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We’ve worn and researched sustainable shoes for a decade — here are 5 eco-friendly, ethical brands for quality huaraches you’ll reach for year after year.
Huaraches are one of those timeless shoes that feels right every summer. Originally handcrafted by skilled artisans in Mexico, these woven leather sandals have been loved for generations thanks to their breathable design, durability, and effortlessly classic style. Whether you’re strolling through a weekend market, packing for a warm-weather getaway, or just looking for an everyday shoe that gets better with age, a great pair of huaraches is hard to beat. Below, we’ve rounded up our favorite brands making beautiful, thoughtfully crafted huaraches that honor the tradition while prioritizing quality and ethical production — without compromising on style.
What are huarache sandals?
Huaraches are traditional woven leather sandals that originated in pre-Columbian Mexico, where they’ve been handcrafted by artisans for centuries. The name huarache comes from the Purépecha word kwarachi, meaning sandal, and the distinctive woven design was originally created to keep feet cool and comfortable in warm climates while providing lasting durability. Today, huaraches remain a symbol of Mexican craftsmanship, with many artisans using techniques and patterns that have been passed down through generations.
As huaraches have grown in popularity around the world, it’s worth considering where — and who — you buy them from. To this day, they hold great significance in Chicano populations, and choosing brands that work directly with Mexican artisans or family-owned workshops helps ensure the people preserving this cultural tradition are fairly compensated for their skills. Rather than purchasing mass-produced imitations that replicate the look without supporting the communities behind it, buying authentic, artisan-made huaraches is a meaningful way to appreciate the history, craftsmanship, and culture that make these shoes so special.
Our criteria:
We’ve worn, researched, and corresponded with sustainable shoe brands for years. Below, we’ve compiled our favorite huaraches and huarache-inspired sandals that are eco-friendly, ethically made, and are comfortable enough that you’ll want to slip them on every summer. We’ve included a variety of price points, too. We regularly update this list as we find new options that meet the following criteria.
- ETHICAL PRACTICES | These sustainable shoe brands prioritize ethical production, from fair wages and safe working conditions to responsible manufacturing. We also favored brands that invest in and support their local communities.
- ECO-FRIENDLY/SUSTAINABLE | Every brand below thoughtfully sources materials and crafts its footwear with sustainability in mind, often using natural, recycled, or upcycled materials.
- COMFORTABLE | Our editors have tested every brand on this list and can confirm they’re comfortable, supportive, and built for walking.
- ARTISAN MADE | These sandals are handcrafted by skilled artisans using traditional techniques and production methods, so you can rest easy knowing you’re helping preserve craftsmanship while investing in footwear made with exceptional care and attention to detail.
Be sure to check out our guides on linen pants, eco friendly sunglasses, and sustainable swimwear for all your summer essentials!
1. Espiritu
Best For | Artisan made huaraches
Sustainable Materials | Vegetable-dyed leather, recycled rubber
Size Range | 5 — 10
Price Range | $125 — $165
Espíritu huarache sandals bring traditional artisanship to life in every pair. Each style is available in 25 or more shades — from neutrals and soft pastels to metallics and every color of the rainbow — offering plenty of ways to make them your own. With both classic back-strap and slip-on styles, they’re made from organically sourced materials including vegetable-dyed genuine leather and recycled rubber. The cushioned footbed molds to your feet over time, becoming softer and more comfortable with every wear. Each pair is carefully handmade by Native Mexican artisans, supporting more than 240 families and helping preserve traditional techniques. Rooted in cultural preservation and fair working conditions, Espíritu blends vibrant designs with its impact — for sandals that are truly meaningful to wear.
Customer Review | “Very comfortable, great sandal alternative for the summer. I’ve been very happy with the pair I purchased.“ – Karson H. (Read all reviews.)
