The Fine Alpargatas of Don Pio
Posted: March 30, 2020 Filed under: Huarache Artisan, Huarache Culture, Huarache Sandals, Uncategorized | Tags: ハンドメイド・シューズ, メキシコのサンダル, ワラチ, चमड़े के सैंडल, बुना सैंडल, मेक्सिको सैंडल, हस्तनिर्मित सैंडल, 皮凉鞋, 编织凉鞋, Мексиканские сандалии, 革のサンダル, 멕시코 샌들, Gewebten Sandalen, Geweven Sandalen, Guaraches, Handgefertigte Sandalen, Handgjorda Sandaler, Handmade Sandals, Håndlagde Sandaler, Huaraches, 짠 샌들, Lädersandaler, Leather Sandals, Ledersandalen, Leren Sandalen, Meksikanske Sandaler, Mexicaanse Sandalen, Mexican Sandals, Mexikanischen Sandalen, Mexikanska Sandaler, тканые сандалии, Sandales à la main, Sandales en Cuir, Sandales Mexicains, Sandales Tissées, Sandali fatti a mano, Sandali in Pelle, Sandali Intrecciati, Sandali Messicani, Sandalias de Cuero, Sandalias Hechas a Mano, Sandalias Tejidas, Skinn Sandaler, Vävda Sandaler, Vevde Sandaler, Woven Sandals, 墨西哥凉鞋, 手工凉鞋, 手作りのサンダル, 不織布サンダル, المكسيكي الصنادل, المنسوجة الصنادل, الجلود والصنادل, الصنادل المصنوعة يدويا Leave a commentA few weeks ago, while on holiday in Mexico I visited Senor Porfirio Montero Ortiz in Umán, a small town just south west of Merida, Yucatán.
“Don Pio” as he is affectionately known by everyone locally, has been making Alpargatas for almost 60 years since he was just 12 years old.
This huge mural in the photo below was painted by a local artist called Arnold Daniel Cruz Cetina, also Datoer, or Datoergs on Instagram. And is part of a series of portraits called “Pintado Recuerdos”, or Painted Memories.
Like Huaraches, Alpargatas are traditional Mexican footwear from the Yucatán peninsula. The earliest style is probably the “Aplargatas de Orejas” meaning “Eared” Alpargatas (please use the search bar on the top right to find more posts). They are simply made from a leather sole and Henequen/Sisal chord, and are similar to the “Pata de Gallo” Huaraches from Central and Western Mexico.
Don Pio is a master craftsman and makes some of the best Alpargatas in the Yucatán peninsula, some of which have won prizes in regional crafts competitions. The quality of his work and detail of his designs means that at the most he can make not more than 2 pairs per day.
Probably the most iconic regional style of Alpargatas are the “Chillonas”, a man’s style which are often used for dancing the local Jarana Yucateca dance.
“Chillonas” literally means “Squeakers” and are called this way because of the squeaky sound created by the multi layered leather soles while dancing.
Then there is the interesting “De Cordel” Alpargata which is an embellished version of the “De Oreja” Alpargatas which are commonly worn in the countryside.
And the “Cruzado” Alpargata is also an embellished version of the traditional style sandals.
A true artisan, Don Pio also wears his own designs which is quite unusual for Huaracheros.
The workshop of Don Pio is at Calle 21 N.113, just located behind the Town Hall in Umán, Yucatán.
