Rasteiras

Rasteiras is a term used in Portuguese with multiple meanings depending on context. It can refer to footwear, a sports or martial-arts maneuver, and a figurative expression for a trick or underhand move.

As footwear, a rasteira denotes a flat sandal with a thin sole and simple straps, commonly described in Portuguese as sandália rasteira. It is a casual, comfortable type of footwear popular in Brazil, especially during warm weather. The plural rasteiras refers to several such sandals.

In sports and martial arts, rasteira describes a technique that trips or sweeps an opponent by striking or guiding the leg to unbalance them. In soccer, a rasteira is a sliding kick aimed at sweeping the opponent’s feet, often resulting in a foul. In Brazilian jiu-jitsu and related disciplines, the term is used for various trip or sweep moves performed from the ground or standing positions. The effectiveness and legality of a rasteira depend on the rules of the sport and the context of the move.

Figuratively, the expression dar uma rasteira means to trick, undermine, or outmaneuver someone, sometimes implying a betrayal or sudden setback. It is commonly used in political, social, or professional discussions to describe a strategically disadvantageous maneuver against another party.

Regional usage varies, with stronger prevalence in Brazilian Portuguese. In European Portuguese, the footwear meaning is less prominent, while the sporting and figurative senses are widely understood. Rasteiras thus encompass both a fashion item and several action-oriented concepts tied to balance, leverage, and deception.