Japanese Traditional Sandals Setta Zori

Japanese Traditional Sandals Setta Zori

Setta zori are the flat woven sandals Japan has worn for centuries, and they still make sense today. Each pair is finished in Japan with a tatami-style igusa rush surface that breathes in summer heat, a flat sole that keeps your step quiet, and a firm thong that holds without pinching.

We stock them in plain black, blue and red, and in four traditional patterns: seigaiha waves, ryusuimon flowing water, asanoha hemp leaf and samekomon seigaiha. Wear them indoors as house shoes, out on a balcony, or with anything from linen trousers to a yukata.

Size guide

Each design comes in one size. Here is the length of each sandal and the foot length it fits (UK sizes are approximate):

Red, 26.5 cm: fits feet 24 to 26.5 cm (US women’s 7 to 9.5, UK women’s 5 to 7.5)
Blue, 27.5 cm: fits feet 25 to 27.5 cm (US men’s 6.5 to 9, UK men’s 5.5 to 8)
Black, Black Stripes, Seigaiha and Ryusuimon, 28 cm: fits feet 25.5 to 28 cm (US men’s 7 to 9.5, UK men’s 6 to 8.5)
Asanoha and SameSeigaiha, Extra Large (LL): fits feet 24 to 26.5 cm (US men’s 6 to 9, UK men’s 5 to 8; US women’s 8 to 11)
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How to choose a pair of setta

Setta are sized by the length of the footbed in centimetres, and they are meant to be worn close to the foot. A small overhang at the heel is normal and traditional, so there is no need to size up to avoid it.

Each design comes in one size

This matters more than it sounds. Every pattern on this page is made in a single size, so start with the size that fits you and then choose from the designs available in it.

  • Red: 26.5 cm, around a men's US 8
  • Blue: 27.5 cm, around a men's US 9
  • Black, Black Stripes, Seigaiha, Ryusuimon: 28 cm, around a men's US 9.5
  • Asanoha, SameSeigaiha: size LL, the largest we carry

One thing people forget

Setta are made for bare feet or for tabi, the split-toe Japanese sock. Ordinary socks do not work with the thong, and the igusa surface does its best work against skin, which is where the cooling and the odour control come from.

Every pair here is finished in Japan. The surface is real igusa rush grass, the same material used for tatami, bound at the edge with cotton and set on a modern rubber sole so they can be worn outdoors as well as in.

Frequently asked questions

What size should I order?

Measure your foot from heel to longest toe in centimetres and match it to the footbed length listed on each product. Setta are worn close to the foot, and a small overhang at the heel is normal rather than a sign the pair is too small.

Can I wear them outside?

Yes. The sole is modern rubber, so they work on pavement as well as on tatami or a wooden floor indoors.

Do I wear socks with them?

Traditionally bare feet in summer, or tabi, the Japanese sock with a split between the first and second toe. Ordinary socks will not sit correctly against the thong.

Will the thong hurt between my toes?

The thong is firm but cotton-bound rather than hard. Most people find it softens over the first few wearings.

How do I clean them?

Wipe the igusa surface with a dry cloth. Do not soak them or put them in water, as rush grass absorbs moisture and can warp as it dries.

Are they unisex?

Yes. Setta are sized by footbed length only, with no separate men's and women's fitting.