FAQ

Orders & Payment

Can I order from outside Japan?

Yes. Liberato ships worldwide. Orders are accepted 24 hours a day on this site and dispatched from our warehouse in Shizuoka, Japan. If your country does not appear in the list, you can still order under “Other countries.”

What payment methods are available?

Credit card, convenience store payment, Pay-easy, bank transfer, carrier billing and PayPal. Payment is confirmed when your order is placed.

How long does delivery take?

We dispatch within 5 days of your order. Delivery takes 1–3 days within Japan and, depending on the region, 1–3 weeks internationally.

Shipping Costs

How much is shipping within Japan?

Orders of ¥10,000 or more ship free. Orders of ¥6,000–¥9,999 are ¥900, and below that ¥210–¥420 depending on the item. Hokkaido is ¥4,000 and Okinawa ¥5,000 for orders of ¥6,001 or more.

How much is international shipping?

Asia $30, the United States $70 (DHL), Europe, Oceania, the Middle East and North & Central America $50 (EMS), South America and Africa $70, and all other countries $70.

Will I be charged customs duties?

Import duties and taxes may be charged when your parcel enters your country. These are set by your country's customs authority and are the customer's responsibility. Amounts vary by country and product value, so please check with your local customs office for details.

Barefoot & Fit

Are Liberato shoes barefoot shoes?

Strictly speaking, no. Barefoot shoes are zero-drop with a thin sole, whereas Liberato shoes have a 3.5cm heel and a Vibram sole. However, they are designed to be worn barefoot: the parts that touch the foot are unlined, and a tatami insole of Kyushu-grown igusa is fitted as standard. They are chosen by people who want the feel of bare feet with natural materials.

Can I wear them without socks?

Yes. Igusa absorbs moisture and reduces odor, keeping the inside of the shoe fresh. They are comfortable worn barefoot all day. The insole is removable for airing in the shade, and can be replaced with separately available tatami insoles.

Are these recovery sandals?

They are designed differently from recovery sandals intended for post-exercise recovery. Liberato's tatami sandal slippers and mule sandals are made for relaxed time spent barefoot. At around 130g per shoe and with the breathability of igusa, they free the foot indoors and out.

My feet sweat easily and I worry about odor.

Igusa absorbs more than twice as much moisture as cotton and reduces the substances that cause odor. Research has also shown an antibacterial effect against the bacteria behind athlete's foot and foot odor. This is why they are particularly chosen by people who wear shoes without socks.

Sizing, Exchanges & Returns

How do I choose my size?

Measure the insole length and maximum width of a shoe you wear comfortably, then compare with the measurements on the product page and choose the closest size. Liberato shoes are designed with a little room at the toe and across the instep. Our size guide illustrates how to measure.

Can I exchange if the size doesn't fit?

One exchange per order is available. Shipping costs are the customer's responsibility. Please contact us to arrange it.

Can I return an item?

Returns are accepted within 14 days of delivery, for any reason. Return shipping is the customer's responsibility, and items must be unused and in resalable condition. Tatami insoles (hygiene product), Tatami Green Tea (food) and sale items cannot be returned. If an item is faulty, we will exchange or refund it and cover the shipping.

Do you offer gift wrapping?

Yes, free of charge. Please leave a note at checkout.

Materials & Care

What is the tatami insole made of?

Igusa grown in Kyushu (Kumamoto and Fukuoka). Igusa absorbs moisture, reduces odor and has antibacterial properties, so the shoes stay comfortable barefoot all day. The natural-colored insole is upcycled from offcuts left over from tatami production.

Can the tatami insole be replaced?

Yes. Tatami insoles are sold separately and can be swapped in yourself. Like replacing a tatami floor, renewing the insole with fresh igusa lets the shoes be enjoyed for years.

Can the sole be replaced?

Models with a Vibram sole (4-Way Tatami Loafers, Tatami Slip-on Loafers, Tatami Loafer Slippers and Tatami Mule Sandals) can be fully resoled. The cost is ¥12,000. Please contact us to arrange it.

Can I wear them in the rain?

Models with tatami across the instep (Tatami Slip-on Loafers and Tatami Sneakers) are treated with a water repellent before shipping, but we recommend avoiding wet weather. If they do get wet, wipe away the moisture and dry them in a well-ventilated place. Regular use of a waterproofing spray is recommended to keep them at their best.

How should I care for the leather?

Brush regularly and apply leather cream a few times a month. Himeji leather gains luster and softness the more it is cared for, developing a patina that is entirely its own.

Can the igusa insole be washed?

Please avoid washing with water. If it becomes soiled, wipe it with a dry cloth and dry it in the shade in a well-ventilated place. As a natural material, igusa changes color when exposed to light or sunlight.

Other

Can I try the shoes on in store?

Yes, at Liberato TOKYO in Azumabashi, Tokyo. Please see the Store page for opening hours and reservations.

