Huaraches? What are they?
The term huarache can refer to different styles of sandal. These sandals trace their origins back to Mexico, some being the leather woven-upper style and others being the ‘Tarahumara’ inspired minimalist sandal style. Christopher McDougall, author of ‘Born to Run’, popularised the style amongst minimalist runners in America with the popularity of his book and now many companies globally have been inspired by the design due to their well deserved popularity. This style of sandal is also inspired by simple varieties of historic Greek sandals used for running.
These sandals offer similar warm-weather benefits to flip-flops, except they are superior in several ways:
- They have a heel strap. They are secure enough to the foot that you can trail run or do water sports in many models.
- The materials are higher quality (e.g., Vibram rubber soles versus foam flip flop soles) and longer lasting.
- They have a very customisable fit.
- Foot bed is more custom in terms of shape, thickness, and material. You can choose according to your preferences.
- There are affordable DIY options – especially useful if you struggle to find a sole that matches your foot shape!
But what’s wrong with Flip Flops…?
Because flip flops are unsecured around the heel/ankle, they can result in needing to grip with your toes to keep them on your feet. This alters your natural gait, which can cause a host of problems like shin splints. Obviously running or any sort of off-roading in flip flops is not recommended due to them not being secured to the foot!
Their low quality construction and materials mean they easily get worn, provide very little protection and damped ground feel/stability due to their foamy soles. It’s no surprise that some places ban drivers wearing them, as do many sports activites.
The minimalist alternatives can still be slipped on and off (depending on how the heel strap is constructed) and are still very packable and lightweight.
Purchasing Considerations for Barefoot / Minimalist Sandals
The answer to “which brand or model is best?” is different depending on what you want. Consider the following:
- Sole thickness – more = less flexibility and ground feel, but higher protection from sharp rocks etc.
- Strap + foot bed materials – Leather is not ideal for water exposure but offers comfort, while some can be hosed down in the shower.
- Sole Shape – this differs by brand. The best sole shape is the one that most closely matches your foot shape. Click here for information on fitting barefoot shoes, which will also apply to sandals.
- Fastening method – brands differ in ways their sandals are adjusted and fastened, some with more modular adjustment and some with a singular continuous strap. Preference is personal. A single, continuous strap is highly adjustable, but might take a lot of trial and error before it feels perfect.
Some people are not a fan of sandals that go between their toes. It can be a sensory nightmare for these people or they may have had bad experiences in the past with flip-flop type sandals. However, keep in mind that flips flops rely on the strap between the toes to keep the sandal on, plus the excessive movement means more rubbing of their sensitive skin. Many of the barefoot alternatives have soft fabric or leather straps that go between the toes versus cheap, inflexible and non-adjustable plastics. For these reason you may be better at tolerating the minimalist huarache style sandals – wear them for short periods at first so you can have your skin adjust.
Where Can I Buy Minimalist Sandals to Replace Flip Flops – Which Ones are Best?
Listed below are some minimalist sandal retailers that sell this minimalist Huarache type sandal. They all produce sandals that are popular and are well regarded – just keep in mind your personal preferences in terms of fit and usage. I’ve listed the type and qualities of each brand below to help you decide which are right for your feet.
Earthrunners
A very popular option due to their simple lacing system and nice patterns / colours.
- USA based. Available here.
- Grounding sandals with copper plugs on the soles.
- Various sole thicknesses available and different foot bed material options.
- Sole shape can be slightly too narrow and sloped at the toes for people with wider splay. Work best for a Greek shaped toe profile, but can work for a range (they are a very passable fit on my Egyptian toe shape, even if not perfect).
- Highly adustable fit – one continuous strap secured with a buckle.
- Suitable for wet conditions.
- Straps can often be combined with other brand’s soles for a more cutomised fit!
Shamma Sandals
Another popular option due to their more modular ‘elite’ lacing system and fairly wide toe area.
- USA based. Available here.
- Huge variety of sole thicknesses and foot bed materials for all uses.
- Colours are more neutral: black and brown.
- Sole shape is relatively wide at the toes. Good for Roman/Egyptian shaped toe profiles.
- Some models suitable for wet conditions.
- Strap system varies by model. Elite has a highly adjustable system, while the lifestyle options are less custom.
Luna Sandals
One of the OGs – Barefoot Ted (of Chris McDougalls book ‘Born to Run’ fame) helps design these shoes.
- USA based. Available here.
- Huge variety of fits, styles and materials. Some one-strand tying minimalist sandals, more fancy leather options, some more technical sporty options.
- Lots of customisation available to ‘build your own sandal’, essentially.
- They produce an actual standard flip-flop, but without and heel/ankle support it lacks the benefits of actually being secure to the foot!
- Sole shape is somewhat wide at the toes, but a bit sloped like earth runners. Can work for a variety of toe profile shapes.
- Some models suitable for wet conditions.
Toetem Sandals
Toetem stand out for their wide, squared-off sole shape that is ideal for Roman/square toe profiles.
- USA based. Available here.
- Good variety of sole thicknesses and profiles.
- Mostly neutral colours, some fancier colours and designs on some models at the expense of adjustability. E.g., ‘Vapor’ model is essentially a flip-flop with an adjustable heel strap.
- Wide, squared off toe area – ideal for wider and square shaped toe profiles.
- Straps and soles often interchangable with other brands.
Xero Shoes
A well known brand that produce different shoe and sandal designs, but famous for their huarache style minimalist sandals too.
- USA based. Available here.
- Aqua Cloud and Genesis models are most similar to the ‘flip flop’ alternative huarache style.
- Less variety in sole thickness and designs than some specialist sandal brands, but still very minimalist.
- Sell a DIY kit that you can lace yourself, offering a range of lace colours.
- Toe area more suited for Greek shape as there is some tapering at the big toe. Better for narrow to medium wide splays.
- Except for the leather option, sandals are suitale for wet conditions.
Wildsole Sandals
- UK based. Available here.
- Great variety of sole thicknesses and treads, but less variety in the strapping system.
- Variety of price options, including a simpler budget option (Bear model).
- Sole relatively wide at the toes, duitable for medium to somewhat wide splay. Suitable for most toe shapes except very square or prominent Egyptian.
- Most options suitable for wet conditions.
Ma Sandals
- UK based. Available here.
- Very cheap custom fit ultra-minimalist sandals. Made by a small business.
- These are a DIY style made using simple materials, but made using your foot measurements and shipped ready made. Lots of colour options available. Considering the cost of the rubber sheeting, cord, etc. this is an excellent value option and worth looking at instead of DIYing yourself.
- Lacing it a basic tie system, so may be some learning curve to getting the perfect fit, versus adustment using a buckle system.
- Suitable for wet conditions.
Panta Sandals
- Netherlands based. Available here.
- Excellent shape for Egyptian and Roman toe profiles. Wider, squared off big-toe area.
- Single, continuous strap system with a buckle. Allows for a very customised fit.
- Variety of sole treads, thicknesses and colours available.
- Some models suitable for wet conditions.
In Summary
If you want a sandal for a wide splay: Panta and Toetem are the best shape. Shamma can work too.
If you want something less sporty, more elevated: Luna Roots model features a fancy ankle lacing system. Earth runners have nice fabric strap options. Brands like Shamma offer all-leather options.
If you want something that will help you conquer trails in all weather: the non-leather and grippy models of Lunas, Shammas, or another brand.
If you are thinking of DIYing due to budget options or want Ultra Minimalism: consider Ma Sandals to save you money and hassle. Or Xero DIY kit if you are determined. Or DIY yourself following online guides and buying the materials!