Traditional Chinese military shoes a fad overseas
By ANITuesday, August 31, 2010
BEIJING - An updated pair of traditional Chinese military shoes dubbed ‘Jiefang Xie’ is being sold in European and US markets for up to 75 dollars a pair with improvements made on materials to make them stronger and more comfortable.
An American company and a Chinese domestic shoe manufacturer in Jiaozuo city of Central China’s Henan province jointly developed the updated pair of shoes.
Jiefang Xie, meaning “liberation shoes,” are green rubber-soled canvas shoes launched, along with military uniforms, by the General Logistics Department of the People’s Liberation Army in 1950. The shoes swept the country for decades but began to lose favor due to bad ventilation leading to foot odor, the China Daily reports.
Cui Hua, general manager of the shoe manufacturer in Jiaozuo, said: “The new version of old Jiefang Xie prevents the unpleasant smell and has the advantage of being wear resistant and waterproof.”
“They look more fashionable as well,” he added. (ANI)
