GRAND MASTER QUALITY

The leather used for the upper is prepared from hide coming from dairy breed bulls carefully raised in the rich natural environment of California on the West Coast of America. As the cattle are barn-raised, the hide has fewer scratches and a smooth texture distinguishing it from the coarser hide of pasture-raised cattle.

The city of Himeji in Hyogo prefecture, home to the beautiful Himeji Castle, is a land blessed with the clean water essential for tanning, and thus it grew into one of the main tanning regions in Japan. Among the tanneries of this region, the Isamu Tannery specializes in fine leather ideal for dress shoes. Each and every sheet of leather is given a finish that reflects many years of knowledge and experience.

We have selected tried and proven materials to produce original soles and heels. The soles feature flexibility and good grip, while the heels comprise a strong wear-resistant compound structure that includes carbon for durability. The careful and beautiful finish given to these materials through the handiwork of the Fujita processing company reflect the high level of craftsmanship for which the city of Asakusa is renowned.

The insoles made by the Kubochu store, which has operated in Asakusa for over 30 years, have the company logo and the details of the shoes stamped on with exquisite workmanship. The craftsman’s skills are highlighted in the work of carefully stamping each of the markings that vary according to the design, color, style and size of the sole.

Miyagi Kogyo, one of the main leather shoe factories in Japan, exercises thorough quality control in each section. The factory’s high level of regulation, cultivated through its long history, and its record of excellence are reflected in the quality of the FOOTSTOCK ORIGINALS shoes manufactured there.

In the planning office where product items are designed, we are constantly engaged in improving the development of shoe lasts, as well as seeking a better design and concept to produce comfortable shoes utilizing quality materials. The logos imprinted on the insoles and under soles are also an important part of the product identity and, as with our shoe designs, are developed through repeated trial and error.

FOOTSTOCK ORIGINALS shoes have been tested for their durability against abrasion, detachment and bending at the Tokyo Metropolitan Leather Technology Center in Taito-ku, and have satisfied the highest standards. The bonding agent used for the soles has undergone repeated detachment tests to achieve the perfect blend, and its strength is proven to exceed the regular standard by a wide margin.