Ever since barefoot shoes and stronger feet kicked my chronic pain to the curb, I’ve been on a mission to spread the word. Why can’t more shoes reflect the natural shape and function of the foot? That mission led me to develop a new version of a shoe close to my heart – the traditional Mexican huarache!
Origo Shoes and I have been working together the past year to bring you a new take on an old tradition. We are thrilled to announce that the Huarache by Anya is now available – same classic style but they won’t pinch your toes!
Use code ANYA for 10% off your purchase.
The huaraches will be restocked frequently in small batches! That means if your size is sold out all you need to do is register for restock notifications and wait for the next batch.
I Couldn’t Find Comfortable Huaraches
Huarache sandals are one of my favorite styles, but the pointy narrow shape always hurt my feet! My half-Mexican mom also loves traditional huaraches, but with bunions they were uncomfortable for her too. We used to blame our feet, but then I thought “why not change the shoe?”
Since then I’ve made it my life’s work to find comfortable alternatives to shoes that hurt. So for the past few years I’ve been on the hunt for craftspeople who would be interested in reimagining this traditional shoe with a natural foot shape. I wanted huaraches that actually fit wide feet!
That search led me to Diego and Cristina, a Colombian husband and wife duo who founded Origo shoes – a brand built on the same ideals as Anya’s Reviews!
We combined forces and began the process of prototypes and planning so that we all can enjoy this beautiful style without our toes being squished. After a year of working with local Mexican artisans and weavers we now have beautiful foot-shaped huarache sandals for you!
A Little Huarache History – The woven huarache (wa-ra-chay) design is indigenous to Mexico and born from Aztec culture. Hundred of years ago they were worn as a work shoe by farmers because they can be repaired repeatedly and are breathable for long hot days!
The Huarache by Anya
$114 | Available in two widths in sizes US women’s 6- men’s 13 | Leather | 8mm Stack Height
Use code ANYA for 10% off your purchase.
Our huaraches are made in the traditional way in Michoacán, Mexico – but with a few upgrades! Instead of a pointy, narrow toe they have a natural shape to them with space for the feet to spread out. Plus, a lighter and more flexible sole than is typically used.
The shoes are entirely made of leather with a flexible rubber outsole on the bottom. All the leather is vegetable tanned and chrome free so you can safely wear them on bare feet. The flexible 3mm outsole is made of natural rubber with texture for grip. Elegant simplicity.
Sandal Version With Buckle
The sandal variation of these huaraches has a buckle strap that keeps the foot securely in place, making them adjustable for a variety of foot types – these ones fit my low volume feet and narrow heels best! The Huarache Sandals comes in black, cinnamon, tan and white in sizes US women’s 6-11.5.
I wear mine on the tightest buckle and gave them many miles of testing all over European cobble stones. They are incredibly comfortable! If you also have low volume feet and/or narrow heels, this might be be a more secure fit than the slip-on.
Slip-On Version
The most traditional version of the huarache – the slip-on – comes in two widths and the full range of sizes for both men and women! This shoe can be worn during spring, summer, & fall with everything from shorts & jeans to dresses.
Because slip-ons can be a little harder to fit, and we believe a good fit is important for healthy walking, we have provided an optional ankle tie in both widths. You can wear it with the tie for extra security so the huaraches don’t slip off your heel, or you can remove the tie and wear them as a true slip-on. You can also add a heel grip to the back for a more tailored fit (this is what I do!).
Huaraches in Wide
The wide version of the Huaraches has an overall roomier fit than the regular version and comes in larger sizes, so is better suited for wider, higher volume and larger feet. This model also has a few extra leather pieces woven in so it covers a little more of the foot on the top and the sides than the regular, and the slip-on version comes with the optional ankle strap. You can find the wide huaraches in both slip-on and buckle sandal style! Let’s dig a little deeper into the sizing and fit for each of these models.
Huarache Sizing & Fit
The two Huaraches widths each have a unique fit.
Regular Huaraches
The regular Huarache by Anya is available in the Huarache Sandal and Slip-on in sizes US women’s 6-11.5, and fits as follows:
- True to size
- Medium to wide width
- Medium volume
That means these shoes should fit both average and some wide feet well.