Tel. 999.448.5859 and 999.645.9839
And on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Talabartería-Umán-181516822012752/
More photos soon on Huarache Blog on Instagram
FOURTH ARRIVALS – The úkata “Tamazula” by Huaraches Solano – The Last Tamazulas in Mexico
Posted: March 8, 2014 Filed under: úkata, Huarache Culture, Huarache Sandals, Huaraches Jalisco, Rare Huaraches | Tags: メキシコのサンダル, ワラチ, चमड़े के सैंडल, बुना सैंडल, मेक्सिको सैंडल, हस्तनिर्मित सैंडल, Crafts, 编织凉鞋, Design, Мексиканские сандалии, 革のサンダル, 멕시코 샌들, Fashion, Footwear Design, Gewebten Sandalen, Geweven Sandalen, Handcrafted, Handgefertigte Sandalen, Handgjorda Sandaler, Handmade Sandals, Håndlagde Sandaler, Huarache, Huarache Sandals, Huarachero, Huaraches, 짠 샌들, Lädersandaler, Ledersandalen, Meksikanske Sandaler, Mexicaanse Sandalen, Mexican Crafts, Mexican Footwear, Mexican Sandals, Mexico, Mexikanischen Sandalen, Mexikanska Sandaler, тканые сандалии, Sandales à la main, Sandales en Cuir, Sandales Mexicains, Sandales Tissées, Sandali fatti a mano, Sandali in Pelle, Sandali Intrecciati, Sandali Messicani, Sandalias de Cuero, Sandalias Guaraches, Sandalias Hechas a Mano, Sandalias Tejidas, Sandals, Skinn Sandaler, Sustainable, Sustainable Footwear, Traditional Footwear, Vävda Sandaler, Vevde Sandaler, Woven Footwear, Woven Sandals, 墨西哥凉鞋, 手工凉鞋, 手作りのサンダル, 不織布サンダル, المكسيكي الصنادل, المنسوجة الصنادل 6 CommentsThese “Tamazula” Huaraches are a real rarity and are today made on request by only one Huarachero in Mexico. I have been fortunate to be able to order a limited number of Men’s sizes and have them for sale in my úkata store which you can access clicking the VISIT MY STORE icon in the top right of this page.
Finding the Huarachero after seeing a pair of his Huaraches for sale in Tamazula, Jalisco (see that post HERE) was a real investigation, especially as he doesn’t even live near Tamazula and understandably none of the Huaracheria owners in Tamazula were willing to tell me his name either.
And even after find him, Sr. Solano the huarachero never gave me his phone number. Although each time I visited him I always found him busy weaving Huaraches, with his seemingly busy huarache making schedule I was surprised to discover that he only makes Huaraches part time.
Like most Huaracheros he has his own workshop, his lasts, his sewing machine and has his local clients, but surprisingly most of his time is taken up as the caretaker of his local church. Its a mystery to me why a Huarachero of such talent chooses caretaking work over making his remarkable Huaraches. Thoughts of miracles, vows and answered prayers go through my mind, but maybe for Sr. Solano money and Huaraches aren’t everything, after all he’s also well into his 70’s.
It was touching to hear Sr. Solano talk about putting love into making his Huaraches, a philosophy so distant from today’s monetization and commodification culture even amongst other Mexican Huaracheros. Its clear that for Sr. Solano focusing on service and quality is very important. Maybe that’s why he offered to make me only 6 pairs of his unique “Tamazula” Huaraches, because he realistically didn’t have time to make me more.
Interestingly Sr. Solano’s Huaraches are made using vegetable tanned leather from Curtiduria Gonzalez in Colima. Sr. Solano is one of those crafts persons I wrote about who travel across state just to buy the right leather. Because not every leather can be cut so thinly so as to make his “Tamazula” 16 Vuelta Huaraches.
I’m also excited for this rare opportunity to show you in detail the tanning process of the leather of these “Tamazula” Huaraches. Its not often that consumers are able to witness the tanning of the leather in their products. Check out the “Tamazula” Huarache artisanal tanning process HERE
Like all good Huaraches the “Tamazula” sole is made from only the central/tread part of a recycled car tire (although the sole tread patterns are matched, the design on your pair of Huaraches may differ from the one in the photo).
The Huarache “Tamazula” is made entirely by hand and uses no glue.
The mysterious green colouring on the toe is a unique and traditional detail of the Tamazula Huarache. When I asked why it was there, I was told “that’s the way its always been”.
The fit of the “Tamazula” is little wide and are perfect if you have wide feet, or are a half size.
$30 DHL shipping to USA, Canada and Mexico.
