Time to break out the sandals and take care of those footies! The story of tire sandals is a fascinating journey through time, necessity, and ingenuity. From ancient civilizations to modern-day eco-conscious enterprises, sandals made from various materials, including recycled tires, have played a significant role in different cultures. Let's delve into the rich history and evolution of this humble yet remarkable footwear.
Ancient Egyptian Leather Sandal from the Metropolitan Museum of Art
Ancient Origins and Craftsmanship
Sandals have been around for millennia, with various designs and materials reflecting the resources and skills of different cultures. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York showcases several examples of ancient sandals, providing insights into the craftsmanship and materials used in their creation.
- Papyrus Fiber Sandals: Dating back to the Second Intermediate Period-Early New Kingdom (ca. 1580-1479 B.C.), these sandals demonstrate the use of readily available natural fibers.
- Red Ochre Stained Calfskin Leather Sandals: From the New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty (ca. 1473-1458 B.C.), these sandals are tooled to resemble woven designs, possibly indicating higher status or wealth. The leather might be harder-wearing but the woven style may have denoted more wealth (i.e., flimsy shoes equates to more wealth or less need to labor).
- Golden Burial Sandals: These women’s sandals from the New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty (ca. 1479-1425 B.C.), feature embossing to imitate stitching, highlighting the attention to detail even in funerary objects.
Sandal maker - New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty from Thebes ca. 1504-1425 B.C.
The image of a sandal maker's workshop from the New Kingdom (ca. 1504-1425 B.C.) offers a glimpse into the artisan's tools and techniques. The stool, awls, and beam suggest a meticulous process of leatherwork and construction. Like a Diderot illustration this gives a good insight to the workshop of an artisan with the essentials of his trade. The sole of the sandal looks to be leather and is being punched with the awl.
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Tire Sandals in Vietnam War
Rubber tire sandals were used extensively by the Viet Minh and Viet Cong during the war in Vietnam from the late 1940’s until the fall of Saigon in 1979. In the face of equipment shortages the guerilla army of Vietnam turned to using old truck tires as footwear and quickly saw the advantages of the resulting sandals compared to boots. The climate of jungle-Southeast Asia is harsh. During the war many American infantrymen suffered from “trench-foot” or fungal infections (yikes!) which resulted from wearing boots in the humid climate. Many looked with envy to the sandals worn by the enemy.
Viet Cong sandals made from recycled tires
Khmer Rouge Association
Tragically, this footwear is also widely associated with the genocidal Khmer Rouge regime which ruled Cambodia from 1975 to 1979. Only the upper cadre of the Khmer Rouge wore these sandals and it was a sign of political power within the regime.
SoleRebels: A Modern Ethiopian Success Story
SoleRebels is an International footwear company based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The company was created by Ethiopian entrepreneur Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu in 2005. Alemu started the company with a bank loan of 580,000 Ethiopian Birr ($33,000).
The company has garnered attention for its eco-friendly practices and innovative use of recycled materials. SoleRebels crafts shoes from used tires, blending sustainability with traditional Ethiopian craftsmanship. From 2021 to 2022, there have been numerous complaints against SoleRebels, citing undelivered orders and customers waiting over a year in some cases for their orders to be delivered.
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How to make sandals using motorcycle tires
Key Highlights of SoleRebels:
- Founded in 2005 by Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu.
- Based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
- Focuses on eco-friendly footwear using recycled tires.
Table: SoleRebels - Key Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Founder | Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu |
| Founded | 2005 |
| Location | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia |
| Focus | Eco-friendly footwear, recycled tires |
SoleRebels store showcasing eco-friendly footwear
DIY Tire Sandals
With a little practice, basic footwear can be made that is serviceable and fit for public wear. As a craftsman of sorts, I understand that making a “one-off” of something does not imply expertise. Only replication builds a real understanding and mastery of the object being produced.
The method I chose to attach the rubber is fast and efficient, and I suspect rather tough. The nails are pressed through the leather and rubber into a thick leather scrap below. The nails are bent over (inward) to prepare to “clinch” them. There are no photos of this part of the process but this was done by setting the shoe back upright on a small anvil and hammering the nails down tight with a punch. The pre-bending causes the nail to curl inward and back up into the sole. Voila!
Read also: Chad's Tire & Auto & Tire Outlet
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