftsperson and manufacturing process in the world, and should not focus on making the same high quality and aesthetic of Italian sandals (from Capri and Positano, also from the 1940′s).
More soon. Looking forward to your reply.
I think your perspective is Sahuayo centric where business minded Huaracheros have discovered that it’s more profitable to make women’s sandals than men’s Huaraches. But what about the Huaracheros from other parts of Mexico that want to continue making traditional men’s woven Huaraches?
Just like traditional cowboy boot makers there has to be a market for them, especially today in the new internet economy, with easy online retail like Etsy and Storenvy.
Most Mexican Huaracheros are men, and outside of Sahuayo (where most of the weaving is done by women from their homes), its the men that cut and weave Huaraches.
Like cowboy boot makers, the best Huaracheros are very traditional and very skilled, 2 characteristics to respect. I don’t think that tradition is hurting the craft of huaraches as much as the high leather prices and low market prices that are stripping the traditions and skills from many Huaracheros, who are adapting by copying catalog women’s synthetic sandal designs, or cutting corners on traditional men’s Huaraches.
Just because many Mexicans don’t have such a high regard for Huaraches, wearing them to the beach and preferring sneakers. I don’t think it’s because Huaraches are too traditional, its because they aren’t valued due to poor quality and low price. They’re also bought at the market and not in a nice store. Would you wear footwear associated with the least expensive retail outlet in town?
I would say lets not throw the baby out with the bath water and radically alter a perfectly good product that just needs to be made and marketed better as every product deserves. And lets also try and sustain the single craftsman and his traditions as best as possible.
Sure a radical new Huarache design wouldn’t hurt. But lets not encourage modern hamburgers over old school arrachera.
You should have a chat with Sr. Aguillar in San Augustin, Jalisco. He’s excited to develop new Huarache styles for himself, he’s the designer and maker, he tan’s his own leathers and he doesn’t copy women’s sandals, nor cut corners. Maybe his Huaraches are too expensive, or less culturally relevant than sneakers, but they are his personal works of art and what he enjoys doing. His work has soul, that in my mind is worth sustaining.
I don’t believe that the threats to the craft of Huaraches comes from Chinese or Brazilian footwear. Instead I think they come from inexpensive Mexican made (in GDL) footwear, well marketed American branded footwear, a slow men’s footwear market and an aging Huarachero population that is losing their sight and strength with no one to replace and learn from them (a great shame with all the retail possibilities that the internet brings).
What is the Huarchero way of life exactly? Is it making quality factory sandals in Sahuayo, or vegetable tanned, hand woven Huaraches in their workshop?
I hope I haven’t come across to harshly. If you don’t mind next time I’m passing Sahuayo I could come by, maybe we can grab a coffee in the Plaza and discuss some more.
Creativity comes from many different places as we all know and I would never encourage a Mexican huarachero to become ‘Italian’; whatever that really means.
And I will readily agree that there is always a place for tradition.
But i personally wouldn’t want tradition (and the way we’ve always done things) to stand in the way of of jump-starting the local huarache economy. If choices are: making sandals out of synthetics or out of fine leather then my vote would go for the leather.
Tradition alone ain’t getting it done.
Traditional Men’s Huaraches are unique designs that are new to about 98% of the world outside of Mexico. I don’t think they need to be changed, if anything they can be refined.
From espadrilles to wingtips, there are plenty of examples of traditional footwear that has been very successful in recent years. Even the “Pachuco” Huarache Lawson design has done quite well for Frye Boots.