US Patent 2,161,472 – Woven Shoe
Posted: December 14, 2013 Filed under: Closed Toe Huaraches, Huarache Culture | Tags: चमड़े के सैंडल, बुना सैंडल, मेक्सिको सैंडल, हस्तनिर्मित सैंडल, 编织凉鞋, Design, Мексиканские сандалии, 革のサンダル, 멕시코 샌들, Fashion, Footwear Design, Gewebten Sandalen, Geweven Sandalen, Guaraches, Handgefertigte Sandalen, Handgjorda Sandaler, Handmade Sandals, Håndlagde Sandaler, Huarache, Huarache Sandals, Huaraches, 짠 샌들, Lädersandaler, Ledersandalen, Meksikanske Sandaler, Mexicaanse Sandalen, Mexican Footwear, Mexican Sandals, Mexico, Mexikanischen Sandalen, Mexikanska Sandaler, тканые сандалии, Sandales à la main, Sandales en Cuir, Sandales Mexicains, Sandales Tissées, Sandali fatti a mano, Sandali in Pelle, Sandali Intrecciati, Sandali Messicani, Sandalias de Cuero, Sandalias Guaraches, Sandalias Hechas a Mano, Sandalias Tejidas, Sandals, Skinn Sandaler, Traditional Footwear, Vävda Sandaler, Vevde Sandaler, Woven Footwear, Woven Sandals, 墨西哥凉鞋, 手工凉鞋, 手作りのサンダル, 不織布サンダル, المكسيكي الصنادل, المنسوجة الصنادل 2 CommentsI recently came across the 1939 US Patent 2,161,472 for a Woven Shoe with a Huarache Construction (where the upper is woven into the sole using a strip of leather).
The illustrations show some details of the anatomy of a Huarache which I find quite interesting.
I also think the drawings show the construction process quite well.
Click on the images for a close up high resolution view.
To read the patent document click HERE
Happy Thanksgiving and Christmas Huarache Sale! – SORRY SOLD OUT
Posted: November 29, 2013 Filed under: úkata, Huarache Culture, Huarache Sandals, Rare Huaraches | Tags: メキシコのサンダル, ワラチ, चमड़े के सैंडल, बुना सैंडल, मेक्सिको सैंडल, हस्तनिर्मित सैंडल, Crafts, 编织凉鞋, Design, Мексиканские сандалии, 革のサンダル, 멕시코 샌들, Fashion, Footwear Design, Gewebten Sandalen, Geweven Sandalen, Handcrafted, Handgefertigte Sandalen, Handgjorda Sandaler, Handmade Sandals, Håndlagde Sandaler, Huarache, Huarache Sandals, Huaracheria, Huarachero, Huaraches, 짠 샌들, Lädersandaler, Leather, Ledersandalen, Meksikanske Sandaler, Mexicaanse Sandalen, Mexican Crafts, Mexican Footwear, Mexican Sandals, Mexico, Mexikanischen Sandalen, Mexikanska Sandaler, тканые сандалии, Sandales à la main, Sandales en Cuir, Sandales Mexicains, Sandales Tissées, Sandali fatti a mano, Sandali in Pelle, Sandali Intrecciati, Sandali Messicani, Sandalias de Cuero, Sandalias Guaraches, Sandalias Hechas a Mano, Sandalias Tejidas, Sandals, Skinn Sandaler, Sustainable, Sustainable Footwear, Traditional Footwear, Vävda Sandaler, Vevde Sandaler, Woven Footwear, Woven Sandals, 墨西哥凉鞋, 手工凉鞋, 手作りのサンダル, 不織布サンダル, المكسيكي الصنادل, المنسوجة الصنادل 1 CommentSOLD OUT – THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR BUSINESS.
MORE HUARACHES IN LATE JANUARY.
Thank you to all Huarache Blog readers and úkata customers for your continued support! This is my first ever sale and I’m feeling quite excited!
Only for this coming month and leading up to Christmas, visit the úkata online store HERE and get 20% off the best crafted, all natural, Mexican Huaraches.
In a modernizing Mexico, traditional Huaraches like these might not be around for much longer, so snap them up while you can.
$30 shipping to USA, CANADA and MEXICO.
Happy holidays and thanks again!
