How to Wear Huaraches

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: March 29, 2019 References

Huaraches are a popular style of Nike sneakers and a type of traditional Mexican sandal. Nike Huaraches have a tight-fitting neoprene sock inside of the shoe, which gives the shoes a more snug fit that’s perfect for everyday wear and working out. On the other hand, Huarache sandals are made of woven leather straps and rubber, and are perfect for walking, running, and hiking. Whether you want to dress them up or go for a more casual look, you can make both Huarache sandals and sneakers work for you.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Styling Nike Huaraches

1
Wear Huaraches with dark, slim cut jeans and a plain shirt for a laid-back look. Choose a pair of jeans in a dark wash, like navy blue or black, with a hem that hits at your ankle, and opt for a plain white, black, or gray tee. When you put on the shoes, let the jeans bunch up slightly at the ankles or cuff them. Make sure you leave your shirt untucked to add to the relaxed vibe.^{[1]
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- You could even wear a Nike logo shirt to match your Huaraches, which is a trendy look for sneaker enthusiasts.
2
Throw on a bomber jacket for a classier, put-together outfit. When it’s colder outside, look for a jacket in a muted color, like black, gray, khaki, navy blue, or olive green to compliment the various colors that some Huaraches incorporate. Make sure it has a snug fit on your arms and is looser around your torso, giving you ample space to move.^{[2]
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- This is a great way to wear Huaraches into the fall and winter without looking out of place. However, remember that water and dirt can stain the leather on the shoes, so be careful where you step!
- For an edgier look, you can wear a leather jacket, but be sure to leave it unzipped so your shirt is visible.
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3
Pair Huaraches with tapered sweatpants or cropped leggings for a sporty look. If you’re wearing your Huaraches to work out or relax, pick a pair of sweats that are tighter around the ankles and baggy throughout the legs or a pair of form-fitting leggings that hit above the ankles. Throw on a plain T-shirt, sports bra, or a matching sweatshirt to complete the outfit.^{[3]
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- Avoid wearing them with loose-fitting sweatpants, since the bottom hem of the pants will likely cover the top of the shoes.
- If you’re going to wear your Huaraches to work out, you can tie a sweatshirt around your waist so you have it in case you get cold after exercising!
4
Combine a sweater and distressed jeans with the sneakers for a cozy outfit. In cooler weather, put on a pair of light wash, distressed denim in a skinny or boyfriend fit. For your top, pick out a chunky knit sweater in a neutral color, like black, gray, or cream. You can accessorize the outfit with a scarf or a stylish jacket for more warmth.^{[4]
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- Pairing sneakers with a nicer sweater will keep your feet comfortable while remaining stylish, which makes this outfit perfect for travelling or a day of shopping.
5
Put on a shirt dress with Huaraches for a chic, feminine outfit. Go for a tighter-fitting dress that hits just above your knees with long or short sleeves. Try to stick to solid colors, like black, burgundy, navy, gray, and olive green, which compliment Huaraches well. Accessorize with a nice clutch or cross-body bag and classy jewelry, like stud earrings and gold chain necklace.^{[5]
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- Dresses and sneakers are a popular look because it’s comfortable and classy, and the two pieces contrast to make an interesting visual statement.
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Pick a pair of colorful shoes to add interest to your outfits. Huaraches come in a variety of colors. If you wear mostly neutral colors, stick to the all-black or all-white colorways, which are still eye-catching. If you like a pop of color, opt for colors like red, blue, turquoise, or orange.^{[6]
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- You can sometimes order custom colorways from the Nike website, but that option isn’t always available.
Choosing a Colorway

Select an all-black or all-white pair for the most versatility.

Opt for brightly-colored Huaraches if you want your shoes to stand out.

Purchase limited edition colorways if you like collecting rare sneakers.

Make a custom multi-colored pair to match your shoes to your personal style.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Wearing Huarache Sandals

1
Wear Huarache sandals with lightweight shorts and a shirt to work out. Pick up a pair of strappy Huaraches, which are a great alternative to “barefoot” hiking and running because they provide a bit more support and protection. Make sure the sandals fit snugly, and wear clothes made of cotton, jersey, or linen to keep cool.^{[7]
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- After a bit of wear and tear, the sandals and leather will mold to your foot and become even more comfortable for hiking and running.
2
Slip on a pair of Huaraches with jeans and a tee for more casual outings. Choose a pair of light or medium-wash jeans and a white T-shirt for a laid back outfit. Leave your shirt untucked, or tuck it into the front of your paints for a cute and effortless look. In cooler weather, throw a denim jacket over your shoulders for a chic accessory.^{[8]
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- You can also accessorize with a small leather bag to match your sandals and pull the look together.
Picking a Pair of Huarache Sandals

Choose simple brown and tan slides for a versatile pair of sandals.

Opt for adjustable strappy sandals if you want to hike or run in Huaraches.

Go for Huaraches in bold, contrasting colors to make a fashion statement.
3
Pair Huarache sandals with a brightly-colored top for a summery look. Opt for a red, blue, yellow, or green blouse with a pattern, like floral, stripes, or polka dots. This will add some interest to your outfit to complement your sandals. For bottoms, choose a pair of simple denim shorts or a pair of cropped, colored jeans.^{[9]
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- This is a great outfit for a semi-dressy occasion, since you can pair a bright top with almost any type of skirt or a pair of pants.
4
Dress up Huaraches by pairing them with a flowy dress or tailored pants. For a more feminine outfit, choose a dress that hits at or below the knee, and wear a pair of lighter-colored sandals. For a more masculine outfit, opt for a pair of khaki or tan pants and a button-down shirt or blouse with Huaraches made of darker leather.^{[10]
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- For dressier outfits, look for Huaraches that have more coverage and are closed-toe, rather than the open-toe versions that only have a few straps.
5
Slip on a pair of sheer socks to keep your feet warm. While socks with sandals is sometimes considered a fashion “faux pas,” Huaraches look great with socks. Pick a neutral or colorful pair that hit at or above your ankle to peek out from the sandal. Remember that your socks will be visible, so try to pick a nice pair!^{[11]
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- For an edgier look, you could choose a pair of fishnet socks to mimic the style of the sandal straps.
6
Use the straps or buckles to tighten the sandals when they become loose. If your sandals have a buckle, slide it up and down to adjust the fit until they’re comfortable. If your sandals have knots, you can re-tie them to fit your feet more snugly. Once you adjust them, trim off any excess leather using a pair of sharp scissors.^{[12]
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- Since most Huarache sandals are made out of leather, they’ll naturally loosen with wear. This is normal. If you can’t adjust the shoes, it may be time to get a new pair.