Zori

Straw Zori from the 19th century

Modern, plastic women's zori

Zori (草履) are sandals made from rice straw or lacquered wood and are worn with a kimono for formal occasions. A traditional Japanese footwear is not seen that often these days, as it is usually only worn with other traditional clothing, their design is quite similar to "flip-flops". In fact, most fashion historians agree that flip-flops first appeared in the United States sometime around World War II, as rubber imitations of these wooden thongs long worn in Japan.

Like all Japanese sandals, Zori allow for free circulation of air around the feet, a feature that probably came about because of Japan's humid climate.

See also: Geta, Tabi, Waraji