History of Huaraches
Huaraches have come a long way. This Mexican sandal has been part of everyday life since before European colonization, especially in rural communities and among Indigenous peoples. Families designed and hand-wove these sandals to withstand long journeys, long workdays in the fields, and hot weather. The woven upper let the foot breathe, while the sturdy sole made them reliable companions for people who were always on the move.
Photo: A traditional huarache with a sole cut from recycled car tires — a symbol of resistance, and making the most out of what’s available.
As industrial materials became more accessible in the 20th century, many artisans began cutting soles out of used car tires. These “llanta” huaraches were heavier, but almost indestructible. They were built for farmers, workers, and walkers who needed something that could handle dust, rocks, and miles of road without falling apart.
Over time, however, something changed. As tourism grew, the huarache started to be treated less as a serious working shoe and more as a cheap souvenir. Factories and middlemen pushed for faster, cheaper production: thinner soles, plastic or low-grade materials, shortcuts in construction, and lower pay for artisans. The result was a drop in quality, comfort, and durability — and a craft with centuries of history was reduced, in many places, to something disposable.
Yet in the small workshops and family businesses that refused to compromise, the original spirit of the huarache survived: intelligent design, handwoven leather, and shoes meant to live with you, not just next to your suitcase.
Our Innovation
In 2016, Espiritu founders Francisco Alvarez and Oscar Yapor met a group of Mexican shoemakers who shared how fast fashion was affecting traditional crafts and artisan livelihoods. The huarache design had survived for generations, but Francisco and Oscar saw room for improvement — and, more importantly, for respectful innovation.
Wanting to support the local economy while re-elevating the classic huarache, Espiritu was born. Espiritu’s artisans apply traditional techniques that have been passed down for centuries, and combine them with thoughtful, state-of-the-art design. Our goal is not to replace the huarache’s history, but to continue it: honoring the past while building something that feels good, looks beautiful, and lasts.
Our Growth
We’ve come a long way, and we’re still evolving our Espiritu huaraches. Today we use:
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Genuine leather that molds to the shape of your foot
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Cushioned insoles for extra comfort and support
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Anti-slip recycled rubber soles
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Vegetable-based dyes wherever possible
We listen to our customers and work closely with artisans to design products you’ll actually live in — not just own.
Just like you, we care about beautiful, well-designed objects and the people and stories behind them. We believe in an industry where exceptional design, cultural heritage, and responsible production come together to create a new kind of consumer experience.
[Learn more about Our Story.]
