Single Tooth Geta

Emily shows us how to walk in old fashioned Japanese single "tooth" (one cleat) geta. In a country where everyone must remove their shoes before formally entering most buildings it's convenient to use footwear that is easy to slip on and off. Such is the case in Japan where slip-on shoes made of straw, wood or other materials have been used for centuries. Though the Japanese began wearing western style shoes during the late 19th century they nonetheless never lost their affection for traditional slip-on shoes such as zori and geta. Zori and geta are similar in that both types of shoes are held in place by a thong running between the toes. However, while zori tend to resemble modern sandals, geta on the other hand are quite distinct with the soles of the shoes being elevated several inches above the ground by two (or even one!) wooden slats called ha (literally "tooth")" Geta thus help raise the feet above the ground in order to protect the feet and kimono from becoming soiled. In the past, wooden geta were especially popular with Japanese children who wore them everywhere and in any weather (geta were even used to make ice skates!). The tradition of children and geta has survived into modern times with many Japanese kindergartens providing their students geta to wear to and from school and while at play in the schoolyard (Our little daughter Emily loves to wear her geta each day to school along with all the other kids at her kindergarten). While most foreigners may suspect geta to be clumsy and difficult to wear I can testify to watching kids run, jump and even climb stairs with ease in old fashioned wooden geta. Zori on the other hand are today most frequently seen on the feet of women in kimono. Zori are normally worn with pure white toe-slotted tabi socks which together with the kimono and obi complete the traditional Japanese costume for women. Some people believe that the popular western thong sandals (aka "flip flops") trace their origin to the Japanese zori. If so, then surfers and beach bums the world over owe a debt of gratitude to this very special and unique form of traditional Japanese footwear.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Japan
• Geta
• Shoes
• Tokaido
• Softypapa

[PriusRider]

no way. she understands english???

[softypapa]

@PriusRider That's what happens when you have a daddy who can't speak Japanese. Have a great day! ~Kurt :-)

[softypapa]

@softypapa Both my daughter and wife are bilingual. I'm the one who can only speak one language. Therefore our family does everything in English when I am around. This fact has caused my daughter to both learn and retain English despite Japanese being her first language. I hope that this is clearer. Have a great day! ~Kurt :-)

[freakymangagirl]

Wow, thats so cool. but, Iam going to an anime convention this aguest, and I will need some Geta shoes for my yukata, and Iam buying them from ebay, but, what size would you recamend I get them, when my size in flip flops is 6?

[softypapa]

I'm not sure of what size geta you should get though I can tell you that Japanese typically wear their geta on the small size such that he heel of the foot hangs over the back of the shoes a bit. I've also been told that properly fitted geta are very tight and I can attest to this fact by my own experience (and the many blisters which I received after wearing the shoes). I hope that you have a lot of fun at your anime convention. -Kurt :-)

[teamshintaichi]

good 2 see the spread of japanese culture 2 the young ones instead of rap and all the other crap kids do these days. she will get much farther with it :)

[SheledUmlal]

God, these are even worse than heels...

[Kriscupcakemonster]

She is so cute! ^_^

[GaurdDuck]

@AngelDelilahStarr

Anybody can walk in zori......

[MadameAsuka]

God bless her, she's such a beautiful child.

[PriusRider]

@softypapa uhh.... oO

Dous that mean ur married with a japanese woman and you cant understand her?!

Kinda strange...

[AngelDelilahStarr]

Adorable kid, by the way :)