unisex-adult Ninja, Cosplay, Gardening, Carpenter

So here is my full review on the Jikatabi:(quick side note, I jump around a lot in this review, but it really is a mound of knowledge on the product and it's usage)First off, you need to know your size. To find your size, have a family member or friend take a rule with centimeters and measure from the very back of the center of your heel, in a diagonal plane or line to the tip of your big toe. Whatever the measurement is add 0.5 centimeters to get a comfortable size. Or if you are like me, get the exact size of your foot, but be prepared for some mild pain. Note: by pain I mean you need to break in the toes of the Tabi, this can take anywhere from a couple days to a week or two.Okay so you have your size, great. Now you know what size you need to buy. I had a hard time figuring out how to size my feet, so I thought I'd write that really quick so others know what they are doing when it comes to finding their sizes.Okay now lets start the actual review:The package arrived quickly for me and in great shape (awesomeness) I ordered a size 26 Jikatabi (because that's my true size, no 0.5 centimeters extra added) and as expected I needed to break them in. I wore them around town, ran in them (yes you can run in them, however, please understand that these shoes conform or mold to the ground like bare feet, so if you can't walk or run barefoot outside, then these shoes will take awhile to get used to and they will hurt more than likely, shoot I do free running in these because they work so well and I am comfortable running in them) and I even worked in freezing rain with them (that last one is not recommended as the Jikatabi are NOT waterproof, so buy waterproofer if you are going to use it in wet or snowy conditions) It took me 3 days to fully break them in and get them to stop rubbing my toes fiercely. But now that they are broken in, they are as comfortable a shoe as anything I have ever worn (like cloud walking). They squeak when you first wear them, so make sure to wear them a lot to make that go away, once they stop squeaking though, be careful, you'll sneak up on people on accident. I currently own a Velcro style Tabi and these new Jikatabi which have the metal tabs. Now, as expected, I did not know how to use the metal tabs at first, but I do now, and to anyone who reads this, here are a couple tips:the metal tabs are easier to adjust from the bottom upthe metal tabs are easier to connect if you flex your foot upwardsThe metal tabs are a pain in the but until you get used to them, so be prepared to be frustrated at firstthe metal tabs need broken in just like the rest of the shoeso there's some hopefully helpful tips on the tabs.As I said above the shoe is made of a canvas much like an All Star or Converse shoe. They are not water proof, however the stitching is magnificent, and they should under normal care last quite some time. The rubber on the bottom seems very durable to me, and is slip resistant. The buts have a tight fit around the legs or calves I should say when properly adjusted so they won't slip down or fold over on you. I would recommend Tabi Socks which will make them more comfortable.Overall this is an amazing product. Five Stars, A+++, the only recommendations are buy waterproofer and socks.Any other questions, or even comments, tell me or ask me and I'll answer the best I canI hope my review helps,IanPlatinumWolf

They fit somewhat small so order 2 sizes bigger because they also shrink a lot in the washer. (and yes, I'm letting them air dry.)I'm an Bujinkan instructor so I use these regularly and find that although they are not a perfect boot, it is the best item of this type on the market. The laces have three different straps to adjust to your calf and the bottom of the boots give you just enough protection from the pavement and still provide that bare feet feel. I have bought these over 7 times since I go through them so much. the most common breakdown is that the cloth begins to detach from the sole. Some of my students have ordered these leather tabi custom made but that is disgusting in how much they smell, so I prefer these that I can just toss in the washer.Bottom line. This is a good boot, the best one out there and although durability could be better, I do strennous training 4 times a week so I guess it earns it's pay.

I find the wearing of these type of shoes (Tabi) are pretty good - mostly in training for Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu class -. I am impressed that these actually fit the ankle/Achilles tendon area well (normally with the Velcro ones it can be baggy). This is partially due to the tabs that have 3 or 4 rows for varying tightness. I have very strong calves and the ability to adjust the tightness around the ankle and yet widen it for the calf is VERY NICE. I'm not super crazy about the rubber soles, but I couldn't find the flat bumpy bottom style in stock. I can see me using these for quite a while. The seams are double stitched and not coming loose after a week or two of training, so I'm feeling pretty good about that.AS ALWAYS - I highly recommend taking the insole out of an old pair of shoes, stepping on it, and then tracing and cutting out the shape of the tabi. Once placed inside the tabi, it seems to make the wearing of these significantly more comfortable for longer periods of time. On other tabi (especially the soft indoor type) they can slide and roll on you... placing an insole inside seems to lock it into place, and you do not lose any feeling with the ground- as long as it's a soft insole... but outside, rocks and sticks are WAY LESS problematic when running and jumping! These aren't the HIGHEST quality outdoor tabi because of the style of outer sole, but, they'll do for quite a long time.All in all, I'd say I am very pleasantly surprised with the quality, the speed of arrival, fit and comfort of these tabi. I still would not recommend using them indoors because the rubber soles are quite grippy... especially noticed while applying ashi sabaki during techniques!