Do you work with wholesale, special orders or press?

Please get in touch via the For Business page. We welcome enquiries about stocking our products, collaborations and press coverage.

1. About the product

  • Q1. Where is it made?

    A. All products are carefully made by craftsmen in workshops in Japan.

  • Q2.What materials are used?

    A. The tatami insoles are made from domestically produced rush grass, and the leather is natural leather from Himeji.

    Both are environmentally friendly and sustainable materials. For more information on the materials, please click here.

  • Q3. What are the standards for size?

    A. They are basically based on Japanese sizes (in cm), and are designed to be a little roomier than regular sneakers.

    Please feel free to contact us regarding sizes.

  • Q4. Are there individual differences in color and texture for the same product?

    A. Yes. Because we use natural materials, each piece of rush grass and leather has a different texture and color.

    Please enjoy the individual differences as a unique charm of natural materials.

2. Delivery

  • Q1. Which delivery company do you use?

    A. We use Yamato Transport for domestic shipments and Japan Post (EMS) for international shipments.

  • Q2. How long will it take to deliver after I place my order?

    A. Domestic deliveries take about 3-5 days from the time of order, and overseas deliveries take about 1-2 weeks depending on the country.

    This may vary depending on pre-order items and stock availability.

  • Q3. Do you ship overseas?

    A. Yes, we can ship to countries all over the world. You can check the shipping availability and shipping fees for each country on the cart screen.

  • Q4. How is the product packaged upon delivery?

    A. We are conscious of the environment and use minimalist, reusable packaging wherever possible.

3. Ordering

  • Q1. Will I receive a confirmation email after placing an order?

    A. Yes, we will send you an automatic reply email as soon as your order is completed. If you do not receive it, please check your spam folder.

  • Q2. Can I change or cancel my order?

    A. Yes, as long as it is before the product is shipped. Please contact us as soon as possible.

  • Q3. What happens if I order a pre-order item and a regular item together?

    A. As a general rule, pre-order items will be shipped together after they arrive. If you would like them shipped separately, please place separate orders.

  • Q4. Can I get gift wrapping?

    A. Yes, we provide gift wrapping free of charge. Please select "I would like gift wrapping" when placing your order.

4. Payment

  • Q1.What payment methods are available?

    A. Credit card (VISA /
    MasterCard/AMEX), PayPal, Apple
    Supports Pay and Google Pay.

  • Q2. When will payment be confirmed?

    A. Payment will be confirmed when you place your order (this also applies to pre-ordered items).

  • Q3. Can I issue a receipt?

    A. Yes, we will send you a separate email if you would like one. Please write it in the comments section when ordering.

  • Q4. What should I do if I get a payment error?

    A. We apologize for the inconvenience, but please try using a different card or payment method, or contact us via the inquiry form.

5. Returns and Exchanges

  • Q1. Can I exchange it if the size doesn't fit?

    A. Yes, we accept size exchanges for unused items only. Please note that the round-trip shipping costs will be borne by the customer.

  • Q2. What happens if the product is defective?

    A. In the unlikely event that a defective product or incorrect delivery occurs, we will exchange or refund the product at our expense. Please contact us within 7 days of receiving the product.

  • Q3. Is it possible to return the product?

    A. Generally, we do not accept returns for reasons of customer convenience. However, if there are special circumstances, we will handle it on an individual basis, so please contact us.

  • Q4. How will refunds be processed?

    A. Depending on your payment method, we will refund your payment via your credit card company or PayPal. It may take several days to several weeks for the refund to be processed.

6. Product Care and Maintenance

  • Q1. How do I care for tatami insoles?

    A. Tatami mats are made from a material that is naturally resistant to dirt.

    Wipe gently with a damp cloth in a well-ventilated area. Avoid washing with water as it is vulnerable to moisture and water.

  • Q2. How should I care for the leather parts?

    A. Wipe dry with a soft cloth and use a colorless leather care cream if necessary. If it gets wet in the rain, dry it in the shade.

  • Q3. Do tatami mats and leather have an odor?

    A. Because it is made from natural materials, it has a natural scent of rush grass and leather. If this bothers you, leaving it in a well-ventilated place for a few days will help to reduce the scent.

7. For corporations and buyers

  • Q1. I would like to sell Liberato products in my store. How can I do that?

    A. Please first contact us at "info@liberato.jp".

    After confirming the brand concept and development details, we will discuss the terms and conditions.

  • Q2. Can I get wholesale prices and a line sheet?

    A. Yes, we can send you line sheets and product information upon request.

  • Q3. Is it possible to do business with overseas stores or select shops?

    A. Yes, it is possible. Please contact us with your country, business type, desired conditions, etc.

  • Q4. Is it possible to propose collaborations or special orders?

    A. Yes, it is possible. Please contact us at "info@liberato.jp" first.