Just the right size for the heel to stick out a little from stepsole
The correct way to wear and walk in them is also different from shoes or sandals. Please understand that this is completely different from the idea of fitting like a shoe.
In traditional Japanese footwear, the “mae tsubo” in the middle of the HANAO-straps should not go all the way into the groin of the thumb and forefinger, but should leave a small gap between the thumb and forefinger. The heel should protrude 2 to 3 cm from stepsole.
If your heels hurt when you walk in Geta of a size that slightly protrudes from the heel, it is a sign that your center of gravity is on your heel. Then you will not be able to walk well in Geta or Zori, and your kimono will fall apart every time you walk.
Move forward as if carrying your core without kicking or springing
When walking, the foot does not land on the heel as in shoes, but on the ball of the thumb, in front of the ball of the foot (where the foot lands when it jumps down from a high place).
In the case of shoes, the foot opposite to the large swinging arm is brought forward, and the heel is used as a fulcrum to move the center of the body forward like a spring. On the other hand, in the Japanese footwear walking style, the foot lands naturally at the end where the core is also carried forward at the same time, as if it is being moved forward from the waist rather than the feet.
The weight is placed firmly on the foot on which it lands, and at the same time, the weight is removed from the back foot, and the movement is repeated to bring that foot forward again from the waist. Instead of kicking or springing forward, the body moves forward as if carrying the body core by continuously shifting the center of gravity. The hands do not swing around, they just need to follow the natural movement of the body, but if you are not used to this, you may want to keep your hands in your pockets.
This movement is also common to the Japanese performing arts and the martial art of “suriashi” (sliding feet), and is said to be less stressful on the body.
If you can do this walk, the knees of both feet are not so far apart, so the kimono will not fall off. Also, when you can walk in this way well with Geta with tooth, you will hear a small “clang, clang, clang” sound.
