Dép Rọ - Oxalis sandals
The essential trekking footwear for Oxalis porters

When joining an Oxalis tour, you may notice that guides, safety assistants, and porters rarely wear hiking boots. Instead, they wear a type of flexible sandal, affectionately called “dép rọ.”

Why do they choose this footwear over specialized trekking boots? Let’s uncover the story behind these unique sandals.

The history of Dép Rọ

Dép rọ was introduced to Vietnam in the early 20th century and became standard footwear for Vietnamese soldiers during wartime. Designed for military use, these sandals are highly durable, made entirely from natural rubber, and offer lightweight comfort. They protect feet from sharp objects like rocks, barbed wire, and hot ashes during long marches.

The soles feature textured patterns to prevent slipping, while the sturdy aluminum clasps resist rust in any weather. Adjustable ankle straps ensure a snug fit for any foot size. With their open design, the sandals provide ventilation in dry conditions, dry quickly in the rain, and are easy to clean after use.

In Phong Nha, locals adopted dép rọ for trekking decades ago, using them to conquer countless forests and mountains. Remarkably, Hồ Khanh, a local villager, wore dép rọ during a forest expedition 30 years ago to search for agarwood. This journey led to his discovery of Sơn Đoòng Cave—the world’s largest cave—in 1990. This iconic footwear has since become a trusted companion for long treks in the region.

Oxalis Sandals: Your outdoor companion

For over a decade, Oxalis Adventure has been running adventure tours, with guides, porters, and even safety experts from the British Cave Research Association (BCRA) preferring dép rọ for jungle treks. Recognizing the importance of these sandals for their team, Oxalis developed an improved version called Oxalis Sandals, designed for both employees and tourists seeking reliable trekking footwear.

The revamped Oxalis Sandals come in two models: Elegant and Multipurpose.

Elegant Oxalis Sandals feature flexible material and a thicker sole for added comfort and durability. The toe area is enclosed to protect against sharp rocks and branches, while the overall design has been refined for a more stylish look. These sandals are perfect not only for outdoor activities but also for casual outings, such as work, strolls, or social gatherings.

Multipurpose Oxalis Sandals, on the other hand, prioritize maximum comfort and performance. The soles are enhanced with deep V-shaped grooves at the heel and toe for superior grip on slippery surfaces. Durable brass clasps provide exceptional strength and resistance to rust. The open-toe design and added side vents improve water drainage and reduce the risk of debris entanglement, ensuring safety and convenience during trekking adventures.

Oxalis Sandals: Supporting sustainable communities

Oxalis Sandals are part of Oxalis Adventure’s initiative to give back to the community. All profits from these sandals are donated to the Oxalis Foundation, a sustainable community support fund established in 2015.

Over the past decade, the Oxalis Foundation has spearheaded numerous impactful projects, such as building schools in Bản Đoòng and Tân Hóa Village (Thôn 5); constructing 70 floating houses in Tân Hóa; installing 55 toilets for Phong Nha residents; awarding thousands of scholarships; hosting annual swimming classes for children.

With each purchase of Oxalis Sandals, you contribute to the Foundation’s goal of raising 4.5 billion VND in the coming years to support:

1. Rebuilding schools damaged by floods in Bản Đoòng;
2. Providing 1,000 scholarships to underprivileged children in Quảng Bình;
3. Constructing 150 toilets for poor households along the Son River;
4. Supplying 3,000 life jackets for Tân Hóa residents during the rainy season;
5. Offering free swimming lessons to 200 children in flood-prone areas.

How to buy Oxalis Sandals

The Elegant Oxalis Sandals are available in four colors: Forest Green, Navy, Olive, and Black, with sizes ranging from 35 to 44. The Multipurpose Sandals come in three colors: Navy, Olive, and Black.

You can purchase them at Oxalis souvenir shops located at the Phong Nha and Tân Hóa offices. They’re also available at Chày Lập Farmstay and Blue Diamond Camp, both operated by Oxalis Adventure.

For online shopping, visit https://gearshop.oxalisadventure.com/ to order at 120,000 VND per pair (Elegant model) and 250,000 VND per pair (Multipurpose model).

Oxalis Sandals are also available on Shopee, with same-day delivery options for customers in Ho Chi Minh City.

We hope these innovative sandals become a cherished part of your journey, appearing on countless adventures across Vietnam’s beautiful landscapes. Goodbye for now, and we look forward to seeing you on your next exploration in Phong Nha!