Luis Ortega — Mounting

Luis was nine years old when he first walked into a huarache factory, tagging along with his uncle. He started by sweeping floors and running errands, quietly soaking in everything around him. By 18, he was working there full time — and already leading a team of 32 weavers.

That was 49 years ago. Luis has never worked anywhere else, and he's never wanted to. His favourite part of the craft is mounting — attaching the insoles and cut leather pieces to the wooden last that gives each sandal its shape. He sees it as the foundation everything else is built on.

"It makes me happy knowing you're wearing a pair I made with my own hands. Every time I see someone wearing huaraches I've worked on, I feel proud."