Re: Eight-sole sandals

I am reporting my memories on the eight-sole sandals (your morning edition of 5/30, living and home). Please understand that the memories are those chronologically after around 1930. (After the year I was 10 years old)

1. About the name

I don't remember I heard any name other than "board backing sandals"

2. Kind of jobs engaged

Employees of ordinary shops (including those called servant boys at that time) and shop masters (Fish dealers wore rubber boots in the same way as they do now)

3. Place of sale

At so-called geta clogs shops, they were hung in a bundle.

4. Price

Although I was a child and didn't know, I guess their price was the same as taht of geta clogs or cheaper than that from the fact that almost all people including even the above servant boys at bottom wore the sandals.

5. Convenience

Before advent of many kind of walking shoes, they were most suitable for collection and delivery of commercial goods as mobility was high (Running could well be possible.) On the other hand, those with rubber soles (special shape, reuse of old bicycle tires) were rather expensive. Ordinary Japanese sandals can't be used in rainy days. Board backing sandals (the board measured 20mm thick) were suitable.

6. Endurance

I have no memory that they were used until they became thin. (Available at low price?)

7. Spread

They were sold across the country, I believe.

From Mr. Umezawa in Machida-shi, Tokyo