The Nike Air Huarache introduced Nike’s foot-hugging Huarache technology in 1991 and was designed by Tinker Hatfield.
Hatfield developed the concept after seeing neoprene water-ski booties conform closely to the foot. The resulting sneaker used a stretchy inner bootie and an external heel strap, creating a close-fitting feel that differed from conventional padded uppers.
Nike promoted the model with the slogan “Have you hugged your foot today?” The design also intentionally exposed parts of the inner bootie, giving the shoe a distinctive technical appearance.
The Air Huarache is sometimes confused with the Air Mowabb, another Hatfield-designed Nike model that followed in 1991 and combined Huarache ideas with outdoor styling. The Huarache itself is the earlier lifestyle and running silhouette associated with the foot-hugging concept.