Thongs sandals date back to ancient times across many cultures, made back then with leaves, bark woven grass and animal skins. The Japanese zori originated in the Heian Period (794-1192) and as of the many arts and crafts from Japan, fashion in Japan was greatly influenced by Chinese culture.

Japanese fashion developed independently of other countries during the Edo Period (1601-1867 A.D), during its stable and prosperous time when the Tokugawa Shoguns held control over Japan for over 250 years. During this time the Shoguns enforced isolation from the rest of the world by forbidding foreign literature and art and out going travel to western countries up until World War II.

The traditional Japanese zori, still worn today, is made from rice straw. The zori is held on the feet by hanao (thong), which is usually in black velvet. The zori is made from the same material used to cover tatami mats, to keep the feet free from perspiration. The zori allows for free circulation of air around the feet, letting your feet breath naturally. This feature of the zori came about because of Japans humid climate. The zori also came about due to its simple and practical and easy to remove design, which facilitated the Japanese custom of removing ones shoes and leaving them at the entrance (genkan) before stepping into the house. Zori were used by lots of people for the bathroom and were designed so they could be easily slipped on and off without having to touch them.

The act of removing your shoes is symbolic of casting off the worries and troubles as well as the dirt of the outside world (soto). "Dosoku de agarikomu" (literally, go inside with soiled feet) is a metaphor for meddling thoughtlessly in someone else's affairs.

Tabi were used in conjunction with zori because the zori were not allowed to touch the tatami mats. These sock like slippers separated the big toe from the rest of the toes and were always worn with sandals outdoors. Many Martial art practices follow the same system of etiquette. Etiquette is practiced to show respect for partners and teachers,

With the Meiji period (1868-1911) came a totally new era as Japan was forced to reopen its doors to the west.

Japan spred the zori to the west. The original manufacturing of the thong sandal in America was in Hawaii, when allied forces brought back the zori to the US after World War II. Zori sandals and flip-flops were the cheapest, most efficient and least material confined type of footwear to manufacture making them so popular after World War II in post war Japan. The zori gained popularity amongst Californian surfer in the 50s. In the 50's and 60s surf culture embraced the flip-flop, being the closest you could come to bare feet and the open-toed shoes became popular.

These shoes were appealing due to their disposability and cheap cost purchase. Soon they were marked all over the United States and were the newest most popular style. In Australia the same was occurring until 1980, when critics said the sandals were a national symbol of bad taste. The zori were known as "Slaps" in Australia and were all the rage in the 70s, especially with the surfers and almost everyone in the 70's owned a pair. Still appreciated for both their coolness in summer, and for the fact that they stimulate the feet and improve blood circulation. The zori was popular for surfers for the same practical easy to remove design that the Japanese intended them for. Surfers no longer were restricted to their chunky leather sandals ("Jesus boots") and were at last foot free on the beach!