Interview: Kevin from Malibu Sandals | Oi Polloi

Not to be confused with the Nike trainers of the same name, ‘huaraches’ are a traditional type of woven sandal popular with Jack Kerouac, Franciscan monks and Mexican farmers.

With super-comfy, ‘anatomically correct’ soles and leather-esque, vegan-friendly woven uppers, Malibu Sandals are the true modern day huarache, and might just be the ultimate in laid-back, spliffed-up and spaced-out San Fran beatnik foot attire.

I pestered Malibu main-man Kevin O’Neill to find out more…

What have you been up to today?

I am staring at the mighty Pacific Ocean and watching the pelicans feed.

To a lot of people, huaraches are those trainers that Nike make. Can you tell us the history of the original Mexican huarache?

Sure. The Mexican huarache sandal has deep footwear design roots dating back centuries. The craftsmanship is amazing with the braided rawhide designs that were worn by everyone including Aztec warriors and farmers alike.

There are dozens of different hand woven styles that originate from many different regions throughout Mexico and where they still make them today at local Huaracheria shops. It's a genius concept that doesn't require any stitching, but rather intricate hand woven patterns.

When did you first encounter this most majestic of footwear?

I first laid eyes on the huarache four years ago while on a business trip in New York. I met a shopkeeper in a clothing store who was wearing a pair he just picked up in Latin America and I was infatuated by the primal styling and concept. The strapping system details and hand woven elements just blew my mind.  

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