Geta Japanese traditional shoes

Here’s your delicious A-list of Geta Japanese traditional shoes, 5 types of these Japanese shoes and 4 ways to buy Geta. Geta and Zori are two common types of Japanese sandals. They are surprisingly comfortable even though they are made of wood.

You need to take a little bit of time to learn how to walk in Geta. They have slight risers on the bottoms that keep the feet out of the wet, a flat wood sole, a V style toe thong, and are raised up on two wood strips.

In Japanese the strips are called “Ha” which is the Japanese word for tooth or teeth. Geta often come in a range of colors and styles, red and black being the most popular. In Japanese there are no plurals, so the term Geta applies to one, a pair, or a whole tea house full of them.

Geta Japanese traditional shoes

Geta Japanese traditional shoes are any sandal with a separate heel and was termed Geta because of the “clack clack” sound they made when walking.

• What is Geta? The soles are rectangular and the thong that goes between the toes is centered between the two sides of the sole so that the left and right Geta are identical. The thong goes between the big toe and the next one so the foot is off-center. Some have covered toes for four weather protection. Japanese professional sumo wrestlers in the lowest two divisions of Jonokuchi and Jonidan must wear Geta with their Yukata at all times. The clacking sound that Geta make when walking is consequently something wannabe sumo stars wish to leave behind as soon as possible.
• What are those traditional shoes like to walk in? It’s Noisy! The naked wood makes quite a clatter, after a while they quiet down a bit because the wood softens up where it hits the ground. An easy way to make them really quiet is to put rubber on it. It is somewhat jarring. There’s no cushioning. It’s a busy walk, too. As you step forward, your foot lifts off the sole, then the sole flips forward on the front ha, the toe end of the sole hits the ground and the back of the sole catches up with and hits your foot. Then you lift your foot off the ground, and when you complete the step the rear ha hits the ground, jar, and then the front.
• Are Geta difficult to walk in? Yes! They’re definitely not your Nike, Adidas or Puma! Geta is the well known by Americans for the beautiful pictures seen of Geisha women. Geta have a slightly tapered front heal, making the person lean forward with each step. Significant practice is required before someone can walk safely and elegantly in Geta. Geta are not easy for some people to walk on and you must take practice to walk correctly. At first you’ll find yourself constantly shifting your feet, perhaps like riding a unicycle. After some practice, not only will you be able to walk, stop, and stand, but you’ll be able to stand on one foot because our seemingly infinitely adaptable bodies will learn this new skill.

5 types of Geta Japanese traditional shoes

Designs for some shows set in Japan, sometimes require them, nevertheless they are often troublesome to get, or expensive to buy. 5 common types of Geta Japanese traditional shoes.

• Okobo Geta. Geisha, Maiko wear distinctive tall Geta called Okobo which are similar to the Chopines worn in Venice during the Renaissance. Also very young girls wear Okobo, also called Pokkuri and Koppori. They have a small bell inside a cavity in the thick sole. These Geta have no “teeth” but are formed of one piece of wood. The middle part is carved out from below and the front is sloped to accommodate for walking. Pokkuri are usually red in color and are not worn with Yukata, but a very fancy kimono (such as at Shichi-Go-San festivals).
• Takai/Ashida Geta. Each Geta is about 2 inches (5 cm) tall, but these are about twice that height. They are sometimes called Takai Geta which means rain Geta while most rain Geta have thinner ha. It is neither difficult to walk in, nor uncomfortable. Takai Geta (the high ones) need more skill. The front of the sole doesn’t necessarily hit the ground so steps don’t quite feel complete. And they’re higher so that any unevenness in the ground is magnified and more likely to promote a fall or twisted ankle. You have to pay attention to where you’re going.
• Senryou Geta. Other names are occupation Geta, lucky Geta, or great Geta. These slanted front Geta were very popular around the time of the Russo-Japanese war. One meaning of the word Senryou is “occupation,” so the Geta were named because of the patriotic feeling of the time. Another form of the word comes from sen = 1000 + ryou which is an old unit of currency. One thousand ryou is about $100,000 so these are very lucky, or perhaps million dollar Geta. Fortunately a pair can be had for around $35.00.
• Tengu Geta. Perhaps the strangest of all are the Tengu or Ippon-ba (one tooth) Geta. These are worn by the mythical Tengu the long nosed goblin. Tengu are reputed to wear very tall Geta, and are often pictured as wearing tall Geta with only one ha. Though the Tengu is mythical, the Tengu Geta are made and sold being described as for “mountain men and priests”. They’re good for walking in swampy areas because the mud doesn’t get stuck between the two “Ha” like regular Geta. Obviously they develop balance, too! With a little practice, the Tengu Geta are not especially difficult to walk on. The hardest part is standing stationary.
• Vinyl Geta. There are many other types of Geta sandals including those made of vinyl. This is the most popular Geta worn for formal occasions with the kimono. The thongs are normally made of velvet or vinyl and come in a variety of colors.

Where Can I Buy Geta Japanese traditional shoes

Want to try a pair? You can buy Geta Japanese traditional shoes at the Geta-ya. In Japanese means a shop that sells something is usually the item’s name suffixed by ya. So a Geta-ya is a shop that sells Geta. Geta-ya also refers to the owner of the shop. This section contains information on buying Geta, especially in the United States.

Men’s Geta are most commonly unfinished paulonia wood, which is medium brown. Women’s are narrower and are often finished in black or colored lacquer. A good starting place to buy Geta is Japanese Geta Shop online store, you’ll find a small selection of Geta, Tabi, Japan related books, video, clothing, and cooking accessories at the online shop. There is always a variety of Geta on eBay. Some are auction style listings, but many have fixed prices and no bidding. Sellers are mainly located in the US and Japan.

You can buy it through the Japanese Culture Club (JCC). They have quite a range of styles including some in larger sizes. JCC is located in Connecticut but some Geta may be shipped from Japan so may take 1-2 weeks to arrive. Mention The Geta Page in the order form comments section and they’ll deduct $3.00 from your Geta order.

Get it at Akai-Hanao-no-Jojo, the Jojo’s Red Geta Strap shop. The shop has Geta, Zori, high, low, one tooth, Menkoi (slanted front), with just about any imaginable color straps for them. The shop accepts major credit cards and has low shipping charges. Jojo the shop’s owner reads and writes excellent English so communication is no problem. Although the shop’s storefront is closed, you can still order online. Items are shipped from Japan.

Gendaiya Getaya in Sapporo Japan. They will ship to the US and will take credit card payments. Sadly they speak only Japanese. However they do have translation software so it is possible to deal with them by email. Use short simple sentences, about a 6 year old are level, and you’ll do fine. Most Geta are around $30 to $60 and shipping runs around $20. In Japan it’s quite a different story. Geta are not everyday wear, but there are still quite a few shops that sell them, probably a lot to tourists. Learn how to make Japanese wooden shoes too!

Geta Japanese traditional shoes