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Tire Sandals
Genuine Viet Minh / Viet Cong, Ho Chi Minh Tire Sandals
Made in Cambodia by Old Ho's Rubber Sandal Company from 100% recycled tires
Old Ho's Rubber Tire Sandals are hand-made in Cambodia from old tires. The sandals are snug fitting and comfortable, making great footwear for everyday wear, going to the beach, or backcountry travel.
The History of Tire Sandals
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 which resulted from wearing boots in the humid climate. Many looked with envy to the sandals worn by the enemy. 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. They were seen as a good example of self-sufficiency and were very practical.
100% Recycled
Vehicle tires are guaranteed by their manufacturers for thousands of miles under far more strenuous conditions than you will ever put them through as footwear. After thorough cleaning, the recycled vehicle tires and inner tubes are cut into sandals. These sandals have many benefits; they are easy to clean, they stay snugly on your feet, they're comfortable and they dry quickly!
Care and Repair of Your Tire Sandals
Old Ho's Rubber Tire Sandals are incredibly durable and it is unlikely that you will damage the soles during normal use. They are, after all, made of truck tires! There is, however, a possibility that the straps may loose elasticity after rugged use.
To replace your Old Ho's straps if they ever break, simply use a small piece of wood (bamboo if you are in the jungles of Southeast Asia) about (4 in.) long and split it at one end, down about an inch. Insert the wood (split end first) into the slot on the sole (bottom) of the sandal until it appears out the top. Then insert a new inner tube strap into the split in the wood. Carefully, but forcefully pull the strap through the hole until about (1 in.) is showing on the underside of the sandal. Repeat this process for the slot on the opposite side of the sandal.
A Portion of the Profits Benefit HeritageWatch
HeritageWatch is an international Non-Governmental Organisation dedicated to reducing the destruction of cultural heritage in Southeast Asia. The organisation is involved in a number of activities that are designed to raise awareness of the importance of cultural heritage and reduce the occurrence of looting. Granny's Country Store purchases the sandals through Heritage Watch, helping to benefit their programs.
ORDERING THE CORRECT SIZE
Our Cambodian Tire Sandals are handcrafted and sizes are approximate. Please measure your foot and specify the size in the "comments" box on the checkout form.
Unisex
-8 3/4 to 10 inches
(Measure from back end of heel to tip of big toe standing barefoot on tape measure.)
PLEASE NOTE: The largest sandals presently in stock are equivalent to Men's size 7. Unfortunately, we are unable to contact our source in Cambodia to order larger sandals. Sizes are limited to the stock on hand.
Feel free to send them back for a bigger or smaller size if the first pair doesn't fit right.
See Also Make Your own Tire Sandals
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