mizutori creates modern Japanese wooden sandals (geta) designed for comfort and everyday wear.
Episode 23
Living with mizutori Geta (2) — Repairing and Enjoying
mizutori’s geta are not defined by how resistant they are to damage,
but by how long they can remain by your side.
Because they are made of wood, scratches and small chips will naturally occur.
Rather than trying to prevent every mark, we have always prepared a path for repairing and continuing to wear them.
What We Place in Repair
At mizutori, we offer services such as replacing hanao straps, renewing rubber soles, and repairing the wooden base — so that a well-worn pair does not need to be parted with.
From across Japan, repair requests arrive at our factory.
To restore each pair — filled with the owner’s memories — to a wearable state is a great joy for us as well.
Repair is never a simple, uniform task.
Each pair carries a different history of wear, requiring careful attention.
For this reason, we ask for several months before returning repaired items.
Depending on their condition, the cost may approach that of a new pair.
Even so, many customers entrust their geta to us, saying, “I would like to repair and continue wearing them.”
Their trust continues to encourage us.
At the same time, we understand that the cost and time involved can make some hesitate.
A New Option — Repairing at Home
With this in mind, we are now considering sharing simple repair methods through video — so that minor maintenance can be done at home.
Using tools easily found at local hardware stores, it may become possible to address issues such as:
• worn-down heel rubber
• small scratches becoming visible
• minor chips from accidental bumps
By caring for them yourself, not only can you continue wearing them more casually, but that small effort can deepen your attachment.
The reassurance of knowing they can be repaired offers quiet confidence in welcoming them into everyday life.
From Restoring to Reimagining
In the future, we hope to go beyond repairs that simply restore geta to their original state.
We would like to explore ways of transforming scratches and chips into renewed expressions of character.
Perhaps through refinishing that highlights the wood’s natural grain.
Perhaps by intentionally incorporating repair marks into the design itself.
Wood changes as it is used.
Rather than preserving a flawless appearance, it may feel more natural to accompany it as it evolves.
For Those Who Prefer a Craftsman’s Touch
Of course, we will continue to accept repairs at our factory.
If you feel that it may be difficult to repair them yourself,
or if you would rather entrust a cherished pair to skilled hands, please feel free to consult us.
mizutori’s geta are not meant to be worn and discarded.
Because they are made of wood, they change alongside the person who wears them.
And because they change, we believe it is important to prepare ways of embracing those changes.
By offering the option of “repairing and continuing to wear,”
we hope mizutori geta can become a natural part of daily life — staying with you over time.
