Part 2 - Stride with Care: How to Wear, Maintain, and Appreciate Japanese Sandals (Guide on Setts-wearing)
- mikster
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
How to Wear Japanese Sandals
In Part 1, we explored the history, types and craftsmanship behind traditional Japanese setta sandals. Now, we turn our attention to how to wear Japanese sandals well, how to care for them properly, and how to stride with both comfort and cultural awareness. Setta are not just beautiful—they are thoughtful tools for living well.
Fit & Size: The Traditional Way of Wearing Japanese Sandals
Breaking in
Just like all new footwear, Japanese sandals also require breaking in. During your first few wear, take care to make sure the foot straps do not rotate (turning upside down) while you insert your feet into the sandals. These hand-made foot straps tends to have a "memory" if you keep allowing them to turn. Simply assist the straps with your hand while putting your feet in and they will stay in place for good. Also, the more you wear, the more comfortable the sandals will become, as they loosen naturally to conform to your feet.
Overhanging the heels
Unlike Western sandals, traditional setta are worn with the heel slightly overhangs the back edge of the sole (about 1cm or the width of your fingertip). This allows for a lighter step and greater flexibility, aligning with the Japanese custom of walking gracefully with short strides while wearing kimono. With the feet set back rather than using the toes securing the shoe, one may think the sandals will be easily "kicked off" and flew away from the feet.
However, for well-made and well-fitted Japanese sandals, you will find the sandals naturally hang on your feet by the straps but without any uncomfortable tightness.
LEFT: common way to wear sandals; RIGHT: Traditional Japanese way of wearing setta sandals
So the proper fit: The toes should sit comfortably on the sole without curling over the front attempting to hang on to the sandals, and your heel should cantilevered just a little off the back. This encourages better posture and movement.
For those who are not used to this may prefer setting your feet all the way until the thong straps stop them from going further. This is perfectly fine as long as you feel comfortable. But we do encourage you to experiment and trial the Japanese-way of wearing setta, and you may find it easier to stride once you get a hang of it. Your setta, your way.
Finding your sandal size (very important!): Size chart is a reference
Japan-size tends to be on the small side for western feet, and the measurement (cm) is accurate to the foot. We suggest using the size chart only as reference for conversion to US and EU sizes, and check the size of your feet to the Japanese measurement in centimeters. We noticed the fit seems to be more comfortable if you order 1/2 size larger than your US or EU size. Again, use the Japan cm sizes to find your size.
Chara-Chara Etiquette: How to Walk in Style
The metal pins (chara-gane) are part of setta's identity, but wearing them comes with etiquette.
Traditionally, setta are meant to be dragged slightly with each step, allowing the pins to gently chime against the pavement. This is the elegant chara-chara sound—subtle, rhythmic, and culturally respected.
It’s considered improper to wear them like Western flip-flops, where the heel loudly slaps the sole with each step. That slapping noise (pachi-pachi in Japanese) is often associated with children's sandals or sloppiness. This may still applies in Japan especially in formal occasions. But feel free to follow your own country's etiquette.
Care Instructions: Less is More
Setta are durable, but they’re not meant for wet conditions, soaking or harsh scrubbing. Handcrafted setta are made with a variety of natural material: tatami met, jute, straw, cork, leather, plant-base adhesive and Japanese paper etc...
Never wash them under running water or submerge them, as water can weaken the natural materials and cause warping or peeling. Down-pouring days are not the best days to wear your setta outdoor either.
Wipe only with dry cloth or dust with soft shoe-brush.
To clean:
Gently brush off dirt with a dry cloth or soft brush.
Spot clean straps with a slightly damp cloth if necessary.
Air dry in the shade—never leave in direct sunlight or use a hairdryer.
Pro tip: If your setta have cowhide, occasional conditioning with leather balm will extend their life.
Wear-and-tear: It is normal to see wear-and-tear at the heels and the chara-chara metal pins. They are made to glide on solid ground. Occasionally you will see pebbles got stuck on the under-sole. Just remove them carefully.
Comfort Benefits: Designed for Summer & Support
Our modern setta blends tradition with comfort features ideal for warm weather and daily use:
Water-Resistant Nylon Mesh upper sole – Quick-drying and breathable for sweaty summer days.
Ergonomically-correct – Left-foot right-foot differentiation and added foam padding at toe-arch & foot-arch
Natural Foot Engagement – The thong strap encourages activation of your big toe and arch, which improves posture and balance. It's a barefoot-style benefit—without being barefoot.
What to Pair With Setta”
Setta is no long paired only with Japanese kimono attire. These days, people wear setta with modern clothings and find creative ways to style and express their Japanese cultural identity. We challenge you to do the same and show-off your creative and unique fashion sense.
Seasonal Setta: Can You Wear Them Beyond Summer time?
Most people wear setta in the summer to cool the feet in hot and humid weather. For this reason, setta is often associated as summer footwear. In fact, setta can be worn in cold seasons (except in rain or snow storms). Just pair with warm tabi socks.
In Japan, it is very common to remove the shoes prior to entering premises including residential homes, restaurants, offices, clinics, schools, temples etc... Setta makes it convenient for such lifestyle despite seasons. Tabi socks are worn so people will not have to enter such places and walk around bare-foot (for hygienic and etiquette reasons).
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