These are health cloth zori (Japanese sandals) made from kimono fabric. They have genuine hand-stitched thongs, so they won't hurt your feet. There are no knots on the underside of the thongs, reducing pressure on your feet. They are machine washable using a laundry net. They are popular for preventing foot sweat, for those with bunions, and as souvenirs. They are durable and comfortable to wear for a long time.