Gifts & Fashion
Tabi & Geta: Traditional Japanese Footwear Guide
Split-toe socks and wooden sandals โ still worn today.
Traditional Japanese Footwear
Japanese traditional footwear is experiencing a revival. Tabi (split-toe socks) have become a fashion statement globally thanks to Maison Margiela, and geta (wooden sandals) are the perfect summer footwear.
Tabi (่ถณ่ข)
Split-toe socks/shoes with a separation between the big toe and other toes. Originally worn with kimono and sandals.
- Traditional tabi socks โ White cotton, worn with kimono. ยฅ500-1,500.
- Modern tabi sneakers โ Split-toe shoes for everyday wear. Brands like SOU SOU and Marugo. ยฅ3,000-8,000.
- Jika-tabi โ Work boots with split toes. Originally for construction workers, now streetwear. ยฅ3,000-10,000.
Geta (ไธ้ง)
Wooden sandals elevated on two "teeth." The distinctive clip-clop sound is the soundtrack of Japanese summer.
- Standard geta โ Paulownia wood, cotton thong. ยฅ2,000-5,000.
- Right-geta โ One tooth design. For casual wear. ยฅ3,000-8,000.
Sizing
Traditional Japanese footwear uses cm sizing. Measure your foot length and order accordingly. It's normal for the heel to extend slightly beyond the geta.
Looking for more? Browse our curated product picks โ all available to ship from Japan.