Geta (下駄) is a Japanese wooden sandal. During the Edo era, this traditional Japanese shoe was worn with a kimono or yukata.

Today the Japanese sandal is also a Japanese fashion accessory that can be worn with Western attire. If you travel to Japan, you will have the chance to see the unmissable geta during matsuri festivals, at the feet of geisha, or in the street of Harajuku in Tokyo! Wear a Geta or zori sandals with Japanese socks tabi. Have a look to our Japanese Tabi style in order to fulfill your samurai or geisha look.

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Why do you need to wear Japanese sandals?

Although these models of Japanese shoes are made of wood, they are quite comfortable if worn well. Moreover they have many advantages. So you absolutely must have a pair in your dressing room before the spring-summer season starts! Here are the three advantages of Japanese flip-flops!

Japanese sandals benefits for your back 

The geta sandals will help you keep an upright posture. This is a real benefit for the back. These wooden sandals help blood circulation because your feet are not compressed by the stiffness of a pair of conventional shoes. 

Japanese eco-friendly shoes

These traditional wooden shoes are made of recyclable and eco-friendly materials. This Japanese sandal keeps for a lifetime because you can replace the cotton strap, if it gets damaged over time!

Comfortable Japanese shoes

The traditional Geta sandal features gorgeous Japanese patterns on the straps. Wearing a pair of Japanese sandals is one small step closer to fully immersing yourself in the culture of the land of the rising sun 

How do you wear Japanese geta sandals?

Geta are made in three parts:

  • The "Dai" which is the wooden platform on which the feet rest;
  • The "Hanao" which is the strap holding in place the carrier who moves;
  • and the "Ha" or teeth, which represent the wooden bars that support the base of the sole.

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Due to their extra height, the traditional Japanese geta shoes can be worn even during rainy days or during winter without worrying about mud or snow. This is one of the reasons why there are different forms of Japanesegetas depending on the period, the weather, or to go to work etc.

What are the different kind of Geta ?

Each Japanese sandal Geta is different according to the number of "ha" there are under its sole. Some modern styles of geta have no teeth at all, just a wooden base.

Hiyori geta

The geta Hiyori are the classic wooden sandals worn in everyday life. They usually have a rectangular base and two wooden prongs that are perpendicular to the long side of the base. These low geta were traditionally worn during the nice days. They can be lacquered with colored hanao (straps) or made of natural raw wood. 

Oiran Geta

Oiran geta are also called taka-ashida geta. They are similar to geta hiyori but they have three teeth. These Japanese wooden sandals were worn in bad weather and rain. They were also worn by oirans (high ranking courtesans). It is quite rare to see them today!

Tengu geta 

Tengu geta have a single tooth. They are worn by the demon Tengu. It is a Japanese deity from Shinto folklore. Tengu are known for having a long nose. They are often dressed in a Japanese kimono and carry a katana. You may have seen them wearing the Tengu mask in Japanese manga or animated movies. They are often dressed in a traditional Japanese kimono!!

4. Okobo geta

This Japanese female geta has no teeth. The soles are high, wedge-shaped and bisotated at the front. They are also called koppori or pokkuri in reference to the noise they make when the wood hits the ground! This Japanese women's sandal is worn by maiko. They are geisha in training...

5. Zori

Zori are Japanese flat sandals . They are worn with light and casual Japanese outfits. This Japanese espadrille can be worn barefoot in summer time...

How to wear a pair of GETA?

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Here is the mini guide from our Japanese store to choose your pair of sandals well:

  • Choose the color or print of the Hanao: for a good styling effect, we advise you to choose straps printed with the same patterns or color as the obi belt of your kimono
  • Be sure to choose geta sizes: when wearing a traditional Japanese outfit, the heel should protrude about 1 cm from the sole platform. We advise you to choose a pair of geta one to two sizes larger than what you usually wear
  • Adjust the sandal with the strap: so that it is more sere or relaxed. This makes them easier to put on

Japanese tabi socks

To sublimate your traditional Japanese style, you need to choose the right pair of Tabi socks. During the Edo era, wearing split-toe socks was part of the dress code. The color of the socks defined the social class. You can take a look at our Tabi sock collections

  • For a look that's both traditional and trendy fashionistas in Tokyo's Harajuku district are mixing the streetwear style of a Japanese hoodie with Tabi printed high socks and sandals
  • With a men's kimono  or a women's Japanese kimono, we recommend you wear them with geta, a pair of white tabi!"
  • With a casual kimono, you can wear a pair of colored tabi and why not with Japanese patterns. You can also wear them barefoot during the summer!"

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