The Zori reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Jul-2004
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Zori

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Zori (草履) are sandals made from rice straw or lacquered wood and are worn with a kimono for formal occasions. A traditional Japanese footwear is not seen that often these days, as it is usually only worn with other traditional clothing, their design is quite similar to "flip-flops".

Like all Japanese sandals, Zori allow for free circulation of air around the feet, a feature that probably came about because of Japan's humid climate.

See also: Geta, Tabi, Waraji