The boots that the Ninja wore had the big toe separated from the rest of the tows. Any reason why they use this design of boot? Does it somehow help with stealth and movement? What is the history behind the Ninja boot?
Ninja boots
- Thread starter PhotonGuy
- Start date
'Cause it's the Japanese style of footwear?
As I think about, I'm kind of curious about why sandals maintained such a prominence in Japanese footwear... but as to the ninja? Nah, it's just noticed because they visibly train in martial arts, wearing the outside version of the footwear. (I'll let others get the terminology right beyond tabi...) So many other martial arts are seen training barefoot that you don't pay attention to the shoes they wear to the dojo.
As I think about, I'm kind of curious about why sandals maintained such a prominence in Japanese footwear... but as to the ninja? Nah, it's just noticed because they visibly train in martial arts, wearing the outside version of the footwear. (I'll let others get the terminology right beyond tabi...) So many other martial arts are seen training barefoot that you don't pay attention to the shoes they wear to the dojo.
Ever wear flip-flops? Pretty similar design to the sandals worn in Japan...
Chris Parker
Grandmaster
Okay.
There's no such thing as "ninja boots".
Yes, and it has nothing to do with "ninja".
No.
Right.
What you're talking about is known as "Jika Tabi". They are essentially common boots worn by outdoors workmen, as they provide a good grip and stability, and fairly hardy, and fairly cheap. Japanese traditional footwear (tabi) has always had the large toe separated from the other toes, mainly to accommodate the sandal-like external footwear (setta, getta, zori, waraji), which would be removed when entering a house. Jika tabi are simply a more modern (not in any way traditional, ancient, or old) adaptation.
There's no such thing as "ninja boots".
Yes, and it has nothing to do with "ninja".
No.
Right.
What you're talking about is known as "Jika Tabi". They are essentially common boots worn by outdoors workmen, as they provide a good grip and stability, and fairly hardy, and fairly cheap. Japanese traditional footwear (tabi) has always had the large toe separated from the other toes, mainly to accommodate the sandal-like external footwear (setta, getta, zori, waraji), which would be removed when entering a house. Jika tabi are simply a more modern (not in any way traditional, ancient, or old) adaptation.