Reviving Tradition: Wooden Sandals Make a Stylish Comeback in Vietnam

In the bustling streets of Hanoi, where modern fashion trends often dominate, a quiet revival is taking place. Wooden sandals, once a staple of Vietnamese daily life and a symbol of cultural heritage since the 10th century, are being reimagined for today’s world. Spearheading this movement is 34-year-old entrepreneur Hoàng Huệ, whose startup AmReborn is breathing new life into this traditional footwear with a focus on sustainability and style.

A Journey Back to Tradition

Wooden sandals, known as guốc mộc in Vietnamese, have long held a place in the nation’s history, appearing in literary works, old photographs, and paintings from the early 20th century. Though they have largely disappeared from urban landscapes, their cultural significance endures. For Huệ, who also goes by Lily Hoàng, the decision to revive this craft was deeply personal. “I started with no background in design or sandal making” she shared. “It all began with my love for traditional culture and poetry. I wanted to weave those elements into the design of the sandals.”

Huệ’s journey led her to Yên Xá Village in Thanh Trì District, one of the few remaining hubs of traditional sandal-making in Vietnam. There, she collaborated with artisan Trương Công Đức, believed to be the last wooden sandal maker in the village, to learn the intricate process of crafting the footwear. The process involves shaping a wooden footbed, often from lightweight materials like jackfruit wood, and attaching a toe strap, traditionally a simple band of leather or rubber. Huệ and her team, however, have transformed this basic design by incorporating recycled fabrics and artistic embellishments.

Sustainability Meets Style

At the heart of AmReborn is a commitment to environmental sustainability. The startup, based in a workshop on Lạc Long Quân Street in Tây Hồ District, sources surplus furniture materials for the wooden footbeds and uses upcycled denim and fabric scraps for the straps. Each month, they import between 150 and 200 footbeds from artisan Đức to create new designs. Huệ herself often paints floral and traditional patterns directly onto the wood, turning each pair into a unique piece of wearable art.

“Our goal is innovation” Huệ explained. “We’re developing adjustable straps for better fit and working on ways to reduce the weight of the sandals without compromising the eco-friendly wood.” Beyond aesthetics, she highlights the practical benefits of wooden sandals, noting their environmental friendliness and even health advantages, such as encouraging a more graceful gait.

Priced between VNĐ450,000 and VNĐ1 million (US$18–40), with custom-made pairs featuring intricate handwork costing up to VNĐ2 million (US$80), AmReborn’s sandals are accessible to a range of buyers. Most sales are conducted online, and the designs are versatile enough to complement both traditional áo dài (long dresses) and modern outfits like skirts and dresses.

A Cultural Statement

The response to AmReborn’s creations has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly among those seeking to reconnect with Vietnamese heritage. Vũ Thị Lan Anh, who wore a pair during a beauty contest in 2022, praised their comfort and cultural resonance. “I introduced them to the jury and other contestants, explaining how well they pair with áo dài, even high-heeled ones” she said. “They’re surprisingly comfortable—not slippery and don’t make loud sounds when you walk.” She sees wearing wooden sandals as a subtle yet powerful way to promote Vietnamese culture over mainstream footwear like sneakers.

Similarly, Nguyễn Vân Anh, a Vietnamese woman living in the United States, was struck by the craftsmanship. “They truly reflect Vietnamese heritage” she noted. “I can see them becoming popular not just with áo dài, but also with skirts and dresses. I’ll likely bring a pair back to the States with me—the hand-painted designs are beautiful, and you can tell a lot of care goes into making them.”

Looking Ahead

For now, Huệ is focused on perfecting her designs and building a following among young Vietnamese consumers. However, her vision extends beyond local markets. She hopes to one day introduce AmReborn’s products internationally, showcasing the beauty of Vietnamese craftsmanship on a global stage. To further honor traditional fashion, the startup has created sets of wooden sandals paired with áo dài, reminding people that Vietnam’s heritage encompasses not just iconic costumes but also the humble yet elegant footwear of the past.

As AmReborn continues to grow, it stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of cultural traditions, reimagined for a modern audience. In a world of fast fashion, Huệ’s wooden sandals offer a slower, more meaningful connection to history—one step at a time.