KICK THE CITY, a sneaker pop-up shop that opened last year and garnered attention with its promotion at Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building is now available as an online store ( http://isetan.mistore.jp/onlinestore/men/1604kick/index.html ). KICK THE CITY is not just a collection of sneakers; it curates sneakers from a unique perspective, treating them as "key items for styling." It proposes a new way to enjoy fashion, completing your outfit based on the style of your sneakers.
To celebrate the opening of our online shop, we had Assistant Buyer Keita Tashiro, specializing in men's shoes, and Buyer Yuka Yamazaki, specializing in underwear, nightwear, and socks, talk about the latest pairings of sneakers and socks!


---The opportunities to wear sneakers in business settings are expanding rapidly!

Ms. Yamazaki Yuka, do you like socks?

Kei Tashiro : I love socks. I organize my closet into plain, patterned, shoe-in socks, and sports socks. When I wear sneakers, I use plain business socks with a suit, sporty ribbed socks with cropped pants, and shoe-in socks with shorts. Changing socks really changes how sneakers look.

Since the 3.11 earthquake, the use of sneakers has increased, with people keeping them in their offices and wearing them for commuting to work.

Tashiro: Indeed, pairing sneakers with suits and jacket-and-slacks styles has become commonplace and I think we'll have even more opportunities to wear sneakers, especially with the upcoming Cool Biz season. For example, if you're wearing sneakers with tapered, short-length pants, what kind of socks would you recommend?

---For summer sneakers and socks, the shoe-in type is the way to go!

According to customer feedback at the Yamazaki store, "I don't want my socks to show," so shoe-in type socks are popular for both on and off-duty occasions when wearing sneakers.

Tashiro: I completely understand what that customer is saying. Like me, as the length of my pants changes, I want to make sure my socks are "completely invisible."

Yamazaki: So, you mean so as not to interfere with the design of the sneakers?

Tashiro: That's true, but for example, with ankle-length pants that are about 16-17cm wide at the hem, if your socks are visible, it can look heavy. So sneaker lovers are always looking for their "best shoe-in socks" that completely hide their socks and go well with their sneakers.


--- "Kick the City" is presented in three styles.

Tashiro Kick The City focuses on sneakers as the core of its styling, proposing sneakers that are easy to match with various outfits. First, there's the "Classic Court" category, which features many basic and simple canvas white sneakers with timeless value. A representative example is the SPRINGCOURT, which has a French feel and suits a clean, marine style.

SPRINGCOURT "G2 canvas" ¥10,800 View product

These low-cut sneakers boast a refreshing all-white look. They feature a casual finish using textured cotton canvas. Spring Court's signature ventilation system incorporates air holes on both sides. The grooves on the underside of the insole allow air to circulate, preventing stuffiness and ensuring comfortable wear.

Next, the Nike Air Max, featuring AIR technology for enhanced sole cushioning and a beige, single-tone leather upper, exudes a sophisticated, classic yet functional feel. It's a stylish sneaker for adults that pairs well with slacks and other casual attire.

NIKE "Air Max 1 LTR Premium" ¥14,040 View product

This model is identical to the original Nike Air Max released in 1987. It features the landmark "Air" technology, which successfully made the air unit visible. It boasts excellent cushioning and a design that combines a classic feel with a stylish look.

The "Futuristic" category features futuristic designs and functionality, and the "FuryLite," which modifies older Reebok models, features signature colors, and has elastic laces, is already proving popular.

REEBOK "FURYLITE" ¥10,260 View product

The "FURYLITE" model was inspired by the "INSTAPUMP FURY," which debuted in 1994. The upper retains some of the "INSTAPUMP FURY"'s form, while the mesh material enhances breathability, and the slip-on design makes them easy to put on and take off. The "3D ULTRALITE SOLE" provides excellent cushioning, reducing stress on the foot during landing. This model incorporates one of the most popular color schemes from the history of the "INSTAPUMP FURY."

This time, in addition to the three categories mentioned above, I've picked the Adidas Originals "Superstar 80's model" as a sneaker I personally would like to wear. This model prioritizes fit and silhouette, and is quite slim overall, offering a comfortable fit similar to leather shoes. It's the kind of shoe you'd want to reach for whenever you see it in your shoe rack.

adidas Originals "Superstar 80s" ¥15,120 View product

Recognized as an icon from court fashion to streetwear, the "Superstar 80s" is based on the famous basketball shoe, but with the addition of leather for a more comfortable fit. New felt three stripes are a key feature.

Through our conversation, we learned that sneakers are becoming increasingly prominent in various styles. Assistant buyer Tashiro has introduced us to the shoes available at Kick the City. In the second part, we will ask buyer Yamazaki about socks that pair well with these sneakers.

⇒Part 2: " Socks are your 'partner' for comfortably wearing sneakers!"

*All prices include tax.

inquiry
Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building , B1F = Underwear, Nightwear, Socks / Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building 6F = Contemporary Casual
03-3352-1111 (main representative)