How to Make Japanese Wooden Shoes

Every cartoon, movie, or TV show set in pre-WWII Japan shows Japanese citizens running around in wood shoes with risers or teeth that elevate the wearer. These are known as "geta" and are traditionally constructed from a single piece of Paulownia wood. For less-experienced woodworkers, these wooden shoes, in their most basic form, can be made from three pieces of poplar or other wood and a length of strong, thin rope. The result looks like a cross between clogs and flip-flops and makes a characteristic 'clack-clack' sound when worn. If you'd like to make a pair of your own, follow the guide below. When you're finished, you'll have a set of custom-fit Japanese wooden shoes that create more noise than a troupe of tap dancers on linoleum.

Things You'll Need

• Wood, 1/2 inch thick- width and length required depends on the size of the sandal Ruler or measuring tape Pencil Cross-cut hand saw, fine blade Coping Saw or wood rasp Sandpaper Wood glue Bricks Drill 3/8-inch drill bit Jute, hemp or nylon rope 1/8-inch diameter

Instructions

1. Measure your feet. Place the heel of your foot on the end of a ruler and record the length of your longest toe. Add 1/2 inch to this measurement. This is the length of your shoe's sole. Measure your foot across the widest point. Multiply this measurement by 1 1/2. This is the width of your sole. Measure both feet to be sure they require the same size shoe.

2. Mark the measurements of your foot onto a piece of wood with a pencil. Cut the blocks for the soles of your sandals using the cross cut saw. Round the corners with a coping saw or wood rasp. Rub with sandpaper until smooth.

3. 

   Determine the placement of the teeth. Calculate what 35 percent of the length of the sole would be. Measure this distance from the front of the sole. Mark it in pencil. This is where the front tooth will be placed. Calculate 15 percent of the length of the sole. Measure this distance from the back of the sole and mark it in pencil. This is where the back tooth will be placed.

4. Cut the pieces for the teeth. They should be 1 1/2 inches high and span the width of the sole.

5. Glue the teeth into place and hold wood pieces together with bricks. Let glue dry, according to the label's specifications.

6. Measure the distance across the front of the sole. Mark the center with a pencil. Drill the front hole, centered, at 15 percent of the sole length from the front of the shoe.

7. Drill one hole on either side of the sandal, directly in front of the back tooth, 1/4 inch from the edge. Hold the drill at an angle away from the back tooth.

8. Measure the distance from the front hole to the side hole. Multiply this measurement by 2 to determine the length of the straps. Add 2 1/2 inches to accommodate the feet.

9. Using the above measurement, cut the string and thread the sandals. Bring the rope through each of the back holes and up through the top. Pull both ropes down through the front hole together and secure from underneath with a knot. Cut away any excess and cover the ends with wood glue to prevent fraying.

10. Try on the sandal and adjust for fit at the sides. When you have adjusted the straps to your satisfaction, knot the rope at the sides. Cut off excess, and seal the ends.

Tips & Warnings

• Straps can be covered with soft fabric or padding for a more comfortable fit. If the clacking noise of the sandals bothers you, cover the bottom of the teeth with old tire tread.

• It takes practice to walk well in these sandals.

Resources

• Japanese Geta