There is a unique piece of footwear in Ghana that has walked its way into the cultural identity of the region: Afro Moses Sandals. Commonly known as “Afro Moses”, these slippers are a symbol of the resilience of the Ghanaian spirit. Come discover the history behind these rugged and enduring slippers made from old car tyres.
The History of Afro Moses Slippers
Long before the global movement of upcycling and waste management became trendy, resourceful artisans across Africa were already repurposing used car tyres into footwear.
The idea was simple: car tyres are made of tough, weather-resistant rubber designed to endure rough roads, so why not use that same material to craft sandals that could withstand equally rough terrain?
Every pair is made manually, using tools like machetes, knives, and chisels to cut the thick rubber.
In Ghana, Nigeria, and several other countries, the practice took root in the 20th century, gaining popularity among rural farmers, fishermen, and urban laborers. The name “Afro Moses” reportedly draws from the biblical Moses, who wandered through the desert for 40 years. The idea is metaphorical—if Moses had worn these slippers, he wouldn’t have needed to change them even once. That’s how durable they are.
The name’s origin is tinged with humor and cultural reference but the amazing craftsmanship behind these slippers is no joke.
Often, strips of fabric, leather, or even other recycled materials are used to create the straps, binding form and function in a distinctly African aesthetic. They’ve definitely become one of the most important pieces of artisanal work made in Ghana.
Afro Moses Sandals: Built to Last
What sets Afro Moses slippers apart from mass-produced sandals (or even the Ghanaian Chalewote slippers!) is their exceptional durability. The sole, fashioned from actual tyre rubber, is resistant to wear, water, puncture, and heat. These slippers are famously known to last for years without losing their shape or strength. In many communities, they are even passed down from one sibling to another.
Their grip is unmatched, often maintaining traction even when newer plastic footwear slides and fails.
Because they’re made from materials built for roads, these slippers adapt seamlessly to the diverse terrains of Africa—sandy footpaths, rocky hillsides, muddy farms, the hot, tarred streets of urban cities, you name it!
For many people, especially those who work in physically demanding environments, Afro Moses slippers are a trusted companion. Farmers trudge through fields with them. Fishermen wear them to navigate slippery shores. Mechanics, masons, and truck pushers swear by them. It’s footwear made for real work—strong, honest, and dependable.
Next time, be more observant to see if you can spot them on anyone!
Sustainability in Its Purest Form
In today’s world of fast fashion and increasing environmental consciousness, Afro Moses slippers stand as a shining example of sustainable design. They represent what every recycling company in Ghana dreams of: taking a discarded object and giving it a new, functional life. Car tyres are notoriously difficult to dispose of.
They take hundreds of years to decompose and are often burnt, releasing toxic fumes into the air. Transforming them into footwear solves two problems at once—reducing waste and meeting a practical need.
What’s more, the process requires no electricity, no heavy machinery, and very little water—making it one of the most eco-friendly manufacturing systems out there. Artisans rely on skill, patience, and hand tools. In many ways, these slippers are zero-waste, low-carbon, and ethically made—well ahead of the sustainability curve.
Also, Afro Moses footwear is always a great choice if you’re handing out a traditional gift from Ghana.
How Afro Moses Sandals Came into the Spotlight
Though born out of necessity, Afro Moses slippers have gained a sort of cult status. It was once the humble choice of the working class, but now is also appreciated as a cultural artifact and fashion statement. In recent years, photographers, Ghanaian designers, and cultural historians have begun documenting and celebrating them.
Streetwear stylists have embraced the rough-and-ready look, pairing the slippers with denim, Ankara prints, or modern minimalist outfits. In some urban circles, the Afro Moses has become a retro-chic accessory, appreciated for its authenticity and its nod to the past.
Celebrities and influencers from the continent have also showcased the slippers on social media, boosting their cultural capital.
They’ve even made appearances in music videos, films, and fashion runways.
The Future of Afro Moses
There’s growing interest in commercializing and rebranding Afro Moses slippers for the global market. Entrepreneurs are exploring ways to modernize the design—offering more foot support, refining the straps, or adding color variations—while staying true to their roots. At the same time, organizations promoting sustainable fashion are spotlighting these slippers as models of upcycling innovation.
However, mass production comes with its own challenges. The handmade nature of the slippers is part of what makes them special. Scaling up without losing authenticity will require careful strategy, especially if the goal is to benefit the artisans who have kept this tradition alive for generations.
Afro Moses: A Soleful Legacy
At the core of the Afro Moses slipper is a powerful message: with creativity and determination, even the discarded can walk again. They are testaments to the African spirit of survival and innovation—where nothing goes to waste, and where every footprint tells a story of resilience.
These slippers may not have high-end branding or celebrity endorsements in glossy magazines, but they have something much rarer: soul, history, and cultural value.
