Japanese Geta

I made some older Japanese style Geta around a year ago for some cosplay at an anime convention.  They were a bit of a rush job, I made them in under 24 hours, and only had time to use 1/4 thick piece of rope for the hanao (basically the thong part of a flip-flop).  I finally have had time to make some proper hanao that are way more comfortable then just nylon rope.  If you are unfamiliar with what Geta are you can find a lot of information on what they are and the history of them here:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geta_(footwear).

I'll be using a lot of Japaneses terms throughout this article so if you need to feel free to reference the Wikipedia article above.

It does take a little bit of practice to learn how to walk in these and you will feel the burn in you calf muscles after a few hours, but they are great for improving your balance, especially if you make some of the tengu geta, I may try making some in a future instructable but all I have to go off of are pictures.

Step 1: Some Basic Terms & Types of Getak

Hanao - the thong on the Geta
Ha - the teeth on the Geta
Dai - the board on the Geta that the foot is on

Most Geta are made from paulownia a light weight wood, but mine are made oak just becasuse it was easier to obtain.

You can use the following instructable to make the geta http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-Your-Own-Geta-Sandles/

I will basically show you how to make the hanao for the geta which are far more comfortable and look more traditional then just the nylon cord I first used.

Comments

[manderson9]

thats a really good instructable... well detailed ... good job!!!!!!!!

[wilgubeast]

I love these. They're like OG Shape-Ups.

[mary candy]

funny ;)
Can you walk with this ?:D

[elco_chan]

Oh yeah, I walked around with them on for almost 12 hours at an amine convention one day. If you look at the next to the last picture you can see some of the wear on the Ha. Really strengthens you legs after a while. :)