Tropical Tabi shoes

[taff]

I've recently purchased what I think are a pair of Japanese army - arsenal marked and dated Showa 16 (1941) - tropical tabi shoes with toe loop and string tie at the back.

I've tried to research these with the limited books I've got but can't find them.

Can anyone confirm exactly what they are and maybe tell me about the blue losinge shaped label attached to each (the Arsenal mark??).

Thanks
Taff.

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[NLF]

I'm not sure you would call those tabis they are made from a helmet liner

[Jareth]

Post war & not military issue. Someone with sewing talent used army helmet liner parts & other sections of military cloth to make those up. Could be a new angle for cupman

[gunto]

They look impossible to wear/use.Strange items.

[kaigunair]

maybe oven mits or gloves to handle something hot. the placement of the "toe" loop seems to centered to be for a shoe. a curious item...

[IJANLFHELMETS]

Post war & not military issue. Someone with sewing talent used army helmet liner parts & other sections of military cloth to make those up. Could be a new angle for cupman

[taff]

Thanks for your comments. It's always good to learn new things !!
I particularly liked Jareth's comment about it possibly having been made from a helmet lliner. I agree that they certainly look "handmade" but I couldn't resist taking a chance !

Taff.

[Ryukyutunnelrat]

Wow, interesting use of helmet liners.