Japanese shoes

[jcusey]

In looking at Jun Kuwana's website (see here, for example) and at those Japanese shoe magazines, it's apparent that there are a not insignificant number of high-end Japanese-made shoes. Guild of Crafts, for example, appears to offer both RTW and fully-bespoke shoes, and some of the examples look very nice: I love this take-off of the EG Stowe and several others:

Has anyone ever seen such Japanese-made shoes in person? Are they as good as they look?

 

[Alias]

With the fanatical attention to detail prevalent in many Japanese goods, I wouldn't doubt the quality and high finish of Japanese shoes. I should go take a look myself. It's only 2 hours away by plane.

(hrr need to get more vacation hours grrr)

 

[A Harris]

I haven't seen any in person, but if I could, I'd like to see these: http://www.oshitate.com/shop/koji%20...20products.htm AMAZING.. This guy is definitely in the running for the world's most talented shoemaker.

 

[Bic Pentameter]

I have never seen the Spigola Works in person, but am planning to visit Guild of Crafts sometime this autumn. will report back. Guild of Crafts offers Sunday classes in shoe making where students make a completed pair of shoes. Seven classes, 10 am to 5 pm for roughly $1,500.

Bic

 

[My View]

I have never seen a pair in person. In the Japanese shoe collectors' magazines, you can find several listings and feature stories of high-end Japanese shoemakers. The prices sometimes even rival those of high-end Italian makers such as Lattanzi.

I agree with Alias about the high quality of Japanese goods in general. Recall how Lexus has now become a major competitor to BMW, Mercedes-Benz etc. worldwide.

 

[Tokyo Slim]

...even though Lexus is not available in Japan

The Japanese just call them Toyota's

 

[Thracozaag]

I haven't seen any in person, but if I could, I'd like to see these: http://www.oshitate.com/shop/koji%20...20products.htm AMAZING.. This guy is definitely in the running for the world's most talented shoemaker.

Not to mention, a pretty cool first name, heh. Naturlaut sent me a link to a shoemaker (I believe from Osaka) I'll try and dig it up. koji

 

[T4phage]

I haven't seen any in person, but if I could, I'd like to see these: http://www.oshitate.com/shop/koji%20...20products.htm AMAZING.. This guy is definitely in the running for the world's most talented shoemaker.

Those are some truly gorgeous shoes.... drool.... Now the only thing I have to do is to fly to Japan for the inital measurements and consultation, then a fitting or two...

 

[imageWIS]

...even though Lexus is not available in Japan

The Japanese just call them Toyota's

Toyota, Lexus; same difference. (Another equivalents: with Honda / Acura, Nissan / Infiniti, VW / Audi, MB / Chrysler, etc...) Jon.

 

[@riss]

ford/jaguar

 

[miumoi]

...

 

[A Harris]

Is it possible for you tell us a little bit more information about the "Roberto Ugolini Fatto A Mano Da Vass" shoes?

They are the U-last shoes. The U was originally designed for the Ugolini RTW line, for sale at Isetan in Japan. For those who do not know of Ugolini, a link to their website: http://www.roberto-ugolini.com/

 

[miumoi]

...