Possible Footwear Project

[silverstate51]

Thinking of ways to save, I remembered Ho Chi Minh sandals. The Vietnamese would use tires to make sandals, and found them superior to boots in their environment. Cheaper than many boots, perhaps a skills project for young men/women, definitely something to know after TEOTWAWKI. Don't think there'll be enough animals left to make moccasins if the Golden Horde were to come through. Plenty of tires, though.

Some links, for informational purposes. I make no claim one way or the other about the organizations/enterprises:

http://www.grannysstore.com/Green_Goods/Tire_Sandals.htm

http://www.ehow.com/how_4495148_make-pair-ho-chi-minh.html

http://www.instructables.com/id/Sandals-from-an-old-auto-tire,-pt.-2/

[sarge712]

Cool idea. Even my granny said that if your feet hurt , you're whole body would hurt. One guy I met had a system to resole boots with tires. In a rush situation he also showed me how to fit a pair of "sandals" around a worn out pair of boots. I've always been fascinated how the Romans fought in all climes and terrain in hobnailed sandals. They are so adaptable. For cold weather just wrap your feet in furs or wool blankets and strap the sandals over the wraps. The samurai did much the same.

I recently read an account by a Navy SEAL about the fire fight at Roberts Ridge in Afghanistan. He was dressed in the latest and greatest Gore-Tex daddy gear and was still freezing his bits and pieces off. It wasn't until he had killed a Talib gunner who was fighting in knee deep snow while wearing plastic flip-flops that he fully realized in an instant just how tough and determined the enemy was.

I know my footwear is as important to me as my weapons and body armor. The rest of my clothing and gear I can adapt and improvise.

Thanks for the tire sandal links!

[silverstate51]

Always knew the Afghan was tough. But they have known no other way.
If cold weather is, or will be a consideration, perhaps felt boots will keep your feet warm.

Links to dealers and how to make Russian style felt boots (again, I make no claims for or against these sites):

http://www.renaissancetailor.com/demos_feltboots.htm

http://www.rusclothing.com/valenki-felt-boots/

http://www.simpleshoemaking.com/solesforfelt.htm

http://ladyvirag.wordpress.com/how-to-make-felt-boots/

http://members.peak.org/~spark/FeltBootPattern.html