Japanese Sandals Dyed With Matcha Tea Kill Bacteria

Traditional Japanese sandals just got a wellness upgrade that would make your grandmother proud. Yamatokobo, a shoe company based in Nara, Japan, released sandals dyed with real Uji matcha tea that scientifically kill bacteria while keeping your feet cool and comfortable.

The Matcha Setta sandals hit stores on April 7 and quickly caught the attention of footwear fans everywhere. The rich green color comes from authentic Kyoto-produced matcha, the same premium tea used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies.

Here's where ancient tradition meets modern science. Lab testing confirmed the tea dye gives the sandals natural antibacterial properties that protect against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The sandals earned an antibacterial rating of 3.1, well above the 2.0 threshold that indicates genuine germ-fighting power.

The sandals blend cotton and hemp fibers with cork and synthetic rubber soles for durability. But the real craftsmanship shows in the straps, made from Ojiya Chijimi fabric, a UNESCO-recognized summer kimono material from Niigata Prefecture.

This heritage fabric undergoes a hot water treatment that creates tiny creases in its tightly woven ramie fibers. The result is a strap that stays cool against your skin instead of sticking to it during warm weather.

Why This Inspires

This project shows how traditional crafts can solve modern problems without losing their soul. Yamatokobo didn't just slap green dye on sandals and call them matcha-inspired. They used real Uji tea, partnered with UNESCO-recognized artisans, and submitted their work for scientific testing.

The company proves that heritage techniques still have practical value today. Natural antibacterial protection, cooling comfort, and sustainable materials answer what people want from footwear right now. Plus, the sandals support multiple Japanese craft communities, from Kyoto tea farmers to Niigata textile weavers.

Men's versions retail for 12,980 yen (about $88) in three sizes, while women's styles cost 12,650 yen (about $86) and feature a modest 3.5-centimeter wedge heel. Both are available through Yamatokobo's official website.

Walking in shoes made from tea might sound unusual, but it connects wearers to centuries of Japanese wisdom about natural wellness.