"I want to be particular about my shoes, especially on rainy days"—this is a sentiment increasingly heard from our customers. Just as rain gear such as umbrellas and coats have evolved functionally, dress shoes that can be worn on both rainy and sunny days, the so-called "all-weather" type, are hot right now. This season, we are particularly strengthening our selection of classic import brands, so you're sure to find leather shoes that are suitable for rainy days and that also suit your personal style.

From left to right: Fukuda, Chief Buyer of the B1 floor of Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building ; Tabata, Buyer in charge of men's shoes; Taniguchi, Assistant Buyer in charge of men's shoes; and Tashiro, Editor-in-Chief of ISETAN MEN'S net.

Related Article ▶ The fiercely competitive world of "rain shoes"—which business shoe is the best to protect your feet from sudden rain!?

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Changing the notion that rain boots are uncool.
The strongest business shoes

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The rainy season, with its continuous gloomy and overcast weather, can easily dampen one's spirits. Perhaps you've been refraining from wearing your favorite shoes? For those who know the joy of wearing their favorite brand of leather shoes to match their outfits, this is a particularly tough season. However, we have some good news from the men's shoe department on the first basement floor of Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building .

Last year saw heavy rainfall and frequent torrential downpours, and with the unpredictable weather in Europe as well, "rain boots" have become a must-have item worldwide. Consequently, famous import brands are rapidly expanding their selection of rain shoes, making it possible to choose stylish leather boots that fit your style.


In this project, Fukuda, chief buyer at Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building B1F, recommends REGAL as "classic business shoes even on rainy days," assistant buyer Taniguchi recommends SCOTCH GRAIN with "slip-resistant soles," men's shoe buyer Tabata introduces import brands CARMINA , FABI, and CROCKETT&JONES , and ISETAN MEN'S net editor-in-chief Tashiro introduces JOHN LOBB , which proposes "serious rain boots from a leading British shoemaker."

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REGAL

1. An evolved "classic business shoe" with all-weather features and a custom-made sole.

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People who recommend REGAL

Takashi Fukuda

Chief buyer at Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building B1F. 13 years of experience as a men's wear buyer. As a men's shoe buyer, he has previously planned events such as Kick the City and JAPAN Shoe Fair. A man who loves shoes and whose life is sustained by them. His motto is "Comfort is Luxury." He says that what matters most is whether it feels comfortable to him.

REGAL shoes: ¥37,800 each

Fukuda: I recommend REGAL 's rain-resistant shoes, which use Gore-Tex fabric. Gore-Tex is known for its excellent breathability, but these shoes have Gore-Tex sandwiched between the upper and the lining, so water does not penetrate from the upper leather into the inside of the shoe.


While it may seem like there are many shoes on the market that use Tabata Gore-Tex, the truth is that simply being a "Gore-Tex shoe" gives it a considerably higher market value because it's manufactured under a strict factory certification system.
Taniguchi : Moreover, since it has "Gore-Tex built-in + Goodyear welt construction," its value is further increased.
Many customers at Fukuda Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building , want to wear Goodyear welted shoes even on rainy days, so these REGAL straight-tip shoes are a perfect fit. Furthermore, they feature a specially designed, non-slip original sole.


The leather used for the upper of the Tashiro model is a new material developed by REGAL specifically for Gore-Tex. It can also be polished (mirror-finish), making it a shoe that will satisfy those who like to polish and break in their shoes over time.
Despite being made of Fukuda waterproof and water-repellent leather, the bright colors are refreshing. As an evolved version of rain-resistant shoes, the quality has improved significantly.
These straight-tip shoes from Tabata have a substantial feel and a dressy appearance, making them perfect for formal occasions.

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SCOTH GRAIN

2. The classic "Rain or Shine" is,
Equipped with a sole that offers excellent slip resistance.

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People who recommend SCOTCH GRAIN

Kenta Taniguchi

Assistant buyer for men's shoes on the first basement floor of Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building . A young employee in his fourth year with the company, he previously handled dress shirts and ties, and seasonal accessories. His motto is "Be kind to the people, be attached to the things," and he says that what he values most is "consideration for people and attachment to things."

SCOTCH GRAIN shoes: ¥38,880 each

Taniguchi: For customers who want to wear leather shoes even on rainy days without compromising their footwear, I recommend the Mitsukoshi Isetan exclusive model of SCOTCH GRAIN 's popular "Shine or Rain" series.
As we mentioned last year, the leather used for the upper is treated with a water-repellent finish from the tanning stage, ensuring that its functionality is maintained semi-permanently.


