Simply put, jika-tabi (jee' kah tah bee) are Japanese worker boots. Due to their flexible yet sturdy design, light weight, and excellent traction they are perfect for those workers building multi-story wooden buildings. They have been used traditionally by farmers, painters, road workers, and others since the late Meiji Period (around 1912). They are also worn during festivals and by traditional Japanese musicians such as Taiko drummers. We believe that the sleek designs and comfortable fit of jika-tabi make them ideal for everyday attire.

Jika-tabi come in a variety of types, colors, and styles. The traditional fastening device is a series of metal tabs that hook into a series of loops. They come in heights from 4 to 15 tabs with 12-tab being the most common. A 12-tab tabi reaches about half way up to your knee (which is why they are sometimes called tabi "boots"). Laced and velcro versions have alse recently appeared.

The sole of most jika-tabi are made of semi-hard rubber. Soft enough to be flexible, but hard enough to protect the wearer's foot from ground debris (remember that they are traditionally working boots). The rest of the shoe is constructed entirely of lightweight and breathable cotton except where noted otherwise. The most distinguishing aspect of jika-tabi is no doubt the split-toe design that separates the big toe from the other toes. This feature enhances their comfort, stability, and is a great conversation starter.

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