2. Mexas
Best For | Multi-colored huaraches
Sustainable Materials | 100% chrome-free leather upper, vulcanized rubber soles
Size Range | 4 — 13.5
Price Range | $85 — $100
For a huarache sandal with tons of character, turn to Mexas. Known for their vibrant, artisan made designs, Mexas offers the most inclusive size range on our list, accommodating narrow, medium, and wide feet in style. Each pair is lightweight, flexible, and breathable thanks to the woven construction, making them an easy warm-weather staple with plenty of personality. With bold colors and standout detailing, these are huaraches that don’t shy away from making a statement. And beyond design, Mexas is rooted in purpose — the brand donates part of every sale to Mujeres Aliadas in Michoacán, the region where the shoes are made, helping support local communities behind the craft.
Customer Review | “I find them very comfortable, the color, everything in general. It’s the second pair I’ve bought and also very comfortable and beautiful. I use them daily. Last year’s are like new and I’ve worn them a lot.” – Alicia L. (Read all reviews.)
3. Origo
Best For | Huaraches that get better with age
Sustainable Materials | Vegetable-dyed, chrome-free leather
Size Range | 6.5 — 11.5
Price | $115
Origo‘s huaraches soften and mold to your feet over time for true broken-in comfort. Local tanneries provide the hand-dyed leather for these durable and breathable sandals, which were created in collaboration with Anya Jensen and inspired by the traditional Mexican huarache-making technique that has been passed down over generations. And in true Origo fashion, they’re made with intention — from small-batch production to compostable packaging and Amazon reforestation efforts — so they’ll feel great on your feet while also doing good for our planet.
Customer Review | “I love these shoes! They are so cute and can be dressed up or down. They are really comfortable as well. Very happy with them!” – Ammy T. (Read all reviews.)
4. Sézane
Best For | Chic huarache-inspired sandals
Sustainable Materials | 100% leather, rubber sole
Size Range | 4 — 11
Price Range | $195 — $245
Sézane‘s huarache-inspired sandals take cues from the classic woven silhouette of huaraches, reinterpreting it through the brand’s signature Parisian lens. Sézane for its TGT favorite for its timeless French designs that feel effortlessly chic yet easy to wear season after season. These mules are crafted in an Italian workshop with a textile upper, leather lining and insole, and a durable rubber outsole, so they’re comfy for daily wear. A versatile staple, these are sandals you can wear with just about everything, from breezy summer dresses to relaxed denim — without sacrificing your commitment to sustainability and ethical production.
5. Will’s Vegan Store
Best For | Vegan huarache-inspired sandals
Sustainable Materials | Vegan leather (69% biobased content), cork
Size Range | 4 — 11
Price Range | $70 — $122
Huaraches are traditionally made with leather, so we wanted to highlight Will’s Vegan Store for huarache-inspired designs made without cowhide. Crafted in Portugal using Ecolabel vegan leather from Italy that meets OEKO-TEX® 100 regulations, Will’s sandals are designed for comfort, with cushioned footbeds for long days of walking. Plus, the brand’s carbon-neutral operations extend beyond production with free, paperless carbon-neutral returns for up to a year! When your sandals eventually reach the end of their life, you can also use Will’s return to recycle program to help keep them out of a landfill.
Customer Review | “I can walk for hours on these sandals, they look hip and you can easily slip in. I would recommend. I have taken the size I usually have and that works out fine for me.” – Evelien (Read all reviews.)
Emily McGowan is the Editorial Director at The Good Trade. She studied Creative Writing and Business at Indiana University, and has over ten years of experience as a writer and editor in sustainability and lifestyle spaces. Since 2017, she’s been discovering and reviewing the top sustainable home, fashion, beauty, and wellness products so readers can make their most informed decisions. Her editorial work has been recognized by major publications like The New York Times and BBC Worklife. You can usually find her in her colorful Los Angeles apartment journaling, playing with her two cats, or crafting. Say hi on Instagram or follow along with her Substack, Pinky Promise.
