Read more: Nisolo Huarache Sandal review
Best Dressy Huarache Sandals: Chamula Bocado Bit Huarache
Yuki Matsuda might not be a household name, but to a certain type of clothing fanatic he’s a rockstar. Matsuda is the creative force behind Meg Co., which owns Chamula, Yuketen, and Monitaly—a formidable triumvirate of indie menswear darlings that specialize in next-gen Americana. After visiting Mexico in the ‘90s, Matsuda cooked up an intricately-woven leather huarache cut from vegetable-tanned leather attached to a flexible EVA sole. The Bocado is the dressed up version of the classic “Cancun” silhouette, featuring the same almond-shaped closed-toe and sturdy crepe bottoms that’s been adorned with a brass horse bit along the vamp. Pair ‘em with your finest linen slacks when it’s time to show up and show out.
Best Luxury Huarache Sandals: Yuketen Alejandro Huarache Sandal
If you live in a city like New York, your exposed toes don't belong anywhere close to the pavement. (Trust us: It's seen things nobody should ever have to experience.) Yuketen's Alejandro sandal is handwoven in Mexico with comfy insole reinforced with a beefy Vibram outsole for maximum cushioning, a welcome boost—and buffer—from whatever you encounter on the streets this summer.
Best Outdoor-Friendly Huarache Sandal: Keen Uneek Sandal
Keen's hero product is plenty freaky-looking, but its part huarache, part sneaker design also makes it one of the sturdiest options on this list. Featuring flexible polyester cords that hug the feet for a secure fit, the Uneek sandal is equipped to make your rocky landings as smooth as possible. If you're looking for a Hydro Moc alternative that'll feel just as zen with zip-off cargos and a lightweight shell jacket, look no further.
Best Huarache Slip-Ons: Espiritu Sol Slip-Ons
If you thought huaraches couldn’t get more leisure-coded, think again. Made from undyed leather that’s been stitched down to recycled rubber soles, Espiritu’s Sol slip-ons might be the most elegant pick-up-and-go footwear available this side of the web. Whether you’re wearing them with a pair of “smart” chino shorts or the perfectly faded denim that looks like it’s seen its fair share of adventures, these cushy slides will make sure you keep your sophisticated cool—without running the risk of crossing into beach bum territory. Which make its no surprise they’re Espiritu’s #1 bestseller.
Best Suede Huarache Sandal: Luca Huarache
When it’s time to put in the work, some shoes outlast the others. Don’t let the soft as butter exterior fool you—Luca’s huaraches are well equipped to withstand whatever roughing up you have in store, whether you’re navigating uncharted roads or maxing out on your city commute. Handcrafted in Guatemala from durable, water-resistant roughout leather that maintains its shape throughout wear, they’re reinforced with a sturdy, rubber sole that bends to your foot straight out of the box. These huaraches were built to be lived in—and to last.
Best Huarache Sandal for Comfort: Malibu Sandals Colony Mule
If you’re planning to put in some miles, it might be best to swap out the hard-bottomed soles for a cushier alternative. Malibu’s Colony Mules feature an ergonomic footbed layered on top of a cork-infused EVA midsole to cradle your feet mid-stride and prevent the types of aches and pains that can cut your scenic walk short. The woven upper is made from a recycled polyester-blend further locks in your foot without cutting off circulation—a feel-good feature that actually, well, feels good on. While these mules stray away from the traditional huarache silhouette they keep the same energy, allowing you to flex in the utmost comfort all day, everyday.
More Huarache Sandals We Love
Chamula
"Cancun" Huaraches
While Chamula continues to churn out funky rifts of the traditional huarache, the classic closed-toe silhouette, with its smooth-as-butter footbed, still takes the cake.
Keen
UNEEK II Slide
The breathable, flexibility of the original you know and love, now comes in a on-trend mule that's easy to slip on/off.
Espiritu
Mayan Huaraches
It's like we always say: A little color-blocking goes a long way. And in the case of Espiritu's top-notch huaraches—which are handmade by local Mexican artisans from organically-sourced materials—the color-blocking might be the least cool thing about 'em.
Nike
ACG Watercat+ Shoes
Are these technically huaraches, in the literal sense of the term? Definitely not. Does the Swoosh's next-gen riff on the woven sandal—equipped with quick-drying uppers and an extra-grippy sole—still merit inclusion here for its outdoorsy bona fides alone? Absolutely.
Deer Stags
Bamboo2 Huaraches
Chances are, your grandpa was rocking with T-bar sandals long before the fashion set cottoned on to their cool. Time to make him proud.
Sunsteps
Broadbay Huarache Sandal
55 bucks for a pair of leather sandals you won't be afraid to bring to the beach is already a great deal, but the the slightly squared-off toe here helps up the fashion quotient significantly—and ensures you can wear these with more than swim trunks.
