The waste rubber mixed with sand is utilized for various geotechnical applications such as Highway embankments, lightweight backfill materials, seismic isolation and liquefaction mitigation. However, for the geotechnical application mentioned above, high shear strength is primary and essential engineering property. Many researchers have explored the shear strength characteristics of rubber sand mixtures (RSM). It is found that the shear strength of the rubber sand mixture may increase or decrease depending on the size of the rubber particle. A complete summary of the current understanding is not present in the literature. The critical review here provides insight into the internal dynamics of the index and shear strength properties of RSM. First, the paper provides a detailed overview of the types of rubber used in the reported studies. Secondly, a comparison was made between gravimetric and volumetric mixing of the rubber and sand. It is then followed by establishing a relationship of mix proportions with specific gravity, dry density, and thirdly, the change in void ratio due to the inclusion of the rubber is presented. Finally, this paper provides a summary of the practices followed for testing, observed behaviour due to loading and factor affecting shear strength.