If you are looking to revamp your wardrobe for the warmer days ahead, it's a good time to invest in pieces that celebrate artisanal heritage. One of our top picks is Mexican sandals – a traditional symbol of high quality and versatile style that feels like more than just a momentary trend. This North American country is known for their rich history in shoemaking, and there are quite a few brands that are successfully carrying this artistry into 2026.
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Whether it's shapes that date back to the Pre-Columbian era, like ‘huarache’ woven sandals, or contemporary silhouettes by emerging Mexican fashion designers, the ‘Made in Mexico’ label signifies a thoughtful consideration for handcrafted materials and designs that tell a story. Choosing Mexican sandals is a way to pay homage to the history while also supporting local talent and investing in unique pieces that will become key elements of your wardrobe.
Scroll to find out some of our favourite pieces crafted in Mexico, as well as different ways to wear them for the warmer seasons.
Using leather, embroidered textiles or natural fibres, shoes that are made in Mexico are known for being durable and full of personality. Pieces that feel special and speaks of hundreds of years of experience it takes to create a well-constructed shoe. As the OG mesh sandals, woven leather sandals inspired by the classic huarache shapes have been a staple for years, always deserving of their own moment in the spotlight. Because of their structure, these sandals adapt to the foot with every move, in the biggest power move of comfort – feeling secure while also allowing a breeze to go through. When finding a perfect pair for yourself, look for local brands or those who are working directly with Mexican artisans, ensuring an ethical and fair production process is in place.
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And then there's contemporary Mexican brands, like Cruda, who are skilfully taking the heritage and bringing it into new areas, designing modern, chunky silhouettes with same consideration for quality. It's no surprise that Cruda's unique mix of out-there aesthetics and artisanal hand-making has garnered major fans, including SZA and Cardi B.
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For spring 2026, fashion is leaning towards the natural, the comfortable and the authentic. And this is where the concept of Mexican sandals comes through – modern or traditional, they will be the perfect styling partner for all of your favourite spring looks.
If you're a fan of jeans (as most of us are), you'll be happy to know that a pair of Huarache-inspired Mexican sandals are their ideal counterpart. For an everyday look, wear them with a pair of high-waisted granny jeans, an oversized shirt or a basic tee. Prioritise sandals in neutral tones, such as brown, beige or black. This outfit is perfect for going out for a walk, grabbing a cuppa from your local café or even a day at the office, on days with a relaxed dress code. Picking a cropped pair of jeans or slightly folding the hem of the trouser always helps to show off the design of the sandal better.
Flowy, boho skirts are a must this spring and wearing them with a pair of crafted Mexican sandals builds a fresh take on a feminine outfit. You can opt for midi skirts with floral prints to wear with woven flats, or linen or cotton skirts with pieces that have modern details like straps or pointy toes. This type of footwear adds a relaxed touch that contrasts perfectly with the fluidity of the skirt. Plus, because they are so comfortable, you can wear them all day long – like an elegant take on a barefoot shoe. If the skirt has a lot of volume or print, choose simpler sandals for balance.
There is no look that says ‘spring is here’ like sandals poking out of a maxi dress. With a pair of handmade Mexican designer sandals from Cruda, this duo takes a whole new vision – freshness, freedom and ease. A dress printed with oversized florals or polkadots will look great with an updated pair of classic velcro sandals, crafted out of soft, upcycled leather. Meanwhile, Crudo's platform lace-up sandal is a perfect way to elevate a daytime dress for the evening, without losing on elements of comfort or craft. As both of these pieces are made-to-order, think about investing in a pair now so you can have them just in time for the warmer days of spring, and wear them straight into summer, too.
This spring, certain styles of Mexican sandals are definite standouts. These include huaraches – sandals with a light platform that merges the ease of a beach sandal with the timeless elegance of an espadrille. Our other favourites are the modern interpretations courtesy of emerging designers that are putting Mexico's fashion scene on the map.
Before you buy a pair, make sure that the material is flexible and breathable, choosing a design that you can wear with several outfits. It's always recommended to inspect the seams, soles and materials, looking out for details you have an instant connection with.
As a symbol of tradition and craft, Mexican sandals are not just a passing trend, they are statements that mix past, present and future of shoemaking. This spring, they are bound to become the perfect partner in building fresh looks with jeans, skirts and dresses without getting overly complicated. Best of all, you can adapt them to your own style, from casual to feminine – and yes, even boho chic.
A version of this story was previously published in Glamour Mexico and Latin America.
