Waraji Sandals
Waraji: flat woven straw sandals held on by rope cords that cross the foot and tie at the ankle, sizes EU 36 to 47.
Waraji Sandals
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The short answer
Flat sandals with a woven straw sole, a straw loop at the toe and rope cords that pass through side loops, cross the foot and tie at the ankle, worn barefoot or over a tabi sock. Sizes EU 36 to 47 with US equivalents; run small, take one size up.
Fabric & care
The composition is stated in the description and printed on the inner label. Machine wash cold, inside out, with similar colours. Hang to dry. Iron on low, inside out over prints or embroidery.
Shipping & returns
Shipping is free on every order, with no minimum. Duties and import taxes are prepaid at checkout. Orders leave in 1 to 3 business days and take 6 to 12 business days on average; a tracking number is emailed on dispatch.
You may return any item within 30 days of delivery for a full refund. Write to contact@yonaku.com and we email you a prepaid label.
What we sell, and what we don't
Japanese designs, made in Asia. Cotton, linen or polyester as stated on each piece, never silk. We name every garment for what it is: a kimono jacket is not a haori, an unlined kimono is not a yukata.
- Free shippingEvery order, no minimum
- Duties prepaidNothing to pay on delivery
- TrackedNumber emailed on dispatch
- 30-day returnsFree, prepaid label
- Sizing helpRuns small: take the larger size
- A person repliesText or email, no bots
About this piece
Woven straw sandals laced to the ankle with rope cords, the sandal of the road
Straw underfoot and rope round the ankle. These are waraji, the sandal of the Japanese road: a flat sole woven from straw in a tight oval, a straw loop rising between the first two toes, loops of the same cord at either side of the foot and at the heel, and two lengths of rope that pass through them, cross over the instep and tie at the ankle in a knot. Nothing is glued; the sandal is woven and tied.
The photographs show the two ways to wear them: barefoot, or over a white tabi sock, which is how a pilgrim would wear them on a long day.
The name is the Japanese one. Waraji were the sandal of everyone who walked for a living, the courier, the pilgrim and the farmer, and a spare pair was tied to the pack because the road wore them out. This pair wears the same way, slowly, into the shape of your foot.
The sole is straw cord woven into an oval, thicker at the edge than the centre, with the toe and side loops worked into the weave. The cords are a twisted rope, long enough to cross the foot twice and tie above the ankle with a tail to spare.
Wear them the way the photographs show. Toe loop between the first two toes, ropes through the side loops, cross over the instep, through the heel loop, round the ankle and tie at the front. It takes a minute the first time. Under a jinbei or a pair of shorts they are the finish; with a tabi sock they carry into autumn.
The straw softens after the first afternoon and the sole moulds to the foot in a week. The rope adjusts: loose for a walk, tight for a run, re-tied when it stretches.
They are flat and they grip, with the sound of straw on stone. On wet ground they hold and dry slowly.
Keep them out of standing water: straw and rope take it up and dry stiff. Brush off dust, sponge a mark, and dry in the shade. A pair worn every day looks better at the end of the summer than the start.
From across a street they are a pale sandal with rope up the ankle. From close the sole shows its weave, the loops their twist, and the knot its tail. They are the sandal for a person who walks.
Sizes run from EU 36 to 47, each listed with its US equivalent. They are cut to Asian sizing and run small, so take one size up from your usual; the straw sole should end just past the heel,.
Questions about the japanese sandals
What is the difference between zori and waraji?
Both are flat Japanese sandals with a thong between the toes. Zori have a thong and nothing else, and are stepped into. Waraji add rope cords that cross the foot and tie at the ankle, and were the sandal for walking long distances.
Do they run small?
Yes. They are cut to Asian sizing. Take one size up from your usual; a flat sandal should end just at or past the heel, and the size up keeps the toes off the front edge.
What are they made of?
The waraji and the straw zori are woven straw cord with a straw or rope thong. The black zori are a moulded synthetic sole with a woven mat footbed and a padded fabric thong. The fabric line on each page says which.
Are they made in Japan?
No. They are a Japanese design, made in Asia. We say so on every page.
How do I wear them?
Barefoot in summer, or over a white split-toe tabi sock, as photographed. Under a yukata, a jinbei, shorts or a rolled trouser.
How do I care for them?
Keep the straw out of standing water, brush off dust and dry in the shade. Wipe the black zori with a damp cloth. Never dry any of them on a radiator.
What we sell, and what we don't
Japanese designs, made in Asia. Cotton, linen or polyester as stated on each piece, never silk. We say so on every page, because the alternative is selling you a word instead of a garment.
On the record
| Piece | Waraji Sandals |
|---|---|
| Chapter | 履物Footwear |
| Collection | All japanese sandals |
| Fabric | Woven straw, rope cords |
| Made | Japanese design, made in Asia |
| Reference | YONA-0155 |
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