Because the big toe tends to be more prehensile than the other digits, and because the Japanese leave their shoes at the door and walk around in socks, AND because traditionally most actions occur on the floor in a Japanese house, these socks were developed for the obese. That is, instead of having to reach across your gut for a pot of tea on the other side of the table, you simply stretch out your foot 'n grabbit.....
Okay, jokes aside: the split toes are so you can wear slippers/socks with sandals, since many sandals are held on by a strap between big toe & 4th toe.
Tabi for Geta? From what I remember, Japanese house-shoes are made of wood and a bit like flip-flops, but instead of heels they use two raised cross-beams for elevation. The hoops, because they're uniquely Japanese designed, are set symmetrically in the center rather than off-set. And because they're Japanese and very clean they are worn with socks that have a split for the toe. And this is some Nike variation on the sock. ?
14 comments:
What about those individually toed socks? Scary. *shudder*
maybe these are tightrope walker shoes?
And OrangeNeck...those socks are WARM!
I think they are supposed to look like Ninja shoes (http://www.martialartsmart.net/16-0807.html) but they look like a goat's hoof to me.
You've found the fabled Golden Ninja slippers!
They are supposed to (key word there) make you walk/run more naturally. There is a good article about these sorta shoes over on Atomic Nerds.
Because the big toe tends to be more prehensile than the other digits, and because the Japanese leave their shoes at the door and walk around in socks, AND because traditionally most actions occur on the floor in a Japanese house, these socks were developed for the obese. That is, instead of having to reach across your gut for a pot of tea on the other side of the table, you simply stretch out your foot 'n grabbit.....
No?
Oh.
Creepy! Mindful of certain ungulates.
Goodness. My mind boggles at the obscene jokes that came to my mind when I read your question: "Why the split toe action?"
I need to go wash my mind out with soap.
My ex's hooves are much too symmetrical to wear those.
I did run onto these the other day, though. Given my proclivity to be unshod in life, I might go look at them, just for grins.
http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/
I'm concerned about puncture resistance, though.
Rabbit.
Holly, regular socks are warm too.
Rabbit, can I get a pair of those in "Bigfoot" size?
Probably. Here's a link to a store that has much better descriptions and photos.
http://www.kayakshed.com/Vibram_Five_Fingers.cfm
Sizing is in Euro/UK sizes, but they have a conversion chart.
Regards,
Rabbit.
Maybe they're for those gals who wear their spandex a wee bit too tight? You know, so they match, top to bottom?
I'm bad, I know. I think I need to borrow Jon's soap...
Okay, jokes aside: the split toes are so you can wear slippers/socks with sandals, since many sandals are held on by a strap between big toe & 4th toe.
John, recovering tabi wearer.
Tabi for Geta? From what I remember, Japanese house-shoes are made of wood and a bit like flip-flops, but instead of heels they use two raised cross-beams for elevation. The hoops, because they're uniquely Japanese designed, are set symmetrically in the center rather than off-set.
And because they're Japanese and very clean they are worn with socks that have a split for the toe. And this is some Nike variation on the sock.
?
Post a Comment