Japanese Tabi Work Boots – Are They Good?

Here’s a guide to Japanese tabi work boots. Read on to find out what’s all the rage about and if Japanese tabi work boots are really good for your feet?

Tabi shoes are considered to be traditional footwear of Japan, and it is true. The tabi shoes are different from what the world is used to. These are very different from your normal shoes. These tabi shoes show the anatomy of your feet and it is probably because of this reason that many have a hard time digesting the look of these boots. 

Related: Where to buy Tabi Shoes

However, Japanese tabi work boots have become highly popular in recent years. So, are they good? Let us try to find out the purpose and benefits of these famous tabi boots.

Guide to Japanese Tabi Work Boots

What are Tabi Shoes? 

Tabi shoes are extremely unique in that they have a split between the toe and the rest of the fingers. Are you wondering why this feature is present in the Japanese tabi work boots? The shoes are like this because it is believed that this split in the shoes provides additional stability and comfort. Believe me, if you try out these shoes, you will be comfortable for the entire day. 

The Japanese tabi work boots were originally created to be worn by the lower class of the population. So, these boots were first worn by farmers, construction workers, and road workers. Also, these shoes were the choices during any important festivals because it looks quite different from anything else. 

However, in today’s time, there is no restriction and they need not be worn on special occasions only. These shoes have now become a part of people’s everyday attire. 

Also, the tabi shoes can be completely customized because of their unique design. There are so many different types, styles, and colors. These shoes also come with different fascinating fastening devices. Some of these fastening devices reach as far as the knee. The tabi shoes are most commonly made of natural rubber. 

Natural rubber is an excellent material as it gives you a lot of flexibility and comfort. The material also helps to protect your feet from any obstacles when you are walking. 

The tabi shoes usually have a metal clasp to help fasten the shoes. This clasp is known as ‘kohaze’. The size of tabi shoes is no different from your regular shoes. If you know your regular shoe size, selecting the correct tabi boot would be no problem for you.

You can also fasten the shoes as per your preference. There is no single way of doing it, and it all comes down to your personal preference and how you like it.

Health Benefits of Japanese Tabi Shoes

Back in the day when humankind was still into gathering and hunting activities to survive, foot protection was created using animal leather. At that time, when our early ancestors created ‘shoes’, they made sure the toe was separated from the rest of the fingers. 

It was only a few centuries ago that we decided to create shoes that would encase our feet together. There is some research that proves that this could actually lead to problems related to the bone structure and the muscles.

Tabi shoes are the ones that have brought us back to the basics. Thankfully, the creators of the tabi work boots realized the importance of keeping our toes separated from the rest of the fingers. 

This design ensures that we get the necessary support for the whole body, which comes naturally from the position of our foot fingers.

Can you wear tabi shoes every day?

There is absolutely no problem in wearing tabi work boots every day, especially if you live in Japan. In Japan, you will not be considered odd or strange for wearing this unique footwear; it is completely normal for the Japanese. 

However, you may not get a similar reaction in western countries. They are not used to the different designs of these shoes. However, that is not to say that you may not find various opportunities when you can sport these shoes.

Festivals and art exhibitions are the perfect places to show off these extremely comfortable and unique shoes. If you are interested in martial arts, you can wear these shoes during your training sessions for some extra comfort and grip. 

You also get a lot of flexibility and stability with these shoes, which make them the perfect training footwear.

Do tabi shoes have any disadvantages?

The only disadvantage that I can find with these shoes is that there is only a certain set of socks that we can wear with them. Or, another option is to wear these shoes without any socks under them. 

The unique design of the shoes does not let you wear your normal socks, which is the only problem. But do not worry, there are tabi socks available to go with your tabi shoes. These socks are made in the same shape and design.

Interested in Tabi shoes?

Tabi shoes, though unique and different from what you are normally used to, have a set of benefits that may tantalize you to get them. 

Also, the fact that they are just so different will help you stand out in the crowd. I hope this guide helped you understand what tabi shoes are and if they are any good. 

If you are looking for my personal opinion, then there is only one thing I would say: Tabi shoes are the perfect shoes, considering the health benefits and comfort they possess.