Article: The gift guide: which pair of Mapache to give?
The gift guide: which pair of Mapache to give?
Giving a pair of shoes as a gift can be a bit daunting. The size, the shape of the foot, the person’s tastes… it’s easy to feel like you’re taking a risk. And yet, a handcrafted pair is one of the most appreciated gifts: they are worn every day, they tell a story, and they are unlike any other.
So, which pair should you choose? We suggest a three-step process: identify the person's style, find the fit that will suit them, and then handle the sizing question without any stress.
Is giving handcrafted shoes a good idea?
Yes, and it’s even one of the rare gifts that gets worn every day for years.
What you are giving is not just a pair of shoes. It is about 16 hours of manual work, leather tanned in Mexican tanneries selected one by one, and a braiding technique passed down from mother to daughter in our four workshops in Mexico. More than 70 artisans keep this craftsmanship alive all year round, in a trade that was once only seasonal.
It is also a gift that lasts: leather, crepe, or recycled tire soles, never injected foam, and replacement half-soles available for when the time comes.
Which pair to give depending on the person?
The simplest way is to start with what they already wear and what supports their foot.
They like minimalist designs with no frills
The Alegre huarache is held together solely by the braiding, without any straps. It is the silhouette most faithful to the traditional huarache, the kind that pairs just as well with jeans as it does with a dress. A safe choice for someone whose tastes you don’t know well: these models come in a wide palette of colors, both vibrant and understated.
They want support for walking all day
Look at the strapped models: the Peonia huarache and the Loma sandal. The foot is secured, the stride is more confident, and it is often the preferred format for days spent on one's feet, vacations, or long walks in the city.
They often complain about foot pain in their shoes
Some of our models are designed to be wider: the Carmen huarache, the Lola sandal, or the Inès mule. If the person is always looking for comfortable shoes and often gives up on narrow models, this is where you should start. And if you’re hesitant, write to us at service@mapache.shop describing the person's foot: we will guide you toward the right models.
Also consider the Alegre Suede: suede leather softens much faster than smooth leather, a real advantage for sensitive feet.
They want to be able to slip their shoes on in ten seconds
The Inès and Santiago mules can be slipped on without bending down, and the Alegre huarache can be put on in one motion, without any buckles to adjust. Two sure bets for busy mornings and back-to-back days.
They already own a Mapache pair
Two ideas: a second color (this is often the most anticipated gift, because they might not dare buy it for themselves), or our care products and replacement half-soles to take care of the pair they already wear. A more subtle gift, but one that shows you have noticed how much they value them.
How to find their size without letting the cat out of the bag?
This is the real question in any gift guide. A few methods that work well:
- Look at a pair they already wear. The size is often written inside, on the tongue, or under the outer sole.
- Measure an insole, with the shoe laid flat, from heel to toe. Note the measurement in centimeters.
- Ask a close friend or family member who can casually ask the question.
- Refer to our size guide, then to the advice on the product page of the chosen model. The fit varies from one model to another, and each page specifies what you need to know before ordering.
An important point: our models have a rather narrow fit, and the braided leather is against the skin, without lining. It softens and conforms to the foot as you spend hours wearing them. That is the nature of entirely handmade craftsmanship.
What if the size isn't right?
Good news: this is the easiest scenario to manage. Exchanges are free, and if the model is no longer available in the right size, we offer a store credit. Your gift will therefore never turn into a disappointment.
And if you are still hesitant, write to our customer service at service@mapache.shop before ordering. We know our models by heart and will be able to guide you based on the person's foot and how they will use them.
Why does a Mapache pair make more of an impact than other gifts?
Because it comes with a story to tell. The story of a traditional Mexican braiding technique, where the huarache has historically been worn barefoot. The story of artisans who sometimes work from home, paid fairly. The story of an item made individually, where two pairs of the same model are never exactly identical.
Our customers have been following us since 2015 and have given us a 4.9/5 rating based on over 200 reviews. That is perhaps the best argument for giving our pairs with your eyes closed.
In summary
- For a safe choice: Alegre, in a neutral color.
- For support: Peonia or Loma.
- For wide or sensitive feet: Carmen, Lola, Inès, or Alegre Suede.
- For simplicity: Inès, Santiago, or Alegre.
- For someone who already has everything: a second color, care products, or half-soles.
All that’s left is to choose the color based on their tastes. And if you have already given a Mapache pair, tell us in the comments what you chose: it will give ideas to those who are still hesitant!
