Why I've Worn MERI Every Day for Over 15 Years | Handmade Traditional Japanese Zori Slippers
I've been involved in designing and producing MERI since the very beginning.
For more than 15 years, I've worn MERI almost every day—both at home and in the office.
During that time, I've had the opportunity to wear many different kinds of slippers.
Yet I always find myself coming back to MERI.
I'd like to share why.
The Comfort Starts with Your Toes
The first thing I noticed when I began wearing MERI was how free my toes felt.
Imagine taking off your shoes after a long day.
For hours, your toes have been confined inside a narrow shoe, unable to move naturally.
The moment I slip on a pair of MERI, that tight, restricted feeling disappears.
My toes naturally spread out, and my feet immediately feel lighter and more comfortable.
Unlike ordinary slippers, MERI features a traditional Japanese thong strap that sits gently between the big toe and the second toe.
For me, this naturally encourages my toes to spread apart and creates a feeling of openness that I genuinely enjoy.
It's difficult to describe until you experience it yourself, but it has become one of my favorite parts of wearing MERI every day.
Handmade Comfort You Can Feel
Another reason I continue to wear MERI is its unique construction.
Each pair is carefully handcrafted by skilled artisans using our original knitted yarn.
The material is soft against the skin while also offering gentle resilience.
Instead of simply cushioning your feet, MERI supports them with a comfortable balance of softness and flexibility.
Even after wearing them for many hours at home or in the office, my feet still feel comfortable.
Something I Noticed Over the Years
After wearing MERI for many years, I noticed something interesting.
My feet seemed to spread into a more natural shape, and eventually I found myself choosing shoes one size larger than before.
Of course, this is simply my personal experience, and everyone's feet are different.
But it reminded me how much time we spend with our feet confined inside shoes.
Giving them space—even for a few hours each day—has become something I truly appreciate.
The Same Feeling with Tabi Socks
I experience a similar feeling when wearing our tabi socks.
Because the toes are separated instead of being compressed together, they feel open, natural, and comfortable.
Many customers enjoy wearing MERI together with tabi socks throughout the year.
More Than Just Slippers
To me, MERI isn't simply a pair of slippers.
It's part of my daily routine.
Whether I'm working, relaxing at home, or taking a short break, putting on MERI signals that it's time to let my feet relax.
After more than 15 years, I still look forward to that feeling every day.
I hope you'll have the opportunity to experience it for yourself and discover why MERI has become such an important part of my everyday life.