IX Style – Huaraches for Clean Water
Posted: November 22, 2013 Filed under: Closed Toe Huaraches, Fashion Huaraches, Huarache Culture, Huarache Sandals | Tags: メキシコのサンダル, ワラチ, चमड़े के सैंडल, बुना सैंडल, मेक्सिको सैंडल, हस्तनिर्मित सैंडल, Crafts, 编织凉鞋, Design, Мексиканские сандалии, 革のサンダル, 멕시코 샌들, Footwear Design, Gewebten Sandalen, Geweven Sandalen, Guatemala, Handcrafted, Handgefertigte Sandalen, Handgjorda Sandaler, Handmade Sandals, Håndlagde Sandaler, Huarache, Huarache Sandals, Huaraches, 짠 샌들, Lädersandaler, Ledersandalen, Maya, Meksikanske Sandaler, Mexicaanse Sandalen, Mexican Sandals, Mexikanischen Sandalen, Mexikanska Sandaler, тканые сандалии, Sandales à la main, Sandales en Cuir, Sandales Mexicains, Sandales Tissées, Sandali fatti a mano, Sandali in Pelle, Sandali Intrecciati, Sandali Messicani, Sandalias de Cuero, Sandalias Guaraches, Sandalias Hechas a Mano, Sandalias Tejidas, Sandals, Skinn Sandaler, Sneakers, Sustainable, Sustainable Footwear, Vävda Sandaler, Vevde Sandaler, Woven Footwear, Woven Sandals, 墨西哥凉鞋, 手工凉鞋, 手作りのサンダル, 不織布サンダル, المكسيكي الصنادل, المنسوجة الصنادل 2 CommentsIX Style is a new socially conscious fashion brand that currently sells Mayan style Huaraches, while donating 15% of profits to provide clean drinking water to Guatemalan communities that have none.
IX pronounced “eeks”, is the Mayan word for water.
Started earlier this year, IX Style will turn 15% profits to affiliated charities in Guatemala that run projects which create water filtration systems and wells. Not only does this initiative aim to offer a healthier life, but also to reduce the time spent collecting precious water from distant sources. Thereby providing people with more time to study, or work and a better chance to break the poverty cycle.
For more info check out the IX Style website HERE
===============================================================================
A few weeks ago Bill Gates mentioned the importance of prioritizing the development and distribution of technology for basic things like “child survival” in the third world, over the projects of global connectivity proposed by Mark Zuckerberg and Google.
Although its hard to side with his point of view because essentially all help is good help. From the comfort of our smartphone interconnected world its also hard to imagine the daily hardships endured by about 90% of the world’s population. Its hard to imagine the hours spent walking for miles just to collect dirty water, or fire wood to cook with. How can anyone find time to study, work and least of all surf the web, when so much time is dedicated to the most basic needs?
And just the other day when I wanted to add a Huarachero to the online The Huarache Directory, surprisingly he told me he didn’t have a phone, let alone access to the internet. It never occurred to me that the average daily wage in Mexico is about US$4 per day, which means that some Mexicans are working for even less (like many people around the world). So assuming the internet will one day penetrate to the deepest and remotest parts of the planet, the question is will those living there be able to afford access to it?
Huaraches in Jamay, Jalisco
Posted: November 13, 2013 Filed under: Closed Toe Huaraches, Huarache Culture | Tags: メキシコのサンダル, ワラチ, चमड़े के सैंडल, बुना सैंडल, मेक्सिको सैंडल, हस्तनिर्मित सैंडल, Crafts, 编织凉鞋, Мексиканские сандалии, 革のサンダル, 멕시코 샌들, Footwear Design, Gewebten Sandalen, Geweven Sandalen, Guaraches, Handcrafted, Handgefertigte Sandalen, Handgjorda Sandaler, Handmade Sandals, Håndlagde Sandaler, Huarache, Huarache Sandals, Huaracheria, Huarachero, Huaraches, 짠 샌들, Lädersandaler, Leather, Ledersandalen, Meksikanske Sandaler, Mexicaanse Sandalen, Mexican Crafts, Mexican Sandals, Mexico, Mexikanischen Sandalen, Mexikanska Sandaler, тканые сандалии, Sandales à la main, Sandales en Cuir, Sandales Mexicains, Sandales Tissées, Sandali fatti a mano, Sandali in Pelle, Sandali Intrecciati, Sandali Messicani, Sandalias de Cuero, Sandalias Hechas a Mano, Sandalias Tejidas, SandaliasGuaraches, Sandals, Skinn Sandaler, Sustainable, Sustainable Footwear, Traditional Footwear, Vävda Sandaler, Vevde Sandaler, Woven Footwear, Woven Sandals, 墨西哥凉鞋, 手工凉鞋, 手作りのサンダル, 不織布サンダル, المكسيكي الصنادل, المنسوجة الصنادل Leave a commentJamay is a small town on the eastern corner of Lake Chapala in Jalisco. It is known for its eyelet decorated Huaraches style especially for this one below called the “Guandarria Finito”.
I was able to find a small family “Taller” Huarache workshop, Father, Mother and 2 Sons all dedicated to the craft of making these Huaraches.
