Step into the quiet elegance of traditional Japanese footwear with these handcrafted Women's Zori sandals, featuring the beautiful Shiawase Dragonfly pattern.
Designed for comfort, practicality, and refined everyday wear, these beautiful Japanese Zori combine a genuine woven tatami rush footbed with a cushioned, flexible sole and a traditional patterned cotton/nylon thong.
The name Shiawase Dragonfly carries a particularly lovely meaning. In Japanese, shiawase (幸せ) means happiness, good fortune, or blessing. Dragonflies, or tombo (蜻蛉), have also held a special place in Japanese culture for centuries and are traditionally associated with victory, courage, prosperity, and forward progress.
For the samurai, the dragonfly was known as kachi-mushi, or the “victory insect.” Because dragonflies fly forward and do not retreat, they became a powerful symbol of determination, success, and triumph. Dragonflies have also been welcomed in agricultural settings because they feed on insects that can damage crops. Their presence therefore came to represent abundance and good fortune.
Together, the dragonfly motif and the name Shiawase create a beautiful sentiment: a dragonfly of happiness and good fortune. It makes these Zori not only distinctive Japanese footwear, but also a meaningful choice for yourself or as a thoughtful gift.
Genuine Japanese Tatami Rush
Each pair features a genuine Japanese tatami rush grass footbed, traditionally woven by skilled Japanese craftsmen. The natural rush is highly breathable, helping your feet stay more comfortable and less stuffy during warm weather. The subtle, soothing aroma of the rush grass is a wonderful reminder of the natural materials used in these traditional sandals.
The woven footbed is built over a cushioned construction and finished with a flexible EVA sole. The underside features wave-like ridges to provide additional traction, while the EVA construction is soft and flexible enough for comfortable indoor or outdoor wear.
Comfort Meets Traditional Style
These Zori feature an approximately 1 1/2-inch raised heel, providing a gently graduated profile from toe to heel. The higher heel also helps keep the foot more securely positioned on the sandal.
Traditional Japanese sandals are worn somewhat differently from modern Western flip-flops. The thong is positioned in the center of the sandal rather than being offset, placing the foot farther back on the footbed. Traditionally, a small amount of heel overhang—approximately 1–2 cm (about 1/2 inch)—is considered an elegant way to wear Japanese Zori. This style, sometimes associated with the Japanese aesthetic of iki, also helps shift the center of gravity forward and can reduce the slapping sound that occurs when a sandal comes completely off the heel.
Important Fit Information: Because of the traditional centered thong and Japanese Zori construction, these sandals will feel shorter than a standard Western shoe of the same stated size. A 24 cm sandal can comfortably accommodate approximately a US women's size 7 when worn in the traditional manner. If you prefer a Western flip-flop fit, with your entire foot sitting completely inside the boundaries of the footbed with room to spare, a 24 cm sandal is more likely to suit a US women's size 6 1/2. If you are a US women's size 7 1/2 or larger and expect a conventional Western fit, these sandals may feel too small. Please carefully review the measurements before ordering.
Details
Measurements
*Because of the traditional construction and centered thong, please pay particular attention to the actual measurements and intended Japanese wearing style rather than relying solely on standard Western shoe sizing.
Materials
Because each pair is individually handcrafted, the pattern of the nose strap may not be perfectly symmetrical, and the placement of the pattern may vary slightly from pair to pair. These natural variations are part of the character and charm of quality handmade Japanese footwear.
Please note: No returns or exchanges. Due to the traditional construction and sizing characteristics of Japanese Zori, we recommend carefully reviewing all measurements and fit information before purchasing.