Wide Huaraches
The wide version of the Huaraches by Anya is available in slip-on and sandal style in sizes US women’s 6.5 – men’s 13 and fits as follows:
- Mostly true to size, but slightly big overall
- Wide to extra wide
- Medium to high volume
The Huaraches in wide are wider in the toe box, slightly longer and higher volume compared to the regular width. This means that this version is best for thick, wide, and high volume feet.
See below a size chart for exact dimensions of both versions!
Why are they so snug?
Like in traditional huaraches, the leather will mold to your feet as you wear them so it’s ok if they feel snug when brand new. Because of this stretching and molding of the leather many people with extra wide feet will able to get a good fit as well! If you have low volume feet and narrow heels the sandal variation with the buckle will likely be the best option.
I am able to wear a size 6.5 regular width in these, which is my usual US shoe size for this style of shoe. If you have low volume feet and/or narrow heels I would consider erring on the smaller side so they feel secure, particularly in the slip-on variation.
Ordering
The Huarache by Anya is available to purchase from Origo Shoes and ships from the US to North America, Europe, UK, and Australia. Or if you live in Mexico you can shop Origo Shoes here and enjoy shipping from within Mexico.
You can use code ANYA for 10% off your purchase at any time, and on any of the models that Origo sells.
Retailers Around the World
- Gotardo (Spain)
- Barefoot You (Spain)
- Tread Barefoot (UK) – Shop closes for summer, will reopen in fall.
- Roam Barefoot (New Zealand)
- Barefoot Shoes AU (Australia)
These huaraches are made in small batches by artisan shoemakers – we will be restocking them frequently but there is a high chance that popular colors and sizes will sell out. Just make sure to register to be notified when your preferred color and size comes back in stock!
We can’t wait for you to try these barefoot huaraches that are so dear to our hearts.
192 thoughts on “The Most Comfortable Huaraches That Don’t Squish Your Toes – Now Available!”
Anya, can I ask what your foot measures in cm (wall method)? I’m 23.3 x 9 and got the bucked version in 6.5. They fit my right foot fine, but my left is a bit wider (it’s the one that’s 9cm wide) and was hurting after wearing them around the house for 10 minutes – my big toe and instep. Trying to decide if they’ll be fine once they stretch or if I should get the 7…THANK YOU!!!
Hi Anita! Anya is a little shorter than you and my feet are a little longer and wider and I like the fit of the 7.5 Wide. Anya wears the 6.5, so I would guess you would prefer the fit of the 7!
Will the white leather patina over time? Also, do you think you will release any other colors?
There is an olive green and red color now! The white won’t patina as much as the natural tan color but I would expect a small amount of patina.
These are lovely! I’m curious if there will be an open toe version?
It’s possible in the future, thanks for the suggestion 🙂
Hi Anya,
Any chance these will ever be made in a smaller size? I’m a 5.5 and think the 6 will be too big unfortunately.
I’ll be sure to pass along the request for a smaller size! We are always open to expanding the size range, but it is an expense.
These are gorgeous, I wear a 41 in Vivo, my foot is 26cm, do you think a 41 is what I need here?
Hi Dana! We definitely recommending measuring your feet and checking with the size chart before ordering.
Ok I need help please. I bought the sandal version size 10 and omg if felt like I couldn’t even get the shoe on my foot! I don’t know if it’s meant to be that snug?! I some how shimmied it on my foot but around the middle part where you slide your foot in, it feel a bit like a vice around it, I know they say it should stretch but should it be that snug? Im wondering if I should try the slip on the wide version but I worry about my heel and it slipping off. After I’ve shimmied on the sandal and clasped it, I’ve readjusted it so there’s it’s on the 2/3rd tightest. I really want to like the huaraches but they seem weirdly made, I didn’t expect it so hard for it to get on my foot. If i went up a size would it change the width feeling around my midfoot where you slip your foot in. I don’t have high volume feet more medium volume. Just trying to decide do I return them, get a bigger size or try the slip ons. I’m in Aus and got them from a distributor and I need to make a decision soon for return policy. Thank-you
They do stretch quite a bit, but some people have a hard time waiting until they stretch. The sandals definitely fit snugger because of the piece of leather on top. The wide version has more volume all around, so it may be that you want the wide width in the same size.
