These men’s sandals are from Kenya. The upper and heel strap are made from strips of woven black rubber, nailed into the sole that is made of thick tyre-tread rubber. Sandals made from rubber tyres, for men, women and children, are found in many countries in Asia, Africa and South America. They are extremely hard wearing, comfortable once worn in, and are made in a variety of designs. They are manufactured locally by craftsmen who have their own designs and will make them to order to fit the customer’s own feet, rather than manufacturing to standard sizes. They are inexpensive and worn by all sections of the community.

In countries where little is wasted and materials are very often re-used in some way, rubber is extremely valuable as a commodity. Re-using scraps of rubber and old car tyres ensures an effective match between the core properties of rubber as a material and the need for sturdy, cheap and long-lasting footwear.