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. These “samurai sandals” are worn with Tabi Socks or Waraji-Gake which we certainly recommend. 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 filled the holes in the straw soles, reducing additional friction and thereby increasing the lifespan of the sandals. Although they are cheap and easy to mend, they still did not last very long and people had to have an extra pair hanging on their belts ready when needed. 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.
Our straw samurai sandals are perfect for modern martial artists, re-enactors, cosplay, larp, sca and for those just wanting to add a bit of traditional style to their modern life.
Features: Waraji
- 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 skilled katchû-shi (armorers) at the Iron Mountain Armory will need at least 1 to 2 weeks, depending on options selected, for the custom handcrafting of this item. |
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.
Jarrett Stiles (verified owner) –
Very authentic, and these are fun to walk around in.
Joseph Ciccarelli (verified owner) –
Verified review - view original
Was this review helpful to you?Fabio Tidei (verified owner) –
Odd at first, but very nice to wear! (also easy to repair if they break) Certainly a great addition to a Japanese outfit.
Strigoil (verified owner) –
Great item, fit exactly like they should and feel comfortable to walk in.
zombiehunter5972 (verified owner) –
These sandals are really great for the price. It surprised me how comfortable they are. Would recommend!
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Fits great and is exactly what I ordered.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Fit very well
Nathaniel M. (verified owner) –
Verified review - view original
Was this review helpful to you?John Purkiss (verified owner) –
Interesting product
Anonymous (verified owner) –
A few loose strands but nothing that ruins them. Comfortable to walk, run, and jump in.
parrovious (verified owner) –
Well made. It took awhile to get used to them but they are very comfortable to walk around in!
Drake Voorhies (verified owner) –
Small
stephen gold (verified owner) –
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