A pop-up store featuring new designs of the popular "wingtip sneakers" from the brand Hiroshi Tsubouchi, created by leading Japanese shoe designer Hiroshi Tsubouchi, and a pattern order event, which is always well-received, will be held from Wednesday, March 2nd, on the first basement floor in the men's shoe section. The theme of the wingtip sneakers made exclusively for Isetan Men's this time is "shining materials." We will be presenting Mr. Tsubouchi's thoughts on shoemaking in two parts.


A combination of sneakers and leather shoes

—Wingtip sneakers with sneaker soles were a "discovery" for us too, but they're incredibly popular every season, aren't they?

We launched the brand in 2008, and released our first shoes with sneaker soles about four years ago. I'd always had the idea that "there should be leather shoes with sneaker soles," and I was thinking about how to elevate comfortable shoes into something stylish.

—So, you mean something that's comfortable and stylish to wear?

These sneakers have the quality of leather shoes but the look of sneakers—they're "sneakers that smell like leather shoes." I've been involved in shoemaking for a long time, but there hasn't been much interaction between leather shoes and sneakers. Then, one day, I found a sneaker sole that was close to what I wanted, and using a leather shoe last (wooden mold), I had a leather shoe manufacturer make them—that's how these sneakers began.

—Mr. Tsubouchi, as a craftsman, you have a desire to create "something that transcends genres." Why do you use a leather shoe last?


The secret weapon for business style that feels like wearing leather shoes.

We created a special last to maximize the sole's cushioning and lightweight feel, prioritizing a good fit. Because they feel like dress shoes, they're popular with businessmen.

—Indeed, at our custom order events, many people order shoes with both the upper and sole in black, so they can be worn in business settings.

The shoe brand "WH (Double H)" that I'm working on with Yoshimasa Hoshiba (fashion director) also emphasizes that the shoes have the comfort of sneakers, and we've received feedback that they're "very useful when traveling for business." I think the trend towards more casual shoes will continue.


Sneaker Gurkha sandals make their debut!

--This pop-up at Isetan Men's will feature new sneakers made with "luminous material."

One of the key features of wingtip sneakers is that they "add a playful touch to the orthodox wingtip design," and gold and silver uppers have always been popular. This time, we're releasing a version using reflective material.

--Also, the "sneaker ghillie sandal," which combines a sneaker sole with a ghillie sandal design, is making its debut, right?

While leather-soled sandals are common, we're introducing a new type of sandal that fits spring and summer styles and can be worn in a sporty way.

Photo: SUZUKI Shimpei