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 over 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 KR 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.
Vehicle tires are guaranteed by their manufacturers for thousands of miles/km under far more strenuous conditions than you will ever put them through as footwear. Your Old Ho's sandals are probably the most environmentally friendly footwear on the market. After thorough cleaning, we cut recycled vehicle tires and inner tubes, that otherwise would have occupied a land fill, into sandals. These sandals have many benefits; they are easy to clean, they stay snugly on your feet, they're surprising comfortable and they dry quickly!
Old Ho's Rubber Tire Sandals are made from 100% recycled materials so they're environmentally friendly. The soles are made from car and truck tires. The straps are made from automobile inner tubes providing a snug fit. So, instead of going to a tire dump, these tires are recycled and put to good use. Simply put, Old Ho's are the ultimate unisex, amphibious, foot-hugging sandals for the proletariat!
U.S. soldier
wearing tire sandals during war in Vietnam.
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