Japanese Wooden Geta Sandals - Chappals UK (original) (raw)
/
Japanese Wooden Geta Sandals
Contents
- What are Geta Sandals?
- Where to buy Japanese Wooden Geta Sandals?
- Different types of Japanese Geta Sandals
- How Wooden Geta Sandals are made
- The History of Japanese Wooden Geta Sandals
What are Geta Sandals?
Geta sandals are Japanese sandals which have a wooden sole usually featuring two large teeth. They are very simple in design, not too dissimilar to a flip flop or a clog, when viewed from above!
The Geta sandal was introduced to Japan by the Chinese well over 2000 years ago.
They are commonly used in wet or frosty conditions to help keep the feet elevated and avoid damaging or soaking the Japanese Kimonos.
Where to buy Japanese Wooden Geta Sandals?
Different types of Japanese Geta Sandals
Pokkuri/Koppuri
Pokkuri, also known as Koppuri, are given this name because of the sound they make when worn. These are crafted from one solid piece of wood which is around 3-4 inches thick through the centre, the front is slanted sharply in at the front. Pokkuris are usually worn by women.
Zori
Zori have much shorter teeth than a typical pair of Geta and they also have rounded soles. Womens Zori have a slightly higher rear tooth, whereas mens Zori as flat.
Orian’s Koma Geta
Orian’s were high class prostitutes during the Feudal period where Japan was governed by the Shoguns (1185 – 1603). They wore these incredibly tall Koma Getas which were lacquered and featured three teeth. Unlike Geishas, Orians would wear their Getas without the use of socks.
How Wooden Geta Sandals are made
Geta sandals are fairly simple to make. They are hand made to measure. The perfect fitting Geta should be a couple of centimetres shorter than the actual size of the foot.
The best type of wood to use is Red Oak as it is hard wearing, long lasting and easily available. This is then cut to the length of the foot at a thickness of about 1/2 an inch.
The inside and outside of the Geta teeth are then sanded down and marks are made on the shoe to show where the teeth should go. The teeth are drilled and attached to the rest of the shoe with dowel and glue. Some styles of Geta construction may add metal or rubber bottoms to the teeth to help them last longer.
Holes for the thong are then drilled in the sandal and the thong which is made of string or fabric is tied into the holes.
Finally the corners of the Geta are sanded smooth, they are then ready to be worn!
For more detailed information on how to make Geta sandals have a look here.
The History of Japanese Wooden Geta Sandals
Wooden Geta Sandals are believed to have originated in the rice paddy fields of China sometime between 300BC and 300AD these quickly spread and became popular in Japan’a paddy fields too.
The design has barely changed for over 2000 years but is now often seen worn with Japanese Kimonos as well as in the paddy fields!
