Saúl Gálvez — Sole Bonding

Saúl grew up watching his parents make huaraches. His mother wove sandals at home while his father worked at the workshop, and by age 13 Saúl was right there beside them learning the trade. By 17, he was hired at a workshop and already knew every step of the process. He's been at it for 35 years.

His specialty is sole bonding — the step where the leather sole is attached to the sandal. He's fast at it, he's good at it, and by his own admission, he loves it. He says he sometimes wakes up at night thinking about how to do it better.

"I don't see it as work because I do it with joy. These huaraches carry the essence of us Mexicans — wear them with confidence, because you're getting something made with real care."