The Kōgake (Japanese: 甲掛［け］) and Kusari (鎖, "chain") Tabi are armored shoes from Japan.
The Kōgake and Kusari Tabi are armored shoes that are part of the samurai armor (Yoroi). The armor is made either of plate armor or chain mail. The Tabi with chain mail are called Kusari-Tabi, and those with plate armor are called Kōgake-Tabi. Only the top of the feet is armored. If the Tabi are armored with chain mail, the mesh is continuous from the ankle to the toes.
The plate armor is applied in several parts to keep the shoe flexible enough. Typically, these types of Tabi do not have soles. Under the Kōgake-Tabi, metal heels are attached in some versions, but only in those versions where the armor also covers the underside of the heel. The fabric socks of the Tabi extend over the ankles of the foot and are tied there.
There is another type, which is armored with chains, but is more like a shoe and has a sole, or those where the armor consists of plates of lacquered leather. Usually, simple straw shoes (Waraji) are worn over these Tabi.