What is a Huarache Mexican Shoes?
The origins of this popular footwear can be traced back to pre-Columbian times when the first models were made from the dried rubber of the native Castilla elastica tree. These “jurakan” or huaraches bore little resemblance to today’s version as they consisted only of a sole piece wrapped around the foot with cotton straps and had no form whatsoever. Their appearance was similar to that of a modern-day Oriental “jika-tabi,” which also had a separate compartment for each toe.
The modern huaraches were developed in Mexico by Juan Antonio Lopez, who began manufacturing them in Puebla in 1910. They quickly became popular footwear in Mexico and Central America, particularly after the Mexican Revolution when peasants instead of shoes wore them. In pre-Hispanic times, they became symbols of wealth and status, while the upper class wore sandals made from animal skins.
During World War II, American soldiers brought back pairs as souvenirs from Mexico and introduced them to their families at home, where a new craze for this style of footwear spread throughout North America. They soon became popular among surfers who adopted them as beachwear because they would not easily slip off in wet weather conditions.
Why Are Huaraches Mexican Shoes So Popular? There are several reasons why huaraches continue to be so popular to this day:
Sandal construction is time-consuming and difficult, which means that most of these shoes are still handmade.
They can be made from a wide range of materials such as leather, suede, cotton, and jute, as well as rubber or PVC (although this type tends to be less flexible). The latter nowadays come in many colors and prints, which creates more opportunities for customization.
Depending on the manufacturer, they may contain between one and four layers of soles, all offering different benefits: An outer sole is usually made from natural rubber, which can stretch up to three times its original size, while an inner sole provides additional support against the foot arch. Least popular are two-layer huaraches because their thin design makes them feel flimsy compared to other models.
Some shoes are designed so that they can be worn either on the inside or outside of the foot. For example, a two-strap model tends to look better on the outside but also requires more maintenance because this area is exposed to wear and tear. The side strap should be tightened every other time you wear them; otherwise, it will eventually stretch out.
What Are Huaraches Mexican Shoes Used For? Today, huaraches continue to be popular among athletes who practice water sports such as surfing and fishing and those who engage in outdoor pursuits such as horse riding and cycling. In addition, people from all walks of life have embraced them for durability, comfort, and lightweight.