If you've ever been invited to my home, then you know that my number one rule is no shoes past the entryway. It's a principle I've carried over from my childhood home into my own apartment. And I've gone as far as to keep spare hotel-style slippers handy for guests, too. But I'm now learning that the Japanese have long had a name for indoor shoes, and it's called uwabaki.
Some styles specifically made for home wear, known as surippa, are one of those things you'll find in Japanese homes that make so much sense. Especially when you painstakingly curate your interiors to feel clean and elevated, the last thing you want is the grime from outside traipsing its way into your home.
Trust me, if you haven't already, this is yet another tip to borrow from Japanese homes that will help you feel so much more comfortable and clean in your living space. Plus, I have a feeling it'll lighten your end-of-week reset, too.
What Is Uwabaki?
Maiko Shimazaki, founder of Revitalist15, tells me that uwabaki are indoor shoes commonly worn in schools and other spaces that do not allow outdoor shoes.
"The term literally translates to 'upper footwear', reflecting traditional Japanese design principles where there is a physical boundary at the entrance (also known as genkan), and you step up from the lower 'outside' level onto the raised interior floor," she explains.
"Uwabaki are designed to be worn exclusively indoors, never outdoors, and this practice stems from a long-standing cultural emphasis on cleanliness and the separation between the home and the outside world."
Why Is it Important?
Maiko explains that wearing uwabaki helps maintain a much cleaner indoor living environment by preventing dirt, dust, and pollutants from being tracked indoors. And that's not all.
"Beyond hygiene, it reinforces a psychological boundary between the home and the outside world, helping preserve the home as a place of relaxation and comfort," she notes.
"If switching to indoor shoes sounds like a hassle, you can apply the concept by simply removing outdoor shoes upon entering your home and leaving them by the door."
I find that a hidden tilting rack and other hallway shoe storage ideas are a great idea for an entryway. Plus, it allows your guests to instantly stow their shoes away, rather than creating an awkward moment right as they enter.
Since the concept of uwabaki has more traditional options (like this version from HeiwaSlipper on Etsy) made specifically for schools, I've linked some alternative styles of surippa along with some personal favorites of my own.
Color: White
From InterStellArtsStore, this pair of woven Japanese indoor slippers is a great choice. Crafted from natural linen and plant fibers, these shoes lend to the organic feel of a Japanese home.
Embroidery Color: Green
I also spotted this pair of Handmade Japanese Linen House Slippers on Etsy. Made from breathable linen and cane, this pair is ideal for year-round use and features simple embroidery for a bit of personality.
Color: Ecru / Navy
I love an open pair of indoor slippers like these Cotton Blend House Flip-Flops from MUJI. Designed to be lightweight and flexible, this is just the kind of style I'd don in the spring and summer months.
Color: Brown
As for indoor slippers for the cooler months of autumn and spring, I would go for something like these Scuff Logo-Embroidered Suede & Shearling Slippers from UGG. Stylish, soft, and super cute!
Color: Pistachio
If you want to channel a more maximalist style, Livingetc design writer Olivia Wolfe recommends this pair from the Colours of Arley x Sabah launch. "It's footwear that you'll be excited to wear or even style an outfit around. It's intentional, comfortable, and stylish — everything you'd want in a house shoe."
Color: Black
And for my minimalists, you can never (ever) go wrong with a trusty pair of Havaianas. I've sported several pairs as indoor slippers over the years, and they get the job done in sleek style. And with studded gimaguas trending, I'm DIY-ing mine with these Drawing Pins from Amazon for an edge.
As you can tell, Japanese homes value pristine interiors. And it reflects in their design, but it also takes on a deeper role in their cleaning philosophy, too. My pro-tip is to keep a couple of these Spa Slippers from Amazon on hand for when guests come around. These Organic Cotton Unisex Waffle Slippers from The White Company are another elevated option you'll want for yourself.
And if you are keen to learn more about the nuances of design from this East Asian country while respectfully bringing it into your home, then sign up to the Livingetc newsletter.
