There are plenty of sock-optional shoes for guys once the temps rise:
- Boat shoes (the old BroBible staple, for the Nantucket and Charleston crowd).
- Loafers (love ‘em, especially the Tecovas Bennetts in Midnight Calfskin, like a summer tux for the feet).
- Driving shoes (shoutout to Tecovas Monterreys—$195, still undefeated in my book).
Huaraches, however, are one of those shoes your grandfather wore on his trips to Alcapouca and fell in love with. They’re a whole different animal. They light, breathable, and built for heat.
Tecovas just dropped a version that feels like the spiritual cousin to their cowboy boots and loafers.
Introducing the Tecovas Mateo, now available in Butterscotch cowhide or Burnt Olive in roughout suede over on Tecovas.com for $185.
BUY NOW VIA TECOVAS – $185
Wait, What’s a Huarache?
Pronounced wah-RAH-chay, the huarache is a centuries-old Mexican slip-on made from handwoven leather.
Tecovas Mateos are Handwoven in León, Mexico (a city that lives leather), The Mateo is Western soul meets beach-town chill. You get a cushioned footbed, hybrid outsole, and a structured shank that lets you wear them all day—without looking like a guy who’s trying too hard.
When to Rock ‘Em
- Strolling through Marfa with a Topo Chico, heading back to your Airstream before checking out the lights.
- Playing tourist in Santa Barbara with your girlfriend’s family (they’ll think you “dress well” now)
- Leaving the farmer’s market with three things you didn’t need, including $26 in fresh peaches
- Backyard beer pong rematches where you still insist it was “elbow”
They pack light, wear easy, and beat the hell out of another summer in sad canvas slip-ons that smell like a frat house. These are a step up without losing the laid-back DNA.
Why I’m Sold
Look, I already swear by Tecovas’ The Duke Ostrich boots and their rugged work boots that took me from city boy to yardwork warrior. So when they dropped a huarache, I trusted the process. And these things delivered like avocados at perfect ripeness or a stranger complimenting your fit unprompted.
The Mateo is for guys who want sockless options beyond the obvious and appreciate craftsmanship. And who still want to look cool when the hot weather hits.