Like all woven Huaraches the “Guandarria ” can be made with different numbers of weaves and increased sophistication.
Also very sophisticated is the “20 Vueltas” Petatillo Huarache, which is woven exclusively by the lady.
Then there is the “Jamay Pachuco” that quite different to the similarly named Huarache style from nearby Sahuayo.
To make an order call Huaracheria Jamay in Jamay, Jalisco at Tel. 392.924.1230 (don’t forget the international dialing code for Mexico)
To see more of the Huaraches made by Huaracheria Jamay check out The Huarache Directory HERE
THIRD ARRIVALS – The Huarache “Petatillo” by Huaraches Alonso
Posted: October 16, 2013 Filed under: úkata, Huarache Culture, Huarache Sandals, Rare Huaraches | Tags: メキシコのサンダル, ワラチ, चमड़े के सैंडल, बुना सैंडल, मेक्सिको सैंडल, हस्तनिर्मित सैंडल, Crafts, 编织凉鞋, Design, Мексиканские сандалии, 革のサンダル, 멕시코 샌들, Fashion, Footwear Design, Gewebten Sandalen, Geweven Sandalen, Handcrafted, Handgefertigte Sandalen, Handgjorda Sandaler, Handmade Sandals, Håndlagde Sandaler, Huarache, Huarache Sandals, Huarachero, Huaraches, 짠 샌들, Lädersandaler, Ledersandalen, Meksikanske Sandaler, Mexicaanse Sandalen, Mexican Crafts, Mexican Footwear, Mexican Sandals, Mexico, Mexikanischen Sandalen, Mexikanska Sandaler, тканые сандалии, Sandales à la main, Sandales en Cuir, Sandales Mexicains, Sandales Tissées, Sandali fatti a mano, Sandali in Pelle, Sandali Intrecciati, Sandali Messicani, Sandalias de Cuero, Sandalias Guaraches, Sandalias Hechas a Mano, Sandalias Tejidas, Sandals, Skinn Sandaler, Sustainable, Sustainable Footwear, Traditional Footwear, Vävda Sandaler, Vevde Sandaler, Woven Footwear, Woven Sandals, 墨西哥凉鞋, 手工凉鞋, 手作りのサンダル, 不織布サンダル, المكسيكي الصنادل, المنسوجة الصنادل 1 CommentSr. Alonso makes a “Petatillo” Huarache that has a unique Huarache weave. The name can be translated to “brick weave” and probably has roots in the Nahuatl word petlatl which is a traditional palm woven mat with the same weave.
But unlike petate matting you won’t find a “Petatillo” Huarache like this anywhere in Mexico outside of a 50 mile radius from his workshop. Because weaving a “brick weave” flat mat is one thing, knowing how to weave the same brick design over a 3 dimensional last, into a sole using just a single strip of leather is another.
Sr. Alonso is a humble man, I once asked him if he would be interested in collaborating with a small Canadian brand that had approached me, but he respectfully turned the offer down telling me “I’m getting old, I should be working less and not more”.
Nonetheless I was recently able to make a small order of “Petatillo” Huaraches from him to share with interested readers. You can buy them by visiting my store at the top of the page or clicking HERE
$30 DHL shipping to USA, Canada and Mexico.
I was immediately struck by his Petatillo” design for it’s sophisticated balance of thick ruggedness and complex weave. What’s more these Huaraches use no glue, they are made using only natural tanned leather, rubber and nails! The rubber outsole is made from a thinned out recycled truck tire that uses chord instead of metal ply.
These are probably my favorite Huaraches, I like the last shape very much, but I especially enjoy how intricate they are and yet also handmade with only a few essential tools and materials. What’s more, like many traditional Huaraches they are also made without the use of any electrical tools. Like some of the best cooking they show how much can be achieved with so little.
These Huaraches are also known as ” de campo” meaning for the field. The tight weave keeps the Huarache flexible and the foot protected while also allowing it to breath. Unlike most Huaraches the base of this “Petatillo” heel piece is nailed into the sole, this is to prevent stones and dirt from getting in under the foot.
It takes about 1 hour just to weave a pair of these Huaraches, which doesn’t include the time spent cutting strips and parts, pressing the insole leather to get it flat and stiff and nailing the insole and sole.
The vegetable tanned leather comes from a local tannery and though it is as rugged and natural as it gets, Sr. Alonso does a good job at thinning it down to a wearable thickness.
