Each year, several major cities worldwide vie for the not-so-esteemed title of "Most Polluted City in the World". Mexico City frequently does well. But Cairo is a close contender, and while I lived there we were rumored to take top honors. It's not the city you would think to turn to for conservation advice. At most, you would expect to learn what not to do to our planet. And yet, Egyptian citizens constantly redefine the word 'reuse'.
Have you ever seen a blown out tire on the side of the road and thought, "Perfect! I need a new pair shoes." No? Well try this the next time you get a flat you can't fix: cut the tire into manageable strips, about a foot and a half long and one foot wide. Step one foot in the center of a strip (you can do this with your shoes on, but barefoot makes for a better fit). Now take a sharp knife (a box cutter works well, too) and cut a rough outline of your foot, leaving approximately half an inch around. Poke three holes through the tire- one between your big and second toes, and one to either side of your foot where your arch is at its highest. Using twine, hemp, a shoelace or any other suitable material, tie a large knot in the middle, then thread through the hole in between your toes. Taking either of the two laces you now have, thread each through the other holes and tie knots to secure them.
These reused tires cum sandals are surprisingly comfortable, and you'll get miles of wear out of them yet. You will need to replace the laces before you replace the rubber, so stock up on bits of twine you see laying around.
Recycling tires into shoes not only cuts down on the need to manufacture new rubber, but it also prevents tires from clogging landfills, where they would otherwise spend all eternity. And you get shoes with twenty-thousand or so miles left on them.
Interested in the concept, but don't want to make your own? Splaff Flopps are sandals made with tire soles, bicycle tube uppers and hemp. You can buy a pair here: https://host.securelook.com/calif/Ord_Splaff.html.
Flat Tire Footwear is a company devoted to making shoes that make a difference. They have a large selection, and all of their shoes contain reused tire rubber. To read about the Flat Tire brand, go to http://www.flattirefootwear.com/About_Flat_Tire.html.
For further insights into how to make your own tire shoes, check out these websites:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Blown-Tire-Shoes/ has comprehensive directions to make your own sandals.
The guy who wrote this page seems to be particularly hard on his footwear. For those die-hard campers and hikers out there, be sure to read what he has to say at http://www.hollowtop.com/sandals.htm.

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