Description
Waraji Gake Tabi (Warabi kaki 草鞋掛け) are a traditional Japanese tabi (2 toe sock) cut from cotton linen that are to be worn together with the Waraji Sandals (traditional straw sandals). A new pair of waraji sandals can be a little hard and/or itchy on the feet, until they break in, and this pair of gake socks makes wearing them more comfortable. The Waraji Gake Tabi Socks date back to the 15th century or earlier. They are typically ankle-high and with a separation between the big toe and the others (2 toe). They are traditionally worn with waraji (straw sandals), zori (flat sandals), and geta (platform clogs), as well as other traditional tonged footwear. Gake-Tabi are essential with kimono and other wafuku (traditional Japanese clothing) as well as being worn by samurai and perhaps shinobi (ninja) in the feudal Sengoku Era.
Iron Mountain Armory hand makes these traditional samurai toe socks from quality asa (hemp or cotton linen), similar to what was used during the late Sengoku to late Edo era. These traditional tabi are perfect for the modern martial artists, re-enactors, cosplay, larp, sca and for those just wanting to add a bit of traditional style to their modern life. Custom sizing and materials help make your traditional samurai socks special and unique to you and/or group. Many martial artists are finding wearing waraji gake-tabi helps bring focus to their footing and makes a great traditional accessory to their traditional hakama. We do offer a modern poly cotton material to help for a better and more snug fit.
Ordering Tips: The Waraji Gake-Tabi are snug fittings without stretch, so we recommend adding at least 1.5 ~ 2 cm to your actual measurements for a more comfortable fit.
Features:
- Traditional, comfortable design
- Fully functional
- Custom Sock sizing available
| Our skilled katchû-shi (armorers) at the Iron Mountain Armory will need at least 1 to 2 weeks, depending on options selected, and other scheduled orders, for the custom handcrafting of this item. |
Accessories:
- Waraji Sandals – Bamboo straw sandals commonly used by samurai
| For more information, please review our Order Options Explained, Glossary Terms or FAQ Pages. You can also Contact Us directly. We are always happy to be of service. |
Our traditional tabi and other samurai clothing and accessories are featured in many movies, tv series, documentaries, including the docudrama “Age of Samurai: Battle for Japan” by Netflix, TLC, History & the Smithsonian Channel.
References: Wikipedia
To provide context, am the president of Japanese living history group based in Australia, Sengoku No Bushido, and one of the five founding members of the international Japanese Martial and Living History Association. Sengoku No Bushido purchase the majority of our non-combat and everyday kit from IMA.
As a design and choice of material, these waraji-kake are a great piece of kit to have. They match historically accurate designs, and are comfortable to wear.
These can be worn with any footwear but, as their name suggests, are originally meant to be worn with waraji (straw or hemp Japanese sandals). In these sandals, the toes are meant to hang over the edge, which brings me to this item’s main downside. Because the fabric on the toes is the same thickness as the rest of the garment, quite thin, the bottom of the toes wear out very quickly with any form of regular use (particularly for combat training).
To improve on this item further, we think it would be a good idea to stitch a tougher/thicker material under the toes so that the garment itself lasts much longer. Also, perhaps to have leather tabi available that can stand alone on their own as footwear?
These socks are well made and they fit my size well. They are also very comfortable to wear with the waraji sandals. A bit uncomfortable at first, but you quickly get it better as you move around and get used to it.