Why We’re No Longer Making Our Signature Tire-Sole Sandals
At Deux Mains, every product we create has a deeper purpose. Our tire-sole sandals were not just footwear - they were a symbol of hope, resilience, and sustainability. Born from the idea that something discarded could be transformed into something beautiful, our sandals told a powerful story of resourcefulness and renewal. They represented a commitment to upcycling, fair trade practices, and creating dignified jobs in Haiti.
So, it is with a heavy heart that we share that we are no longer producing our iconic tire-sole sandals.
This decision wasn’t easy. For over a decade, these sandals have been a cornerstone of our brand and a customer favorite. They helped launch our mission and put us on the map as a social enterprise dedicated to thoughtful design and ethical manufacturing. But the reality on the ground in Haiti has shifted in ways that have made continuing this product line no longer safe or feasible.
As many of you may know, Haiti is currently experiencing an unprecedented level of gang violence and civil unrest. In this climate, collecting used tires—an essential part of our sandal production—has become increasingly dangerous. Tires, once a symbol of our commitment to up-cycling, are now being used as tools of protest. They are often burned in the streets, used as barricades, and are no longer accessible in the way they once were.
Our team’s safety has always been our top priority. As the streets have grown more volatile, the risks associated with gathering and transporting tires have become unacceptable. We’ve had to make the difficult but necessary decision to discontinue this aspect of our production in order to protect our artisans and their families.
While we’re mourning the end of this chapter, we are also embracing the opportunity to grow and evolve. One of the ways we’re doing that is by using our craftsmanship and resources to meet urgent local needs. We’re proud to now be producing durable, high-quality school shoes for children in Haiti. Many Haitian families struggle to afford proper footwear, which is often a requirement for school attendance. By crafting school shoes locally, we’re not only supporting education but also continuing to create meaningful employment for our artisans.
We’re also expanding our line of ethically our line of ethically-made leather bags and accessories, items that continue to embody our core values of sustainability, craftsmanship, and empowerment. Every bag you purchase helps us continue to create jobs, support Haitian artisans, and provide a stable income in a country where opportunity is scarce but talent abounds.
We know that many of you loved our tire-sole sandals and the story behind them. Please know that your support helped change lives. You helped prove that business can be a force for good, even in the most challenging environments. And you can still be part of that story.
As we navigate this transition, we remain committed to transparency, resilience, and responsible impact. Thank you for standing with us—and for continuing to walk alongside us, even without the sandals.
With gratitude,
Julie Colombino-Billingham
Founder, Deux Mains
