Okobo

Okobo is a type of footwear that originated from Japan. These are wooden sandals that have two thick plates of wood underneath, which are held together by a cloth thong or strap. They are worn in traditional Japanese outfits like the kimono and yukata.

The wooden soles of the okobo have a slight curve to them, and they are made with grooves or ridges on the bottom for better grip and to prevent slipping. The top of the okobo can also be decorated with embroidered designs or painted patterns.

To wear okobo, you need to slide your foot in between the two plates of wood, with the cloth strap separating your big toe from the other four toes. The strap is then wrapped around your ankle and tied to secure the okobo in place.

Okobo were commonly worn by Japanese geisha and maiko (apprentice geisha) to protect their fancy silk or cotton socks from getting dirty or wet on the streets. They were also used by farmers and fishermen to keep their feet elevated and dry while working in muddy or wet areas.

In summary, okobo are special wooden sandals from Japan that are worn with traditional outfits like the kimono. They have a thick wooden sole with a curved shape and grooves on the bottom, and are secured with a cloth strap around the ankle. They are used to protect fancy socks or keep feet dry while working in wet environments.