What are the traditional Japanese footwear?
1. Straw sandals
Zori sandals are sandals woven from straw. The most traditional material is straw. These sandals can also be worn with Japanese traditional split socks. A cord made of the same material wraps around the ankle and secures the sole to the foot. During the Edo period, both samurai and commoners wore these utilitarian shoes. Today, straw sandals are only used for festivals, cosplay or occasionally worn by Buddhist monks.
2. Japanese clogs
In the past, Japanese geta were actually used to keep your kimono off the ground, away from puddles, snow and mud. Over time, they have become a more casual traditional footwear, best worn over a light summer kimono yukata. What all Japanese geta have in common is the wooden base, but there are dozens of different types of Japanese geta.
3. Hi Reagan
Hi Reagan is classic everyday. They usually have a rectangular base and two wooden tines running perpendicular to the long sides of the base. These low Japanese-style geta are traditionally worn in good weather. They can be painted with colored tape or unfinished natural wood. Some modern everyday fighting styles don't have any teeth at all, just a wooden base. Wearing Japanese thick soled socks is optional.
4. Taka Ashida Gaita
Taka Ashida Gaita is similar to Hiligan. These sandals are worn in rain and bad weather, so their two teeth are very high and thin. Paved roads and street gutters today keep mud and puddles to a minimum, so there is little need for taka ashida.
5. Ipongueta
Yettas with one tusk are nicknamed Tengukaku because the tengu demons of Japanese mythology are often depicted wearing them. They take practice to be able to walk in and are mostly reserved for actors, traditional dances, festivals or costumes.
6. Pucurigetta
Pucurigata is cut from a single piece of wood. The interior is hollow and may contain a small bell or jingle sounder for the wearer to make while walking. These are women's wrestling and are rarely worn outside of maiko. The Japanese-style geta of the Maiko River are called kaobao. They are often worn with Japanese platform socks.
7. Sandals
Sandals are the best choice for a kimono, but they can also be worn with a yukata. This round sandal can be made of vinyl, cork, brocade or any modern material. Zori are traditionally low, but modern styles can have platforms of varying heights. Formal sandals are usually tinted or colored thongs, while formal styles are white. Sandals look best with thick soled socks.
8. Varazoli
Varazoli are similar to straw sandals in that they are made of the same straw material, but are closer to the shape of flip flops. They were the forerunners of the modern straw sandals.
9. Kata
Jicata was invented and popularized in the early 20th century. These outdoor shoes were modeled on Japanese thick-soled socks, hence the name "tabby boots" in Britain. They are sometimes worn by people who work outside, like rickshaw pullers who need to move quickly and hold onto the road, which is difficult in traditional sandals, and they are also popular with construction workers.
What are the traditional Japanese footwear?
Mar 10, 2023


