Description
Waraji (草鞋), are sandals made from rice straw rope that, in the Sengoku and Edo Eras, were the standard footwear of the common people in Japan. Also adopted by the Samurai, they allowed for defter movement. Traditionally, samurai would wear their Waraji with their toes protruding slightly over the front edge. This helped them keep their traction while running, scaling walls and fighting. The toe thong is designed to press on acupressure points. It was also believed to assist the body’s daily functionalities. Commonly worn with Tabi Socks or Waraji-Gake. Please note that the shoe sole should stays in close contact with the foot. The back is designed to wrap around the Achilles Tendon.
Because Waraji were made from straw rope, they tend to become more brittle as time goes on. In the past, roads were not paved. Dirt and soil on the ground filled the holes in the straw soles, reducing additional friction and thereby increasing the lifespan of the sandals. Even so, they still did not last very long and people had to have an extra pair hanging on their belts ready when needed. Nevertheless, they were cheap and easy to mend. To maintain your Sandals, be sure to soak them in water for about ten minutes whenever they start to dry. This will help maintain the internal moisture of the rope, and save them from falling apart or breaking. For walking on modern surfaces you can also add non-slip / grip tape to the bottom to help keep them from slipping on smooth or wet surfaces, this will also help prevent fraying.
Features:
- Traditionally hand made.
- Available in 3 Sizes: Small (22 CM), Medium (24 CM) and Large (26 CM), from heel to base of toe.
- It is recommended to order one size for heal to base of toe, this helps you maintain traction when charging up hills or climbing to victory.
Our samurai Waraji are handmade Iron Mountain Armory and usually in in New York, Colombian or China warehose. Please allow 1 week shipping of this item. We will likely ship it along with any other items ordered.
If you are unsure of any terms, please visit our Glossary List , FAQ Page or Contact Us directly.
Handmade… –
Really good quality and great value for the price. It is all hand woven from straw. A art apparently not lost!
Impressive –
I don’t know if it is more impressive that these are handmade from straw and hold up so well or that samurai actually walked around with these on. Well done.
12
Wariji –
Looks and feels authentic. Lightweight and size is accurate.
Waraji review –
Good price on a hard to find item, quality is great. It’s a little strange that my toes go well over the front of them, I thought they would fit a bit more like “flip flops” and still have my toes on the shoe part. Felt strange but got used to it after walking around in them for a little while.
Good Value –
Very good quality and value for the price paid. Better than the cheaper pairs I have purchased. I am very pleased with all of the items and customer service I have received from this website.
Well made shoes. –
I do living history on the weekends, and had been asked to attend a Japanese themed event.
The Waraji were well made, and looked great. They were a bit snug across the area behind my big toe, but were definitely wearable. I worry that this area may break because those fibers are thinner than the rest,
but for the price, they were great looking, and comfortable to wear for the most part.
Ryan Lehman –
Great
Just recently got these and I must say I do not regret my purchase.