Tire sandals, also known as ‘Uncle Ho’s sandals’, have been a part of Vietnamese culture for decades. These handmade slippers are made from recycled tires and are often black in color, making them slippery and difficult to walk on. Despite their low grip, they have become popular due to their unique design and cultural significance.
The original tire sandal was created by Pham Quang Xuan, a legendary artisan who spent over 50 years perfecting the craft. He passed it down to his son-in-law Nguyen Tien Cuong and grandson Nguyen Hong Viet, who continued the tradition and improved upon it. They focused on creating products that were not only comfortable and lightweight but also fashionable and convenient. By researching and applying EVA technology, they were able to create sandals that were light, anti-slip, and durable. The raw materials were carefully chosen to ensure the quality and design of the sandals met customer expectations.
Today, Uncle Ho’s tire sandals are priced from 250,000 – 450,000 VND per pair and have been sold to more than 60 countries worldwide. The brand is registered for protection at the National Office of Intellectual Property to ensure quality and authenticity. Mr. Cuong and Mr. Viet hope to make tire sandals a recognized Vietnamese product globally by providing visitors with hands-on experiences at workshops, where they can learn how to make their own pair of Uncle Ho’s sandals.
By sharing the story behind these unique slippers, Mr. Viet believes that visitors will better understand their cultural significance and appeal. Through historical transmission and experiential learning, he hopes to elevate the status of tire sandals as a symbol of Vietnamese craftsmanship. Their goal is to establish tire sandals as a unique international product that represents Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage while promoting sustainable tourism practices through recycling old tires into new products.
In conclusion, Uncle Ho’s tire sandals are a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of Vietnamese artisans who have taken an everyday item like old tires