You can check out how this leather changes colour on a previous post titled “My Petatillos – Huaraches Get Better With Age” HERE
For more information about the process to make this “Petatillo” Huarache and my small challenge finding Sr. Alonso, check out a previous post titled “To Make a Huarache” HERE
Gracias Sr. Alonso!
Antonio Granados – Fine Huaraches From Sahuayo, Michoacan
Posted: October 7, 2013 Filed under: Closed Toe Huaraches, Huarache Artisan, Huarache Sandals, Luxury Huaraches, Rare Huaraches | Tags: メキシコのサンダル, ワラチ, चमड़े के सैंडल, बुना सैंडल, मेक्सिको सैंडल, हस्तनिर्मित सैंडल, Crafts, 编织凉鞋, Design, Мексиканские сандалии, 革のサンダル, 멕시코 샌들, Footwear Design, Gewebten Sandalen, Geweven Sandalen, Handcrafted, Handgefertigte Sandalen, Handgjorda Sandaler, Handmade Sandals, Håndlagde Sandaler, Huarache, Huarache Sandals, Huarachero, Huaraches, 짠 샌들, Lädersandaler, Leather, Ledersandalen, Luxury Footwear, Meksikanske Sandaler, Mexicaanse Sandalen, Mexican Crafts, Mexican Footwear, Mexican Sandals, Mexico, Mexikanischen Sandalen, Mexikanska Sandaler, Michoacan, тканые сандалии, Sandales à la main, Sandales en Cuir, Sandales Mexicains, Sandales Tissées, Sandali fatti a mano, Sandali in Pelle, Sandali Intrecciati, Sandali Messicani, Sandalias de Cuero, Sandalias Guaraches, Sandalias Hechas a Mano, Sandalias Tejidas, Sandals, Skinn Sandaler, Sustainable, Sustainable Footwear, Traditional Footwear, Vävda Sandaler, Vevde Sandaler, Woven Footwear, Woven Sandals, 墨西哥凉鞋, 手工凉鞋, 手作りのサンダル, 不織布サンダル, المكسيكي الصنادل, المنسوجة الصنادل Leave a commentI was lucky to drop by Taller workshop of Huarachero Antonio Granados last week to see a few new Huarache styles that he makes.
The recent wins at the yearly Huaraches Competition in Sahuayo had earned him a few orders some which he was busy finishing.
Below is the Huarache “Peinetón” named after the Hair Comb type leather tongue.
The Huarache “Petatillo Cerrado Combinado” is another example of how he also weaves different coloured strips of leather.
The Huarache “Marta Combinado”.
The Huarache “Pachuco 20 Vueltas”.
Huarache “Spiga”
For more Antonio Granadas Huarache designs and contact details click HERE
Martin Magaña
Posted: October 5, 2013 Filed under: Custom Huaraches, Huarache Artisan, Huarache Culture, Huarache Sandals | Tags: メキシコのサンダル, ワラチ, चमड़े के सैंडल, बुना सैंडल, मेक्सिको सैंडल, हस्तनिर्मित सैंडल, Crafts, 编织凉鞋, Мексиканские сандалии, 革のサンダル, 멕시코 샌들, Gewebten Sandalen, Geweven Sandalen, Handcrafted, Handgefertigte Sandalen, Handgjorda Sandaler, Handmade Sandals, Håndlagde Sandaler, Huarache, Huarache Sandals, Huarachero, Huaraches, 짠 샌들, Lädersandaler, Ledersandalen, Meksikanske Sandaler, Mexicaanse Sandalen, Mexican Crafts, Mexican Footwear, Mexican Sandals, Mexico, Mexikanischen Sandalen, Mexikanska Sandaler, тканые сандалии, Sandales à la main, Sandales en Cuir, Sandales Mexicains, Sandales Tissées, Sandali fatti a mano, Sandali in Pelle, Sandali Intrecciati, Sandali Messicani, Sandalias de Cuero, Sandalias Guaraches, Sandalias Hechas a Mano, Sandalias Tejidas, Sandals, Skinn Sandaler, Sustainable, Sustainable Footwear, Traditional Footwear, Vävda Sandaler, Vevde Sandaler, 墨西哥凉鞋, 手工凉鞋, 手作りのサンダル, 不織布サンダル, المكسيكي الصنادل, المنسوجة الصنادل 5 CommentsSr. Magaña is one of the friendliest and soft spoken individuals I know. Its a real pleasure to sit with him in his workshop and to talk about the traditions of Huaraches in the small town of Tonila in Southern Jalisco.
