CITIZENS NEWS

From tires to toes: Crafting eco-friendly sandals from recycled truck tires

By jacobthomas // 2025-02-13

•  Doug Simons, a wilderness survival expert, is challenging the mass-produced shoe industry by crafting durable, eco-friendly sandals from discarded truck tires. These "three-point sandals" are inspired by indigenous techniques and offer a sustainable, customizable alternative to conventional footwear.
• Drawing from over 20 years of primitive living and learning from cultures like the Tarahumara and Navajo, Simons shares his expertise in creating functional, environmentally conscious sandals. His approach highlights the value of traditional craftsmanship in modern sustainability efforts.
• The sandal-making process involves selecting the right tire, cutting the sidewall, and meticulously tracing and sizing the sandal to fit the wearer’s foot perfectly. Simons emphasizes safety and precision, especially when cutting rubber and creating holes for lacing.
• To enhance comfort, a layer of saddle leather is added to the footbed, providing a softer, less toxic surface. The sandals are laced with leather thongs or parachute cord, and wearers are advised to break them in gradually for optimal fit and comfort.
• Beyond footwear, Simons' sandals symbolize a shift away from consumerism and toward eco-conscious choices. Marjory Wildcraft, a sustainable living advocate, champions the idea of reducing reliance on mass production and embracing hands-on, planet-friendly practices.

In a world dominated by mass-produced footwear, Doug Simons, a wilderness survival expert, is revolutionizing the way we think about shoes. During the fifth episode of "Off Grid Survival Skills" by Marjory Wildcraft, streamed last Feb. 5 on Brighteon University, Simons demonstrated how to transform discarded truck tires into durable, eco-friendly sandals inspired by indigenous techniques. These "three-point sandals" are not only sustainable but also customizable to fit your feet perfectly, offering a hands-on alternative to the globalized footwear industry. Simons, who has spent over 20 years living primitively in the Sonoran Desert and learning from indigenous cultures like the Tarahumara and Navajo, shared his expertise in crafting these sandals. "They're called huaraches de tres puntos or three-point sandals," Simons explained. "And they're designed to be simple, functional and environmentally friendly." Wildcraft, a proponent of sustainable living, highlighted her personal motivation for embracing such practices. "I decided a decade ago to cut one thing out of my life that gets made in China and imported here," she said. "Shoes are a big part of that. This is about taking control of what we use and reducing our reliance on mass production." The process begins with selecting the right tire. "You need a pickup truck tire," Simons noted. "Smaller tires don’t have enough sidewall, and bigger tires have metal fibers that make them too heavy." Using a jigsaw or knife, the sidewall is carefully cut from the tire, ensuring maximum width for the sandal base. Simons emphasized the importance of safety when cutting rubber, which can be unpredictable. "Rubber can go from being hard to cut to slicing like butter in an instant," he warned. "Always be prepared for that shift." Once the sidewall is prepared, the next step is tracing the foot onto the rubber. "The sizing is critical," Simons said. "You want the sandal to match your foot exactly, with nothing hanging over. That’s what makes these sandals so stable." Using a ballpoint pen, the outline is carefully marked, and the rubber is cut to size. The sandals feature three key holes: one between the toes and two on the sides. "The placement of the side holes isn’t super critical," Simons explained. "But they need to be at least an inch from the edge to prevent tearing." A fourth hole is added to create a trough for the cordage, protecting it from wear and tear. "This is the trickiest part," Simons admitted. "You don’t want to cut too deep, or you’ll ruin the sandal." To enhance comfort, a piece of saddle leather is added to the footbed. "Leather makes a big difference," Simons said. "It's more comfortable and less toxic than having your feet directly on the rubber." The leather is cut to size, holes are punched to align with the rubber base, and the sandals are laced up using leather thongs or parachute cord.

It's time to step into a more sustainable future — one sandal at a time

Once assembled, the sandals require a bit of breaking in. "For the first 20 minutes, consciously make sure your heel lands center," Simons advised. "And don’t wear them too long at first — some people need to build up tolerance." Wildcraft, who has been wearing her pair for months, shared her experience. "The thin straps Doug warned me about didn’t work well, but thicker straps from the Tarahumara people made all the difference. These sandals are now my go-to footwear." Simons' sandals are more than just footwear — they're a statement against consumerism and a nod to traditional craftsmanship. "These sandals are durable, customizable, and made from materials that would otherwise end up in a landfill," Wildcraft said. "They're a perfect example of how we can live more sustainably." For those inspired to try their hand at making their own sandals, Simons’ demonstration offers a clear, step-by-step guide. As Wildcraft concluded, "This is about rethinking our choices and embracing a more hands-on, eco-friendly lifestyle. It’s not just about shoes—it's about the impact we have on the planet." Whether you're a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a beginner looking to reduce your environmental footprint, Simons' tire-to-sandal transformation is a compelling call to action. As Wildcraft put it, "It’s time to step into a more sustainable future—one sandal at a time." If you want to learn more about the essential skills Wildcraft has gathered for you, purchase your copy of the "Off Grid Survival Skills" bundle here. You will get a copy of the videos from all 10 episodes, 29 life-saving video bonuses, 21 exclusive eBooks and and a physical copy of Wildcraft's "The Grow Book System," which will be delivered directly at your doorstep. Sources include: BrightU.com BrighteonUniversity.com

preparedness prepping survival bug out SHTF prepper homesteading green living off grid tips recycling survival skills footwear Marjory Wildcraft Brighteon Brighteon University DIY project Doug Simons tire sandals