Samurai Geta Sandals

Japanese Geta Sandals for Sale

Dreaming of that perfectly casual fashion accessory? Well, you are at the right place, the Geta Sandals at Samurai Armor are possibly as authentic and as classy as they can get.

With authentic feel to the sandals, we make sure that there is no compromise on the quality and the fashion scene for you. These sandals are designed with utmost care and therefore all you need to place an order with us and enjoy a fashionably unique Geta sandal especially for you.

Geta Sandals History

Geta are a type of traditional Japanese sandals. They are wood based with a fabric attached to three sides, for the foot to have a grip. Geta are somewhat similar to the casual flip-flops.

Geta Sandals represent a part of traditional Japanese culture. In feudal Japan, Oirans, the high ranking concubines and mistresses wore tall sandals much similar to Geta, koma-geta and mitsu-ashi. These were worn when the Oiran walked in a parade with their caretakers.

The mitsu-ashi were also known as ‘three-legs’ because of their intricate shape. The Geisha and Maiko, art performers who used to sing and dance, wore these with white socks called tabi.

However, the Oiran chose not to even when the weather turned cold, they would not wear tabi as it was believed that bare toes were a sign of sensuality. They would further adorn it with layers of various vibrant colored fabric kimonos.

Different styles in which the Geta were worn represented the class, the person wearing them belonged to for example the Oiran only accompanied and amused the upper class while the Geisha could only work and perform for the lower class.

Other wearers of Geta were the merchants who used to sell seafood and fish. They would wear extra tall Geta’s in order to prevent their feet from the scraps and bits of the products that were discarded from the shops on the grounds. These sandals were known as tengu geta

Making Process of Japanese Sandals

The process starts with connecting a solid and firm wooden piece or block horizontally on two other wooden blocks, which are vertical. The base of the vertical blocks is in some cases coated with metal as to aid the condition and life span of the sandal.

The upper part consists of a fabric, tied at the three point like that of a triangle, making a V shape in order to provide grip to the wearer. The vertical block known as the teeth are not separate blocks nailed or glued to the sole rather the whole Geta is shaped and shaved from one single piece of wood.

However, in some styles like the tengu, the tooth is special bounded as it solely bears the weight of the wearer. Other additions to the teeth of the Geta are also made to add extra insurance, better resistance and balance like tough wood pieces of rubber soles attached to the bottom of the teeth.

The hanao or the upper part that consists of fabric can either be wide or padded or narrow or hard. Any kind of fabric can be used to make the hanao. Traditional designs with cultural depictions are also common on fabric used for the hanaos.

The fabric is threaded through the three holes on the horizontal block and tied, making a V shape. The fabric also has a cord inside to provide a shape to the fabric. The wide hanaos are usually padded. The hanaos are usually placed between the toes and can be changed or replaced.

Significant of Samurai Sandals

Samurai sandals are traditionally important as well as they have scientific significance. The thong type structure provided pressure on the acupressure point which improves the functions of the body.

They also provide space and freedom of movement and the wooden sole provides comfort to the base of feet.  The Samurai wore them for another purpose too as it assisted them with length to travel easily in snow and rain.

Styles

Geta comes in various styles and designs. Most of them consist of a wood called ‘Dai’ and then a fabric that is in shape of V attached at three corners and settled between the thumb and second toe, called ‘hanao’.

The teeth are also wooden pieces called ‘ha’, the teeth are the essential part as they provide the certain uniqueness to the sandals and a clacking sound known as the ‘Karankoron’.

Although the origin of Geta was not for style or fashion purposes rather to prevent the feet from the dirt and filth of ground however, the Geta are popular in the modern world as a symbol of Japanese traditions.

Some of the famous designs of Geta are;

Hiyori/Masa Geta

These are casual wear Geta for everyday life. They follow the classic design and have a rectangular base. Hiyori/Masa Geta are generally worn in pleasant weather and addition of white socks, tabi is optional. Some of the modern designs eliminate the classical teeth and the base is only a rectangular wooden block.

Taka Ashida Geta

Taka-Ashida Geta follow much of Hiyori Geta design however, the teeth are an obligatory part and are to be tall in length as these are meant to be worn in rainy and snowy weather. Ippon Geta / Tengu Geta.

In Japanese Mythology, a demon named Tengu is shown to wear Geta with a single teeth. This is where the name for these Geta comes from. Geta with a single wooden block is called Tengu Geta. These require a lot of practice to walk and are most commonly used in festivities and performances.

Pokuri Geta/ Okobo

These are made of one block of wood without any teeth and a bell is placed in its hollow centre. Mostly worn by Maiko’s with or without tabi.

The modern sandals

With time different additions and upgrades are made, with the increase of Western influence and popularity, some models of the Geta are also now inspired by the Western foot-wear.

The additions that are made in modern sandals are more roundness, the Geta made now are more curved in shape. Furthermore, the Dai are now shaped to provide maximum comfort and minimize any sort of physical discomfort.

Then, the separation of teeth at the base is substituted by one thick heel as in Western wedges etc. and the upper part more similar to that used in flip flops. They have chic designs and modern, attractive patterns as well.

World Wide Free Delivery

At Samurai Armor Shop, our customers are our topmost priority both national and international. Keeping that in mind we have the worldwide free delivery option to prevent any kind of hustle and provide our customers with the best there is without any inconvenience.