Zara’s new woven sandals resemble traditional Japanese footwear

It’s not uncommon to see an occasional shout-out to Japanese culture, whether it be with kimono-sleeve tops or Engrish-y graphic t-shirts, but it’s arguably less common to see something that looks like a blast from Japan’s past.

▼ How long do you think it would take to break a pair of these in?

Spanish brand Zara’s upcoming collection includes a pair of strappy, woven sandals that have been likened to waraji, or traditional Japanese straw sandals. Despite their complicated appearance, they were considered a must when traveling across rough terrain or over long distances back in the day.

▼ A waraji maker from Japan’s Taisho era.

The biggest difference is that Zara’s woven sandals (available for 7,990 yen) and the traditional build is that the latter is made of straw while the former is made of jute fiber.

When Japanese fashion fans saw this new collection released, they had a lot to say on social media. Some have commented on how they can be used for cosplay, while others have balked at their high price.

“They’re too cutting edge and it makes me think people are just going backwards.”

“These really look like waraji.”

“Next we’ll be seeing geta sandals.”

“These look like something a grandma in the countryside would sell for 200 yen a pair as a side job.”

Of course, Zara hasn’t said directly that these are exactly waraji, but it was enough to convince those knowledgeable about Japanese culture.

Sources: Zara via Japaaan Magazine, Twitter

Read more stories from SoraNews24.

-- Awesome Japanese sandals give you the footprints of a cat or T-rex

-- Romance and ramen in Spanish brand Zara’s crazy Japanese t-shirts that read like remixed Engrish

-- Hanao Shoes: Dress like a modern-day geisha with new line of geta sneakers from Kyoto

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