As a footwear designer Mexican Huarache Footwear has long fascinated me. In many ways Huaraches embody much of my evolving design perspectives and the many progressive design topics that I’ve explored on this blog.
I’m captivated by the two juxtaposing characteristics of woven Huaraches.
1. The generative algorithmic technical nature of Huaraches weaving. A unique construction method where altering a single weave can lead to a new upper design. Huaraches that are constructed from a single strip of leather akin to the latest additive manufacturing technologies, except that Huaraches cannot be machine made.
2. The handcrafted nature of Huaraches which brings a human dimension to an increasingly industrial consumer footwear experience.
Introducing úkata, selling the finest Huaraches to promote and sustain this incredible woven footwear craft.
BACK IN STOCK!
úkata is proud to offer their first Huaraches for sale.
The “Cien Clavos” Huaraches are made by José Martínez from the small town of Mazamitla, nestled in the pine covered hills of the Sierra Tigre in Southern Jalisco. José Martínez is continuing in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, making the same traditional Huarache designs. A true craftsman, he works alone finishing one, or sometimes 2 pairs per day, while organically tanning his own leathers using acacia and encino oak tree bark.
The “Cien Clavos” or “Hundred Nails” design is so called because of the many nails used in the sole. The character of the “Cien Clavos” isn’t trend driven so you’ll never grow tired of this unique Huarache design. The Huarache upper unlike that of other footwear will only get better with age, as the vegetable tanned full grain leather slowly…
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74 FOOTWEAR DESIGN CONSULTING 