For a while they sat on shelves and Nike eventually halted production on the model and shifted budget elsewhere. The silhouette had actually garnered a new and slightly-bad reputation according to many, with the legendary status tarnished by how mainstream they had become.

Huarache Origins The Nike Air Huarache released in 1991. Footwear designer Tinker Hatfield wanted to combine the fit of neoprene waterski boots with the functionality of South American sandals. The instant hit found its way to basketball courts and then the streets, where it earned its status as an icon.

The Nike Air Huarache debuted in 1991 with a minimal yet polarizing design. Its comfort was undeniable, thanks to a sock-like, neoprene upper that “hugged” the foot.

Why Are They Called Huaraches? “Huarache” is a word that is based on the term “warachi,” from the Purépecha language. In English, this translates to sandal. Now, the word “huarache” is used throughout Mexico to mean a specific type of open-toed sandal made from hand-woven leather straps.