Japanese Footwear
During the Nara Period (710-794), the Japanese aristocracy wore shoes or boots, influenced by the Chinese style footwear. It wasn't until the Heian Period (794-1192) that zori were worn. The climate in Japan is very humid, so wearing shoes become rather uncomfortable during the summer season. Compared to the old style of footwear, zori were cool and good summer wear. They are shoes that are truly native to Japan. People continued to wear zori through the Tokugawa Period (1603-1867), where many different styles of zori started to appear. This footwear culture flourished while the country was closed to the rest of the world. With the Meiji Period (1868-1911) came a new era, and Japan opened itself to western styles. Shoes started to become popular, and the Japanese style of footwear slowly started to be driven out of the market. Now, traditional Japanese style footwear is once again popular among the young people.
Effects of Hanao (Sandal Strap)
Traditional Japanese footwear looks elegant when worn loosely on the foot. As our modern feet are used to shoes, the sandal-like footwear of Japan might hurt your toes with its tight thongs (hanano). Wear them lose at first to avoid this irritation and pain between the toes. Once you become use to them and the hanao becomes loose, you will need to push and press down with your toes more firmly to hold them in place, this stimulation of your toes and the build up of the muscles in your feet from wearing Zori will not only make your feet healthier but will have a excellent effect on your body in general. As you may know Reflexologists believe that each organ and muscle are connected by a network of nerves to a point on the foot where the energy terminates. By walk in zori these points are massaged and in addition your spine will become straighter, making your posture more beautiful accordingly.
Setta
Setta are one of three type’s of traditional Japanese footwear for men, the Others two being Zori and Geta. Setta are different footwear from zori although they are similar in shape. The setta, apparently were conceived by Senrikyu, a Japanese tea master (1522~1592), they originally had Igusa covering on the top with cow skin fixed on the sole with iron nails in the heels. It was said that Senrikyu put leather at the back of his footwear to avoid moisture coming through and marking his tabi (white socks),when it snowed on the day tea ceremony days. Setta’s first calligraphy in Japanese means snow; this name was chosen for this footwear as they were good for walking on snow.
In the Edo period, members of magistrate’s office of Tokyo always wore Setta, and the sound they made as they walked (iron nails striking stone) was associated with them and became their trademark.
Igusa (Japanese Rush)
Igusa is often is used as a base for zori. Inside the igusa is a soft sponge with lots of tiny holes, and these absorb odor for the feet. The surface of TATAMI (traditional Japanese Mats are also made from IGUSA) is placed in the footwear where it can have maximum the effect on the body and this helps to disperse fatigue.
Mushiro
Mushiro is normally woven straw but now Igusa is used because of its various additional benefits These zori have the added advantage of stimulate your feet while your walking.