Episode 1 What Is “mizutori”?

mizutori creates modern Japanese wooden sandals (geta) designed for comfort and everyday wear.

Episode 1

What Is “mizutori”?

A Story of Geta — Where Tradition Meets Innovation

At mizutori, we are based in Shizuoka City — a place where beautiful nature and a rich culture of craftsmanship quietly coexist. From our factory here, we continue to reimagine and evolve geta, Japan’s traditional wooden footwear, for modern life.

When you hear the word geta, you might picture summer festivals, fireworks, and yukata — footwear reserved for special occasions. Some may even imagine them as stiff or difficult to walk in.
At mizutori, while honoring the deep cultural heritage of traditional geta, we pursue a new form — one designed to complement contemporary lifestyles. Our goal is simple: to create geta you would want to wear every day.

The Essence of Comfort

The defining feature of mizutori is, without question, comfort.
Our original wooden base has been developed through years of research, refinement, and hands-on experience by skilled artisans dedicated to footwear craftsmanship. The shape gently follows the contours of the foot, fitting almost as if it were drawn to it.
This form was not achieved overnight. It is the result of countless adjustments and quiet persistence — uniquely mizutori. Even today, we continue to refine it, always striving for the kind of comfort that naturally brings a small smile to the wearer’s face.

We also give careful attention to the hanao — the thong strap — considering its material, structure, and method of attachment. The portion that touches the skin is soft, yet the overall hold is secure, enhancing stability while walking.
The result is a modern balance: the ease of sandals combined with the reassurance of sneakers.

Carrying Tradition Forward

For us, preserving tradition is only part of the story. Embracing new perspectives is equally essential.
Through collaborations with designers in Japan and abroad, and by incorporating contemporary colors and silhouettes, we continue to expand the possibilities of what geta can be.
We hope to inspire moments of surprise and discovery:
“I didn’t know geta could be this stylish.”
“They work beautifully with outfits like this.”

More Than Footwear

We are deeply moved by the voices of our customers:
“When I wear them, my posture feels naturally aligned.”
“They feel better than being barefoot.”
While mizutori geta are undoubtedly fashion pieces, we see them as something more — companions that quietly support healthier, more comfortable days, beginning from the feet.
From our small factory in Shizuoka, we continue crafting each pair with that wish in mind.