Nike Huarache Type review

Who should buy the Nike Huarache Type

This pair is a great pick if:

• You want a shoe with a retro and sporty style
• You consider durability as this is made with a rubber sole that grants a longer experience

Size and fit

The Huarache Type is only available in men’s sizing. These shoes fit true to size so it is recommended to go for one’s usual size. Also, half sizes are offered for those who are more comfortable with going half a size up. These sneakers also feature an adjustable hook-and-loop strap system that allows one to adjust the shoe’s fit, securing the upper’s floating exoskeleton while hugging the foot. 

Huarache Type style

Taking inspiration from the iconic Nike Mowabb, the Huarache Type belongs to the experimental N354 family. This new rendition brings a unique, oddball design to the classic running shoe taking inspiration from the ’80s but with a rugged style.

Using the classic Huarache as a starting point, the shoe appears to be more stripped back, with thinner layers and more exposed materials. Additionally, the tooling has also been overhauled in favor of the more prototype-inspired aesthetic. The semi-transparent mesh upper and raw edges of this sneaker are pieced together by nylon ripstop, synthetics, and a dimpled neoprene. 

Branding is kept mostly minimal with a thinly outlined mini-Swoosh logo that is placed right at the forefoot while penciled “N.354” and goes along with iconography on the back half. Beginning with simple white and blue and then transitioning into all-black make-ups, the Nike N.354 offers a lot more colorways.

The color blocking of these kicks is boldly shown on the upper. Some colorways such as the gold/beige/black, pink tint/black, mystic navy/obsidian/black/summit white, and black/university red/royal sail, make the shoes shine with the extra cool color scheme. Being a very fashionable pair of Huaraches, they are styled with almost anything in one’s wardrobe. This sneaker is best paired with a street style and sporty ensemble. A fashionista says that wearing cargo pants, jogger pants, jeans, shorts, or any loose-fitting pants will do. These are also topped with sporty or oversized shirts, plain-colored ones, or even hoodies. 

Huarache Type features

With a combination of leather, semi-transparent mesh, textile, and nylon upper, the sneaker provides a deconstructed style with lightweight and breathable support. The ripstop textures and quilted tongues add gridded texture throughout the forefoot. A plush tongue adds extra comfort along the top. The Huarache Type also features crisscrossing straps and caging that offer a fresh technique that allows superb lockdown.

Moreover, the soft Cushlon foam and molded neoprene foam work as one as it provides the utmost comfort and supportive feel needed underfoot. Also, the sockliner conforms to the foot and adds shock absorption. 

A thin rubber heel panel connects with a Velcro strap, which can be used to adjust to one’s preferred fit, and a pull tab made from ballistic nylon for an easy on and off. Finishing off the shoe’s overall design, the durable tread outsole is inspired by the Mowabb prototype.  

Nike Huarache Type history

In 1991, Nike released the Huarache, which was designed by Tinker Hatfield, and took the first bold steps into the deconstructed shoe revolution. The sneaker, which was modeled and named after a sandal worn by indigenous people of Central America, was the lightest and most comfortable creation in Nike’s portfolio. Despite its ancient origins, it was considered one of the most futuristic shoes of its time. 

After a recent re-emergence of Huarache releases and its continued popularity among the public, Nike’s experimental new line, N.354, has decided to take the classic silhouette and revamped it with new and updated materials for a nostalgic feel and an even more deconstructed look. N.354 is a new department at Nike that takes on the brand’s old archives and blast-from-the-past designs.

The experimental line reimagines the classic creations with fresh and experimental new perspectives, producing bold updates of classic constructions. The N.354 gives a new spin to Nike’s Huarache sneakers and takes inspiration from the iconic Nike Mowabb, giving the shoes a more performance-driven and futuristic-looking outcome. This creation is named the Nike Huarache Type, which is also inspired by the legendary runner Steve Prefontaine. 

Nice to know

• The Nike Huarache Type is part of the N354 family that celebrates Steve Prefontaine’s fastest mile. 
• As for the shoe’s insole, it unequivocally names the Air Mowabb as its inspiration.