The Espiritu Story
Our journey began in the heart of Central Mexico, where we stumbled upon a town renowned for its beautifully crafted leather shoes known as huaraches. Initially captivated by their unique style, we soon discovered that these weren't just any sandals; they represented the history of the first shoe ever invented!
Back in Denver, we wore our huaraches daily, and it wasn't long before people stopped us in the streets, eager to know where they could get a pair. Inspired by their enthusiasm, we returned to Mexico to collaborate with the artisans, infusing our designs with their traditional craftsmanship.
Armed with 100 pairs of these remarkable sandals, we started selling them to friends. It was then we realized this was more than just a business; it was our life's mission. We decided to quit our jobs and dedicate ourselves to bringing the world the magic of huaraches.
These are not your abuela's shoes! With a rich history and stunning aesthetics, huaraches are a timeless piece of footwear that we fell in love with. Our passion led to the creation of Espíritu, a cooperative of skilled artisans whose craftsmanship we proudly support.
As co-founders, Oscar and I (Francisco) work tirelessly to help the town where these shoes are made. By reviving their craft and sharing it with the world, we ensure that the tradition and pride of making huaraches continue to thrive. Espíritu has since reached the corners of the globe, celebrating the artisans' heritage and preserving their invaluable skills while giving back to the community under our pay-per-pair model that allows over 240 families to weave shoes for us!
Join us in this journey, and step into a pair of huaraches that carry history, culture, and unparalleled craftsmanship.
Our Mission
In Espiritu, we foster a great work environment that preserves the traditional techniques of Mexico, promoting cultural awareness through high quality shoes hand-crafted by Native Mexican artisans that give back.
Our Values
- Equality in the Workplace: Our most valuable resource is our people. Our artisan products would be nothing without our Native Mexican artisans and their century-old weaving techniques. They deserve to be given credit for their hard work. Espiritu's focal point is making sure all our team is treated equally, paid fairly, and is offered the best and safest working environment.
- Ethically Made Shoes: Besides having ethical principles in the workplace with our people, our main focus is to create Mexican leather shoes that are organically sourced and ethically made. We understand that the clothing industry is one of the major polluting industries in the world. In order to preserve a world for future generations, each one of us has the responsibility to protect the world we live in today.
WE ARE PROUD TO BE A MEXICAN OWNED AND OPERATED COMPANY