The secret behind Padmore's designs that showcase a unique sense of fashion.

Padmore currently has around 30 to 40 different designs, but surprisingly, they don't have a shoe designer. "The designs are done in-house. I'm the second generation of the company, and my predecessor ran it as an OEM factory for fashion brands. We have a lot of experience and know-how from working on a considerable number of designer shoes in the 70s and 80s, and we decided to use that accumulated knowledge to launch our own brand. At the start, we all consulted with each other while designing," says President Miura.

"I've been exposed to cutting-edge fashion without even realizing it, and my eye for shoe design has become quite refined," he says. New designs appear irregularly, but currently, they are developing existing designs by changing the soles, leather, and colors.

"Padmores are casual shoes, so we incorporate trends through colors and leather textures. When the length and width of trousers change, the footwear changes too, but nowadays even slacks are shorter in length, so the black 'DERBY PLAIN TOE SHOES,' which we've been making since the brand started 10 years ago, is our top seller."

Instead of being fixated on manufacturing methods, we think backward from the question of how to make the shoes as comfortable as possible to wear.

What impressed me most after seeing the factory and listening to President Miura's explanation was that, instead of focusing on the manufacturing method, he starts from the very basics: "How can we make leather shoes that are light, easy to put on, and break in quickly?" He selects the leather for the upper, chooses the other materials, creates the shoe last, and then decides on the manufacturing method. He also orders the leather for the uppers with the finished product in mind, which is how those unique wrinkles and undulations come about.

Further research revealed that the undulating texture and curvature of the leather upper are achieved by hand bending (!). "This process is possible because both the interior and outsole are made of leather. Also, we use leather that is polished by hand to develop its texture, and we use different waxes to create a unique look for each shoe. No two shoes will look exactly alike."

President Miura said, "Padmore shoes are the complete opposite of assembly line shoes, and they may not be made in the conventional way. The rule of thumb for shoes is that they should be wrinkle-free and neat, but because they are made using the cement construction method, they are flexible, and the waxed leather develops character from the start. Please enjoy wearing these shoes."

"DERBY STRAIGHT TIP SHOES" ¥34,560
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The "Padron Museum" will open in a physical store at the end of November.

Now, let's introduce some of Padmore's best-selling items featured at the Padmore Museum. First, the plain-toe "DERBY PLAIN TOE SHOES" is a classic model that has been a bestseller since the brand's inception. This shoe allows you to enjoy the appeal of the Goodyear welt construction, such as the upward curve of the toe, lightness, and excellent breathability. The minimalist upper and leather sole make it suitable for both casual and formal occasions.

View "DERBY PLAIN TOE SHOES" ¥30,240

The highlight of the "WPL SHORT SIDE ZIP BOOTS" is the Padmore original domestic natural leather, made from combination-tanned steerhide. Carefully processed with original oils and waxes, the leather, combined with its beautiful drape, makes this a masterpiece that will be cherished for years to come.

View "WPL SHORT SIDE ZIP BOOTS" for ¥33,480

In addition, to commemorate the launch of the special "Padmore Museum" page on the Isetan online store, a Padmore pop-up store will be held Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building B1F, Men's Shoes section, from November 30th (Wednesday). You can see and touch the shoes only during the pop-up period. Please come and visit us.

*All prices include tax.

Photo: Ozawa Tatsuya

inquiry
Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building , B1F = Men's Shoes
03-3352-1111 (main representative)