I first heard about huaraches like most other runners – from reading about the sandals that the Tarahumara Indians wore in the barefoot running book Born to Run. Then I found Huarache sandals in which Steven Sashen sells both do-it-yourself kits and pre-made customized huaraches. I originally just wanted to interview Boulder-based Steven for Barefoot Running, but after our phone chat, he offered me a pair of my very own huaraches, and I couldn’t say no!  In a few days, my kit arrived in the mail – a sheet of black 4mm Vibram Cherry sole material and 2 purple laces (you can choose from a few colors).

Besides the sole & laces, you will need scissors, a Sharpie, a piece of blank paper, lighter or match, and a leather punch.

I got everything together and went to the website for easy step-by-step instructions and videos.

Trace your foot on a blank piece of paper.

Cut out your footprint and trace onto the rubber sole.

Use strong scissors and cut out your soles!

Poke holes in the soles and stick the laces through... almost there!

I went with the basic lacing style, but there are several videos for different styles on the site.

I made a little "Phoenix Flower" with the leftover laces and viola!

After walking around in them a couple times, I have to agree with Steven that it could be the “closest thing to barefoot.”  The first time I walked around in them, I felt a little floppy, but after trimming them a bit and adjusting the laces, they felt great!  The thing I like the best is that they look stylish, and can be modified for men or women.

A DIY adult kit is $19.95 or $24.95 for a large (larger than a Men’s size 10), while custom-made huaraches are $49.95 (you have to send Steven your foot outline & he does the rest!).  There is a kid-sized kit available as well for $12.95.  Check out all the barefoot running sandals on offer and get yourself a pair!

Tagged as: barefoot running, barefoot walking, Huarache sandals, invisible shoe