Geta

The Geta utilizes Niigata Kiri (paulownia) wood, sourced from the Aizu area of Fukushima prefecture and mountainous regions of Niigata Prefecture. These colder climate regions produce slower-growing trees with tighter annual rings, resulting in harder, glossier wood favored for traditional footwear. The dramatic temperature shifts from harsh winters to humid summers create wood with superior natural characteristics.

Each pair is handcrafted by Kobayashi Hakimono Ten, a kimono footwear specialty store founded in 1919. The manufacturing process involves dozens of steps and can take over one year from cutting the raw wood to the finished product. A critical technique called "shibu nuki" exposes the material to rain and wind outdoors repeatedly, allowing natural drying that prevents discoloration and cracking of the wood after processing.

The construction features an open-toe design with a square toe shape, vintage bandana straps available in red, black, or navy, and velvet trim with black velvet lining on areas in direct contact with the foot. Each pair includes a custom motif on the heel footbed and a chunky block sole with Vibram rubber for modern traction. The branded insole completes the design.

Kiri (paulownia) is the lightest domestic wood native to Japan, prized for its beautiful light-colored bark and natural properties. Traditionally used for chests of drawers, storage boxes for valuable documents, and geta, paulownia became integral to Japanese daily life. The worth of a pair of Kiri-Geta is determined by the beauty of the straight grain visible in the wood.

The straps incorporate vintage bandana patterns in various colorways, while some versions feature dark stain and lacquered finishes on the wood base. Special editions include unique motifs, such as the American Flag Geta with wood painted in red, white, and blue.

The Geta is offered in standard sizing, with Size S/M measuring approximately 25 cm in length, 11 cm in width, and 5.5 cm in height. As handmade wooden footwear, each pair exhibits slight natural imperfections inherent to the construction method.

At its 2017 release, the Geta retailed for ¥54,000 JPY (approximately $492 USD) at Visvim's Japanese flagship stores and web store. Overseas retailers offered the sandals at higher price points, with some versions retailing for over $750 USD. Current resale market prices typically start around $797.

The Geta remains available through Visvim flagship stores, the brand's Japanese web store, and secondary markets including Grailed, Farfetch, and The RealReal.

Visvim founder Hiroki Nakamura created the Geta as part of the brand's ongoing exploration of traditional Japanese craftsmanship and contemporary design. In Japan, where removing shoes indoors is customary and the climate is hot and humid, the geta serves as functional footwear suited to cultural practices and environmental conditions.

While traditional geta are seldom seen in everyday wear, enthusiasts and chefs at traditional establishments still appreciate the distinctive "karan, koron" sound produced by the wooden soles. Visvim's interpretation brings this heritage footwear to modern fashion while preserving the artisanal techniques of specialized craftspeople like those at Kobayashi Hakimono Ten.