“Legend of Footsteps” Season 2: When Rubber Sandals Tell History

Exhibition space of "Footsteps Legend" season 2. Photo: Hong Nhung

The exhibition “Footsteps Legend” season 2 introduces the image of rubber sandals - a simple item, closely associated with the image of President Ho Chi Minh and containing meaningful historical stories. Through this image, the public has the opportunity to understand more about his simple lifestyle, humble yet great virtue, and at the same time contemplate the historical and cultural values hidden behind seemingly very ordinary items.

Artisans of the brand “King of Tire Slippers” perform the manufacturing steps. Photo: Hong Nhung

Mr. Nguyen Duc Minh, Vice Chairman of the Hoan Kiem Ward Veterans Association, shared: “As a soldier who participated in the war to liberate the South, unify the country and protect the Fatherland, rubber sandals have been with me for more than 20 years. From the first days of joining the army, this item has accompanied the soldiers to climb mountains, wade through streams, and participate in battles. Today, tire sandals not only contain the historical story of President Ho Chi Minh, but also remind each person to improve the spirit of learning and following his example of diligence and thrift.”

From the first steps on the path to find the light of independence, rubber sandals have been with President Ho as a friend, a close colleague. Rubber sandals supported his footsteps as he traveled for more than 20 years, from the battle front to the countryside across Vietnam.

Sandal models on display at the event. Photo: Hong Nhung

Uncle Ho's sandals were born in 1947, made from a French colonial military car tire that was ambushed by our troops in Viet Bac. Over time, the rubber sandals developed into 5 models, associated with different historical milestones: Uncle Ho sandals 1947, Army sandals 1954, Khe Sanh sandals 1968, Liberation Army sandals 1975, modern fashion sandals.

Not only does it have historical value, the tire sandals also recycle discarded tires, contributing to reducing waste and protecting the environment. This is not only a consumer product but also a message of creativity, durability and pride in history and national traditions, opening a new direction for the sustainable fashion industry in Vietnam.

At the exhibition space “Legendary Steps 2”, visitors have the opportunity to admire photos and models of tire sandals that accompanied the army during the war. Also here, artisan Luong Manh Nghia will demonstrate the steps to make a pair of rubber sandals. Not only watching, the public can also directly experience making rubber sandals and lovely mini keychain sandals.

The exhibition "Legendary Footsteps 2" takes place from August 15 to September 15 at Kim Ngan communal house cultural space.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/huyen-thoai-buoc-chan-mua-2-khi-doi-dep-cao-su-ke-chuyen-lich-su-712846.html