The best men’s huaraches are a unique shoe within the summer footwear spectrum—sandals, but more demure; shoes, but airier. That’s why we love ’em. They originate from indigenous Mexico, and were originally crafted with handwoven plant fibers in way that kept feet secure and cool at the same time. Eventually, huaraches moved on to leather uppers and more substantial soles—but kept the easygoing personality and all-natural AC.
Huaraches have a more rustic, handmade appeal compared to other sandals and give an unquantifiable ease to every outfit. Maybe that’s why they look so great on vacation—and that’s not the mojito goggles talking. Served neat with a pair of billowy summer pants and a pique polo, huaraches can handle a daytime stroll around Havana or a dinner date at that Michelin-starred Oaxacan spot.
But don’t limit the woven wonders of huaraches to OOO outfits. Try pairing them with wide-leg tailored shorts and crisp button-up for a summertime riff on a dressy look. Or play into a more quotidian vibe with your favorite pair of jeans and a graphic tee.
Point is, because huaraches resist an easy shoe-or-sandal label, they cover a lot of bases. And with more designers riffing on the traditional style, huaraches have expanded their reach even more.
We tested our way through a jungle of woven sandals to separate the best from the rest. Here are our favorites.
The Best Men’s Huarache Sandals, According to GQ
In This Guide
Best Huarache Sandals Overall: Nisolo Huarache Sandal
Nisolo’s traditional huarache sandal is no stranger to earning our endorsement. In the past, we’ve praised its water-resistant leather uppers, cushy midsoles, and ultra-low rubber soles, and extolled the virtues of its exceptional arch support and deceptive versatility. In our book, the brand’s flagship product looks just as good with pressed chinos as it does peeking out from baggy jeans.
All that aside, though, it’s about more than just the huaraches. Nisolo brings B-corp and climate neutral certifications, and its dedication to ensuring the craftspeople building out its shoes are compensated fairly. Yes, $150 is more than you’d pay if you bought a pair of huaraches abroad. But it’s hard to put a price on peace of mind—or the simple pleasure of dressing as well as Chris Pine.
Read more: Nisolo Huarache Sandal review
Best Budget Huarache Sandals: Deer Stags Bamboo2 Huarache Sandals
Even the skimpiest budget has enough room for these Deer Stag huaraches. To get the downsides out of the way first. Craftsmanship isn’t quite as handcrafted as some other options here—the soles are glued on, not sewn, for instance—but something’s gotta give at this price. But you do get all-leather uppers, an additional adjustable buckle for a better fit, cushioned insoles, and grippy rubber soles. The Bamboo2 is beloved by fashionable dads and swaggy style enthusiasts on a budget, and they’ll scratch the itch if you’re just dipping a toe into huarache-tinted waters.
Best Upgrade Huarache Sandals: Chamula Cancun Huarache
Yuki Matsuda might not be a household name, but to a certain type of menswear fanatic he’s a rockstar. Matsuda is the creative force behind Meg Co., which owns Chamula, Yuketen, and Monitaly—a formidable triumvirate of indie brands that specialize in impeccably crafted next-gen Americana.
For his Chamula line, which primarily focuses on traditional Mexican craftwork, Matsuda works with indigenous workers to create the Cancun slip-on sandals, a pair of huaraches that emphasizes quality in every respect. From the natural, vegetable-tanned leather uppers (dyed, cut, and woven by hand) to the natural leather footbed and bouncy EVA soles, the Cancun doesn’t take any shortcuts. Also beautiful: they’re comfortable out of the gate, and the substantially thicker sole means they’ll last longer than the more svelte options out there.
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 standard huarache’s hard-bottomed soles for a cushier alternative. Malibu’s Colony Mules layer an ergonomic footbed over a cork-infused EVA midsole to give your feet more support than an out-of-network therapist. The woven upper trades leather for a recycled polyester blend, and the usual braided look for trippier two-tone swirls. It also locks your foot in place like a sneaker—a feel-good feature you’ll appreciate when you’re logging steps around town, or just to find an open spot at the beach.
