How to Make Sandals and Shoes from Recycled Tires
Units: 1.0 Type: Sustainable Technology / Vocational Skills Format: Illustrated manual + instructional video + hands-on project
🎓 Course Description:
This course teaches students how to make durable, affordable sandals and shoes from discarded vehicle tires, using locally available tools. Tire footwear is common in many parts of Africa, Asia, and Latin America due to its resilience, low cost, and environmental benefit. Students will learn both the manual craft and the social impact of upcycling waste into wearable products.
Students are encouraged to experiment with styles (e.g., flip-flops, thong sandals, strap sandals, school shoes) and explore entrepreneurial options for selling or donating their creations.
✅ Learning Outcomes:
Students will:
• Understand the benefits and challenges of tire reuse
• Learn the step-by-step shoemaking process from tire to toe
• Practice safe use of hand tools and cutting equipment
• Explore design, comfort, and fit adjustments
• Make and document their own pair (or prototype)
🥾 Step-by-Step: Making Sandals from Used Tires
1. Gather Materials
• Used car or motorcycle tires (prefer treads with low wear)
• Strong cutter (hacksaw, jigsaw, or knife)
• Hammer and nails or industrial-strength glue
• Chalk or pen
• Cardboard for foot template
• Fabric, leather, inner tubes, or straps (for upper parts)
• Sandpaper or file
• Optional: Awl, drill, sewing tools, safety goggles/gloves
2. Design Your Shoe
• Trace your foot on cardboard to make a pattern.
• Decide on the type: flip-flop, sandal with straps, full shoe.
• Add about 1 cm margin around the foot.
3. Cut the Tire Sole
• Clean the tire thoroughly.
• Mark your sole outline with chalk on the flattest tread area.
• Carefully cut the sole shape using strong tools.
◦ Note: Tires are made with steel belts—avoid areas with wire unless you have heavy-duty tools.
• Sand the surface where straps will attach.
4. Create Strap System
• Use old inner tubes, denim, canvas, leather scraps, or even paracord.
• Measure and cut strap pieces to fit your design.
◦ For flip-flops: 3 points (between toes, both sides)
◦ For sandals: heel strap, midfoot strap, ankle loop
• Make holes in the tire sole using an awl, drill, or heated nail.
5. Attach Straps
• Insert strap ends into sole holes and secure:
◦ Tie thick knots underneath
◦ Glue and hammer in place
◦ Stitch to hold if using fabric
• Ensure tight fit and comfort.
6. Smooth and Finish
• Sand the edges of the sole for comfort and shape.
• Add cushioning if available (e.g., cloth insole, foam padding).
• Test the shoe for flexibility, grip, and fit.
7. Make the Pair
• Repeat the steps for the second shoe, matching shape and strap tightness.
💡 Tips for Scaling Up:
• Partner with tire repair shops or junkyards for steady supply.
• Train others to create jobs or fundraise for your community.
• Sell locally at markets or online as sustainable footwear.
📝 Assignment:
Students will:
• Produce one functional shoe or full pair using tire material
• Document their process in 3–5 photos or a short video
• Submit a 1-page reflection on sustainability, durability, and social impact