Zori Shoes: What They Are and Why Irish Women Are Wearing Them

When you think of zori, flat, traditional Japanese sandals often made from straw, fabric, or synthetic materials, designed for easy wear and breathability. Also known as Japanese thong sandals, they’re not just beachwear—they’re becoming a quiet staple in Irish closets. Forget the idea that they’re only for hot climates. In Ireland, where rain, mud, and damp pavements rule much of the year, zori offer something surprising: lightweight, quick-drying comfort that works under jeans, dresses, or even with wool socks on milder days.

Zori aren’t just sandals—they’re part of a bigger shift in how Irish women think about footwear. They relate to slippers, indoor footwear prized for comfort and ease, especially in wet, chilly homes across Ireland, because both prioritize comfort over formality. They connect to trainers, casual, flexible shoes built for daily movement, whether walking the dog in Dublin or hiking the Wicklow Way, because like trainers, zori are designed for movement, not just looks. And they mirror the growing preference for flat footwear, shoes without heels that support natural posture and reduce foot strain, especially for those on their feet all day—a trend backed by nurses, teachers, and retail workers across the country who’ve traded heels for something kinder to their feet.

What makes zori work in Ireland isn’t the weather—it’s the mindset. They’re easy to slip on and off, perfect for muddy doorsteps, damp kitchens, or sudden pub visits. Unlike bulky boots or stiff loafers, they let your feet breathe without sacrificing support. Many Irish women who’ve tried them say they’re the first flat shoe they’ve worn that doesn’t feel like a compromise. You’ll find them paired with cropped jeans in Galway, under long skirts in Cork, or even with wool tights on a spring morning in Belfast. They’re not flashy, but they’re functional—and that’s exactly what Irish style values.

Below, you’ll find real-life advice from Irish women who’ve made zori part of their daily wear. From how to pick a pair that lasts through wet seasons, to which brands actually hold up in Irish rain, to why some are swapping their slippers for zori entirely—this collection cuts through the noise and gives you what works.