Like most Huaracheros in Mexico, Sr. Magaña is the last remaining one in Tonila. His sons Enrique and Telesforo still help out, but have recently found more stable factory jobs to support their families.
Nowadays the door to Sr. Magaña’s workshop is mostly closed, business is very slow. Although he still gets orders from retailers in Colima for his special Huaraches with white uppers, the profit from those 5 pairs barely covers his gas costs so he turns them down. He makes a few Huaraches for local customers and the odd leather repair on saddles and chairs, but mostly he works on his small plot of land just outside town.
Then before the town fiestas he and his sons make mini Huarache key rings to sell to tourists and relatives visiting from the USA, or other Mexican cities.
Mini Huaraches that are all woven the traditional way on tiny whittled lasts.
The workshop is full of signs that Sr. Magaña once lived and breathed the craft of Huaraches.
He still stores old dusty Huarache designs from back in the day before the use of rubber soles.
Huaraches that were once sold in separate parts at the market and the wearer would weave their own upper at home over their foot instead of a shoe last.
Because these Huaraches are no longer used, nor made and because they seem to be the bridge to the modern Huarache weave, it was important for me to document them as best as I could.
I asked Sr. Magaña if he would show me the process and so he kindly set about cutting a pair of rubber tyre soles for me.
To allow weaving into the sole, slits are first cut into the sides, then animal fat it spread over the surface where the weaving holes are to be punched from. This design prevents the leather strips from contact and abrasion with the ground.
Once the holes have been punched into the top surface of the sole the Huaraches are ready to be woven.
The vegetable tanned leather is cut into strips which are soaked in water for weaving.
The Huaraches de “Gamarra” as they are know are then woven onto the foot and are worn until the leather dries.
Forgotten Huaraches From the Valles Centrales
Posted: October 5, 2013 Filed under: Huarache Culture, Huarache Sandals, Rare Huaraches | Tags: メキシコのサンダル, ワラチ, चमड़े के सैंडल, बुना सैंडल, मेक्सिको सैंडल, हस्तनिर्मित सैंडल, Crafts, 编织凉鞋, Мексиканские сандалии, 革のサンダル, 멕시코 샌들, Gewebten Sandalen, Geweven Sandalen, Handcrafted, Handgefertigte Sandalen, Handgjorda Sandaler, Handmade Sandals, Håndlagde Sandaler, Huarache, Huarache Sandals, Huaracheria, Huarachero, Huaraches, 짠 샌들, Lädersandaler, Ledersandalen, Meksikanske Sandaler, Mexicaanse Sandalen, Mexican Crafts, Mexican Footwear, Mexican Sandals, Mexico, Mexikanischen Sandalen, Mexikanska Sandaler, тканые сандалии, Oaxaca, Sandales à la main, Sandales en Cuir, Sandales Mexicains, Sandales Tissées, Sandali fatti a mano, Sandali in Pelle, Sandali Intrecciati, Sandali Messicani, Sandalias de Cuero, Sandalias Guaraches, Sandalias Hechas a Mano, Sandalias Tejidas, Sandals, Skinn Sandaler, Sustainable, Sustainable Footwear, Traditional Footwear, Vävda Sandaler, Vevde Sandaler, Woven Footwear, Woven Sandals, 墨西哥凉鞋, 手工凉鞋, 手作りのサンダル, 不織布サンダル, المكسيكي الصنادل, المنسوجة الصنادل Leave a commentRecently I found a couple of traditional but now rare Huarache styles, hidden away in Huaracheria Luz at the Mercado de Abastos in Oaxaca, owned by María Santiago Martínez and her husband.
Both are styles from the nearby Valles Centrales, but are rarely made nowadays. In fact you won’t find them for sale at the main Valles markets of Tlacolula and Ocotlan.
The Huarache “De Punta” with the traditional pointed toe that was typically worn by men in Etla, apparently no longer sells because locals now prefer less traditional styles.
The original “Oaxaca” Huarache is nowadays another a rarely made style due to it’s high weave count which makes it too expensive to sell at market retail. Worth noting is that the increasing cost of vegetable tanned leather has also contributed to raising Huarache prices.
Huarache Blog 