Viral Video Shows How Rubber Slippers Are Made

Slippers are one of the most versatile footwear across the globe and a popular choice for centuries. You can wear it in summer, monsoon and even winter if there is no snowfall. Also, from the common man to the wealthy, everyone can afford slippers. There are more than millions of people who wear slippers as they are durable, comfortable, quite cheap and easy to care for. But have you wondered how these typical rubber slippers are made? A viral video shows slippers being made in a factory and the process is not so easy.

Typically, the sap of the tree is harvested and boiled to create latex rubber. This is then vulcanised (treated with heat and chemicals) to ensure it is stronger and does not wither. After the vulcanisation process, the rubber is cut out into soles and straps.

The now-viral video begins with a glimpse of how the rubber soles of typical white-blue slippers are cut out in shape and then a hole is made into them with the help of a machine for the straps. To start the process, rubber is poured into the machine which gets processed. The next step is to flatten the mixture. The roller machine produces a flattened sheet of rubber and then a chemical and powderish substance is added to harden it. The sheets are then cut out and washed by hand. It then goes into yet another machine that automatically cuts out the soles for the slippers. The next step is to make holes for the straps and then the straps are attached to the soles with hands.

A post shared by Sagar Vidhate (@namasteiindia)

The caption read, “Chappal Making Process, slippers manufacturing factory.” The video has garnered 48.4 million views in just 4 days. The comment section is in awe of the process. A comment reads, “It seems more hygienic than food factories.” One comment rightly pointed out, “Very hard work for making others comfortable.” After seeing the laborious task of the workers, a user wrote, “I respect and value my slippers like never before.”