Hi there,
I’ve had the wide for at least 6 months wearing at least 2-3 times per week.
My foot measures 24cm so I purchased the US7- the fit seems fine however I am finding they rub on the tops of my toes. Would you recommend sizing up or down?
I am looking at purchasing another in a different colour!
Thanks
If everywhere else the fit is feeling good, I would stick with the same size but put a little piece of moleskin on the inside of the shoe where it rubs your toes.
Anya, can you please help me with the sizing on the banded huarache sandal?
I have a 10.34 cm wide foot with a 24.5 cm length. It seems like they stretch a good bit. I don’t want to get too long of a shoe to fit my width.
From Origo’s size chart, it seems like I should get a US 8.5 or a 9 (26.8 cm & 10.1cm or 27.3cm & 10.2 cm) to accommodate my width but I fear the shoe will be too long and possibly stretch too much.
Do you think I’d be safe with a US 8 (26.4 cm & 9.9 cm) and just allow my feet to stretch them out? Or could I even drop to a US 7.5 (26 cm & 9.7 cm)??
Thank you
Hello, since these do stretch width-wise with wear, focus on the appropriate length rather than the width (read this for understanding size chart width). I personally think all of those will be way too long on you and you’ll be walking out of the shoe. An EU 38 or 39 seems like a better length for your foot measurements.
I thought the size chart said it included some space and since I didn’t want the slip on to be too big , I ordered something with a little bit of extra length. The width does feel like it’s stretching. Will the length stretch too? At the toes? There is room on the sole.
As the leather stretches it will feel overall roomier. Typically it’s kind of spread out throughout the shoe. It most likely won’t get noticeably longer though.
Does Tan color mean it is undyed leather?
That is correct.
Hi! I can’t believe I will be able to wear a pair of huaraches again now that I’ve found a barefoot Option. Could you give me some advice about sizing? My feet in 24.3 cm long. So I’m doubting about a 37/38 (24.7 cm) or a 38(25.1 cm).
I usually choose at least 25 cm insole (basefoot shoes), but I’m not sure if for this type of shoe less space would be better? 25.1 cm will be too long?
Thanks a lot for bringing barefoot huaraches <3
Hi Eleanor! If you are choosing the slip-on model, I would err on the smaller side because they do stretch a lot! If you are going for the buckle sandal, you could likely do the larger. If you have low volume feet, I would choose the smaller, but if you have higher volume or very wide feet – bigger will be more comfortable. I hope that helps!
Hi, I really need help with the hurarache shoe sizing. I am measuring 9inches long/23 and a quarter long. I typically wear a US9 or a EU 39. This size chart seems VERY different that what I normally buy for sizing. Can you provide some guidance?
Thank you!
Hello Kaitlynn, I am a little confused on your measurements, but we find it is more accurate to measure in centimeters rather than convert from inches to cm. If your feet are 9in long, that would be less than 23cm and you’re right – that seems way smaller than typical for someone who wears an EU 39. My feet are 23.5cm in length and I wear the huaraches a US women’s 7.5 wide (my typical size is a US 7.5 or EU 38) so please measure again if you can.
Thank you, I really appreciate-measured and I am at 23cm- though I typically wear an EU 39
So this seems very off to me. Any help is appreciated!
That does not seem to align with what size I expect you would wear. Your length is about the same as Anya’s and she wears an EU 36 (or US 6.5W), which is her normal size in this style of shoe. My feet are a little longer (23.5cm), and I wear a 7.5 Wide in these which is my usual size. It’s possible you are used to sizing up for width or you just prefer extra room in your shoes. Going strictly by your foot length, I would choose a size US Womens 6.5 or 7.
I bought some of these last year and I love them. I’m just now seeing a metallic pair in this review post and wishing they were available on the website! I would also love a pair of huarache mules – just a suggestion!
Metallic is coming very soon! In about a week and a half we’ll be launching them for the first time. Huarache mules is an interesting idea…