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)
- Happy Little Soles (UK)
- Roam Barefoot (New Zealand)
- Barefoot Shoes AU (Australia)
- Tread Barefoot (UK) – Shop closes for summer, will reopen in fall.
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.
196 thoughts on “The Most Comfortable Huaraches That Don’t Squish Your Toes – Now Available!”
These do in fact squish your feet. Very disappointed in how tight these were at the top.
That’s a bummer they weren’t a perfect fit for you, Stephanie. The leather does stretch a lot, but not every shoe will work for every foot.
Hello. Im looking for a vegan option barefoot huarache. Do you have any idea where I could find them?
I have not yet seen a true huarache made of vegan materials (these are the only barefoot huaraches on the market), but this woven sandal from BioWorld is vegan and has some similarities.
Hi Anya, thanks for making these available they are stunning! Could you provide some sizing guidance? i.e. I know you size down for open-toe sandals for a closer fit, given these are in-between a covered shoe and a sandal, would you also look for a closer fit? I’m not sure if I should opt for my closed-shoe size (40) or sandal size (39)? Thank you 🙂
If you have thick, wide feet then I would stick with your usual. But if you have low volume or average width feet I would go with the smaller size. They stretch out quite a bit so you want them to fit snugly when brand new.
Thank you for the advice… which I regrettably did not take! I sized down as I really wanted the slip-ons to work (and not fall off my feet sans tie), but alas they feel *too* snug, so I will be buying my usual size and opting for the buckle style (dreaming of a slip-on version that comes up higher on the foot for a secure fit). I can confirm these are gorgeous and lightweight irl, and the ‘natural’ colour is just as pictured. I would say they lean to a narrow fit (if anyone is reading these comments looking for size intel). Note: Shipping to Aus was like AU$50+ clams in both directions, so stuffing up the size is a real bummer.
I bought the slip on in size 9 (39/40). I struggle with slip ons. 39 is usually too short and 40 too long, so I loved seeing something between. These are pretty perfect. I might could have gone down a size, but my heels aren’t slipping out and I like how much room my toes have. Hopefully they don’t stretch out too much.
The dark brown leather is beautiful and soft on my feet. The footbed also has a nicely cushioned feel, despite how thin it is.
If you’re on the fence, buy them! I’m already eyeing another pair.
Beautifully made shoe. Shipping to Australia took about 6 weeks. A bit disappointed at how low the back strap is, I have to have the strap extremely tight to stop it slipping off my heel as I walk. The Tan colour is not really tan, more of a peachy/pink.
How much space in front of the toes is recommended for this style? Should they be a closer fit than sneakers?
For this type of shoe I would recommend a closer fit. They stretch quite a bit and mold to your foot, so you get a better fit when they start out snug. But some people with high volume feet will have a snug fit even with plenty of length in front of the toes.
Review for those wondering about purchasing: I LOVE my pair I just got delivered yesterday! They are so comfortable. I could LIVE in them! The size 9 was snug, but I could have pulled them off. I decided to go a half size up and it was PERFECT!
I have the tie up slip ons in the light tan and they are beautiful and comfortable. They took exactly 2 months to get to me in Australia from ordering to receiving. I was also originally charged a steep AU$89 for postage. Customs must have let Origo know that was an overcharge as I was contacted and refunded around AU$53, so I admire their honesty in rectifying that. I do hope Origo has now adjusted their shipping cost for future Aussie buyers to avoid that issue. But the wait was worth it. I’m a size 9/40 sometimes 41 and I got the huaraches in 9.5. I don’t think they’d stay on my feet without the ties but I didn’t plan on wearing them that way. I’m very happy with these and hope to grab the dark brown sandal style eventually.
Wondering if these are also suitable for men or if there will be a men’s option soon? Stylish summer barefoot shoes are so hard to find for men!
Hi Caitlin, men can definitely wear them! We do hope to develop a men’s specific version in the future as we have had numerous requests to do just that. Stay tuned!
Just got my pair in the mail. They are gorgeous and I love them, but I have wide feet and they are so narrow I cannot even put them on! I’m so sad that I have to return them.