There can be individual differences, but for those who are wearing traditional Japanese footwear for the first time, there may be some friction or discomfort, especially in the hanao (straps) area.
As you wear the geta more, they will gradually mold to your feet, becoming more comfortable. Therefore, when you first get a new pair of geta, we recommend wearing them for 2-3 days and walking around nearby areas to break them in. The more you wear them, the more they will become "your geta", tailored to your comfort.
The ideal way to wear geta is to leave a small gap between the front pot (toe rest) and the area between your toes. By doing this, you significantly reduce the pressure exerted from the hanao onto your feet. This not only enhances comfort but also promotes proper posture and walking in traditional Japanese footwear.
The front hole of geta is positioned in the middle, so if you try to insert your foot straight through it, the area around your big toe may feel tight and uncomfortable. Experienced wearers tend to naturally adjust their toes to accommodate this, but for those not accustomed to it, it can be perceived as painful. To resolve this issue, you can wear the geta with a slight angle, causing your heel to point slightly inward. This minor adjustment creates extra space on the side of your big toe, making it more comfortable to wear.
Leaving a little extra space when wearing traditional Japanese footwear allows the heel to naturally find its position, typically extending about 1 to 3 cm beyond the back of the shoe.
It is perfectly natural for the heel to protrude slightly. Indeed, having the heel slightly protrude from traditional Japanese footwear has often been considered stylish and "iki" (a term referring to sophistication and elegance). Those who comment that their heels are "coming out" or that the footwear seems "too small" often try to force their feet further back into the hanao.
When it comes to walking in these shoes, you'll notice that they are designed with a slight forward-leaning balance when viewed from the side. Whether it is geta or zori, this design encourages a forward center of gravity. Being mindful of this forward balance not only improves your overall balance but also makes walking more comfortable and natural.