The Best Huarache Sandals for Men to Wear This Summer

Finding the perfect pair of shoes to wear around this time of year may be bothersome, so we figured this guide to one of the season’s best options was worth putting together. If you’re trying to stay cool, casual, and comfortable, then few footwear options check all the boxes like a pair of huarache sandals. Plus, many of the brands that do handcraft these wondrous woven sandals do so in a sustainable and fair manner, so everyone tends to benefit from them, including the Mexican craftspeople so often tasked with making them. So get your feet ready for summer with our below guide to the 7 best huarache sandals for men to wear this season.

History of the huarache sandal

While huaraches grew immensely popular within the hippie culture in the late 1960s and hipster culture throughout the 2010s, owners of the easy-going shoe would be remiss to overlook its humble beginnings. The ancient sandal first came to shape in Mexico, often worn by the likes of farm workers in the pre-Columbian era, meaning the general style is well over 450 years old. Nevertheless, it’s safe to say the silhouette has withstood the test of time, as it’s undoubtedly one of the most popular shoes for men to wear in the summer.

What is a huarache sandal?

Although there are quite a few iterations of the traditional huarache shoe, the original designs were made with a woven leather construction (and sometimes a thin piece of wood in the sole). Since the ’30s, rubber outsoles have become more popular (and, honestly, more useful), along with other styles, but if you want that classic huarache style and construction, they have to be handmade with a woven leather upper.

Why should you wear huarache sandals?

Not only are huaraches a great summer choice from a utility perspective, but they also look nicer than your average pair of flip-flops. You get breathability and durability from the leather weave, and the style of a nicer shoe that can be elevated even further with some stylish choices.

How to style huarache sandals

From both a style and function perspective, huarache sandals are best for warm weather climates and/or the summer. Pair them with your favorite trunks and hit the beach, or wear them with some linen pants and a button-up for a more stylish look.

Espiritu Del Mar Slip Ons

The Starter Pick: Like all the picks that follow, Espiritu’s offering puts comfort and craftsmanship at the forefront, resulting in a casual shoe that will gradually adapt to the shape of your foot. Additionally, the Eternal Huarache Slip On leaves little-to-no carbon footprint, as part of the brand’s strive for sustainability. The shoe is made from organically sourced materials, undergoes a vegetable-based dying process, and sits on a set of cushioned rubber soles.

Dandy Del Mar the Huaraches

The Most Comfortable Huaraches: Masters of leisure Dandy Del Mar named its interpretation “The Huaraches,” going to show that it’s a shoe that speaks for itself. The sandal sits on a cushy triple-layered sole above a reinforced heel and boasts a smooth, top-grain leather weave for that quintessential picnic basket look that’s perfect for relaxing by the pool with a drink in hand. While they were designed in California, The Huaraches are handcrafted in Mexico, completely maintaining the shoe’s integrity.

Knickerbocker Basket Weave Huarache Slide

The Best Huaraches Overall: Knickerbocker is adept at crafting all sorts of pieces, but its commitment to refining the classics is what makes the New York-based clothier so special. The boutique’s take on this matter is a slip-on with a basket weave upper, sits on leather insoles, and is finished off with a natural rubber outsole. It’s crafted in a family-owned workshop in Michoacán that has been hand-making huaraches for over half a century. That said, there is little room for error with this veteran option.

Chamula Brasilia Huaraches

The Most Colorful Huaraches: Chamula’s handsome Brasilia is easily one of the most colorful options the market has to offer. The vegetable-tanned leather shoes sit on a pair of slip-resistant crepe soles for durability’s sake, providing a comfortable huarache that won’t break down on you too soon. Additionally, this shoe is handcrafted in Mexico by indigenous artisans and is made with 100% organic leather.

Mohinders Woven City Slipper

The Best Everyday Huaraches: This unique pair of Mohinders stands out among the rest from a style perspective, as the Woven City Slipper practically doubles as a mule. Regardless, it’s a stylish choice that speaks for itself, boasting handmade water buffalo leather uppers that will only deepen in color as they patina over time. The Indian-made shoes are finished off with a soft leather lining and sit on a custom-formed footbed for maximum support, the latter of which neighbors a stacked leather midsole and durable crepe rubber outsole.

Nisolo Huarache Sandal

The Most Versatile Huaraches: Nisolo is another brand that makes its sustainable mission statement as clear as day, and this handsome set of huaraches is a major part of that. First off, it comes available in over eight different colors, so there’s basically no way you won’t find a suitable pair for your wardrobe. As far as comfort goes, the water-resistant leather shoe is incredibly breathable and sits on a flexible rubber sole, deeming it a great, versatile choice to slip into all summer long.

Yuketen Alejandro Huarache Sandal

The Premium Pick: A co-sign from Todd Snyder typically proves that you sit in the pantheon of timeless menswear, and it comes as no surprise that Yuketen’s handsome Alejandro Huarache has earned the New York designer’s nod of approval. The hand-cut-and-woven shoe sits on a USA-made Vibram 2060 outsole for maximum comfort, going to show that veering from tradition isn’t always a bad thing. Additionally, it features shaved edges on each leather strip for added softness and a touch of luxury.

The Best Summer Pants for Warm Weather

Need something to wear with your new summer shoes? Our best summer pants guide has you covered.