Tabi
足袋
Japanese socks with a separated big toe. In martial arts they are worn mainly in kyudo and in some weapon schools where people do not train barefoot.
Quick Facts
Term typeClothing
LanguageJapanese
Formnoun
Pronunciation[tah-bee]
Alternative NamesJapanese socks
Readings and romanizations
Reading (kana)たび
Hepburn romanizationtabi
Word breakdown
足tafoot, leg
袋bismall bag, pouch
Definition
Tabi (足袋) are ankle-high Japanese socks with a separated big toe, so they can be worn with traditional sandals zori or geta. Classic tabi are made of cotton, fasten at the back with metal clasps and are white for ceremonies. Most martial arts are practised barefoot. White tabi are part of the attire in kyudo and are also worn in some weapon schools or during demonstrations. Jika-tabi are a sturdier version with a rubber sole for work outdoors, which some schools training outdoors use as well.