Mizutori

In 1937, Mizutori started of as a company which produces wooden base for “geta” (a type of Japanese footwear which resembles clogs) in Shizuoka Prefecture. Shizuoka being the center  of the Tokaido area is famous for its geta industry which had flourished for a long time. Up till the 1970s, the geta was considered footwear for summer kimono. However, the market had shrunk due to the change of lifestyle and fashion. Although Mizutori’s business at that time had changed to the manufacturing of materials for sandals and insole of shoes, they never ceased the thought of making geta again someday. The second generation president, Mr. Masashi Mizutori researched about the fashion style of domestic and overseas consumers and he attempted to change the shape and design in order to meet the modern lifestyle. In 1993, he established a brand “Mizutori” offering a new style of geta which is suitable for any clothing styles such as jeans and skirt.

The geta of Mizutori fits the sole comfortably and causes less fatigue. The shape of traditional geta is flat and it is difficult to continue to wear the geta for many hours. However, the Mizutori geta is made to fit the contour of the foot better and it can be worn for many hours. Each wooden base is made carefully by hand and the strap is designed in-house. Traditionally, the geta strap is constructed using cord, but the strap of Mizutori geta has a cushion padding wrapped in fabric which gives greater comfort.

Currently, there are more than 60 shops worldwide selling 120 styles of geta for men, women and kids. In addition, they contribute to the reforestation by producing geta made from local timber. The geta of Mizutori continue to evolve to meet the contemporary lifestyle.