Ox Footwear

Soshin, or ox shoes, are straw shoes worn by an ox in order to protect its hooves when carrying a heavy load or pulling a carriage on hardened road for a prolonged period. Four shoes make one set. It covers the hoof of the ox and was fixed on each ankle using the attached string. Taller ones were worn on the front feet, while shorter ones were worn on the hind legs. Ox shoes are also called ox straw shoes, soeshin, or ubi, meaning straw shoes for oxen.