mizutori creates modern Japanese wooden sandals (geta) designed for comfort and everyday wear.
Episode 45
Children and Geta
Growing up in an environment
where geta are always close at hand,
my own child and my niece
naturally began wearing them
around the time they entered kindergarten.
Perhaps because they had seen adults around them
wearing geta as a matter of course,
even the very first time,
they slipped their toes into the straps
without hesitation
and began to walk with ease.
That moment has stayed with me.
When standing in our shop,
we sometimes meet families
who come hoping to let their children try wearing geta.
Some are interested
because they want their children
to experience natural materials.
Others are curious
about how the feet are used when walking.
At the same time, however,
we also meet children
who are not used to opening their toes,
and who seem unsure
how to move them.
When the toes remain tightly closed,
it becomes difficult
even to hold the straps.
And if we try to guide them too forcefully—
opening their toes
and placing them into the geta—
it can create discomfort or unease,
and sometimes leads to the feeling
of not wanting to wear them at all.
Children observe adults closely.
Because of this,
there is no need to teach them too much.
If they simply see adults
wearing geta in daily life,
they begin to understand
how to wear them naturally.
And once they become familiar
with walking in geta,
many children begin to choose them
on their own.
Among the footwear lined up at the entrance,
geta are easy to slip on and go out in.
The gentle feeling of natural wood against the skin,
and the light, rhythmic sound
when they start to run—
perhaps these small experiences
are what make them enjoyable for children.
Some continue wearing them
until the soles become thin,
or have them maintained when they outgrow them,
passing them down
to younger siblings.
We often feel
that many children
come to truly love wearing geta.
How we use our feet in childhood
is something that develops gradually
through everyday repetition.
When choosing shoes for children,
it is common to select a size slightly larger
to allow for growth.
And because they can be secured
with straps across the top of the foot,
they can be worn
without much discomfort,
and may appear to pose no problem at first glance.
However,
this can sometimes mean
that the toes are not fully engaged,
or that walking without using them much
becomes habitual.
That is why,
even if it is difficult
to wear geta to school or kindergarten,
having moments—
perhaps on relaxed days like weekends—
to pay attention
to the soles of the feet
and the movement of the toes
may offer a chance
to rediscover how we walk.
Geta are footwear
that invite you to walk
using your toes.
By incorporating them
in a natural and comfortable way,
you may begin to notice
a slightly different way of walking,
and even feel a sense of comfort in it,
while becoming more aware
of how your toes and muscles are used.
For children in the midst of growing,
and of course for adults as well,
bringing awareness to the feet
can lead to small but meaningful changes
in everyday life.
When choosing footwear,
perhaps we can look beyond
appearance and lightness alone,
and also consider
how we walk.
And in those moments,
we would be happy
if mizutori’s geta
could quietly accompany you.