At the Taniguchi store, customers are praising the product, saying, "The leather texture doesn't look like something you'd wear on a rainy day."
The fact that these are Tabata's special order models, and come in a range of designs including oxfords, bluchers, and loafers, is one of the reasons for their popularity.
While the standard Taniguchi model uses an SG sole, this special edition features a non-slip sole called "Hydrostopper" that can be worn even on snowy days. The glass fibers catch on the ground when you step, providing excellent slip resistance.


The Tashiro cord is also specially made and has excellent water resistance. You can use a waterproofing spray, but regular leather cream is sufficient for maintenance.

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IMPORT BRAND

3. Three different approaches to rain protection, unique to imported brands.

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People who recommend imported brands

Tomoyasu Tabata

Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building B1F = Men's shoe buyer. In my 14th year with the company, I've been in charge of men's shoes for 13 of those years. I've held positions as a buyer for local stores and private brands, and as a sales manager before assuming my current role. My current goal is to create a shopping environment that both customers and stylists can truly enjoy. My motto is "In life, there's no use crying over spilled milk." I live each day to the fullest and enjoy life to the fullest.

Left: CROCKETT&JONES shoes ¥85,320 Middle: CARMINA shoes ¥71,280 Right: Fabi shoes ¥84,240

Tabata: What I'd like to introduce are CARMINA and Fabi limited edition models that have been available since this spring Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building , and the suede shoes from CROCKETT&JONES that feature a new water-resistant material called "Hydrocalf."
Fukuda CARMINA and Fabi are iconic brands and items from the 2019 "Rainy Day" project.
At the Tabata store, we've noticed an increasing number of customers saying, "I don't want to compromise my style even when it rains." Responding to these requests, CARMINA and Fabi have created this model.

CARMINA shoes ¥71,280

Tabata: First of all, CARMINA has a water-repellent leather upper called "Hydrocalf" and a rubber sole called Dainite sole.
Taniguchi's shoes are made using the authentic Goodyear welt construction method, and feature a combination of hydrocalf leather and a rubber sole, making them highly resistant to rain.
Tabata Hydrocalf leather is made by thoroughly impregnating the leather with oils during the tanning process, resulting in a highly water-resistant material.
The Tashiro last is orthodox, and unless you were told it was "suitable for rainy days," you wouldn't think it was.

Fabi Shoes ¥84,240

Fabi, a shoe brand from Marche , Italy, features a water-repellent upper that doesn't look like it, and the lining (inside) uses "REDA ACTIVE," a waterproof fabric from the prestigious Italian fabric manufacturer REDA.
Fukuda, we talked about Gore-Tex fabrics at REGAL , but the idea of working with REDA is quite fresh.
Tabata: "As long as my feet don't get wet," and this style-first approach is typical of Fabi.



These shoes feature a rubber sole made using the Taniguchi McKay construction method, making them lightweight and flexible, which is why they're so popular. They're especially great for people who travel long distances for work.
The lining, made with fabric from Tashiro Italy's REDA company, has a natural feel, and the shoes are carefully lasted all the way to the toe, so they don't look like rain boots at all.


Fukuda lining is finished to be thin, which speaks to their high level of technical skill.
Taniguchi's product is functionally suitable for both sunny and rainy weather, but what's cool is that it doesn't compromise on any aspect.
Italy's strength lies in its ability to build upon the strengths of the Tabata brand while adding new ideas.

CROCKETT&JONES shoes: ¥85,320

Minoru Tabata says that "stylish rain boots = a combination of suede and rubber soles" is a surefire choice, and these CROCKETT&JONES boots are a recommended choice.
Fukuda suede has a reputation for being susceptible to rain, but compared to smooth leather, the napped texture of suede provides longer-lasting water repellency. The longer nap gives the material inherent strength.


The "Hydrocalf" material, which is highly resistant to rain and drought, was created at the request of the Japanese distributor to Crockett & Jones, and has already become a popular staple.
Even though they've used Hydrocalf leather without changing the lining or insole, it doesn't feel bulky, which really shows their technical skill. The "City Sole," which they made with Dainite, is also smart and has a flat finish even when viewed from the side.


From formal suits to casual wear, these suede shoes are a must-have for suede shoe lovers.

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JOHN LOBB

4. A new sole has been adopted for the Aqua Calf leather.
The next move from a long-established British company

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People who recommend JOHN LOBB

Keita Tashiro

Editor-in-Chief of ISETAN MEN'S net. For nine years since joining the company, he has been in charge of men's shoes, gaining experience in sales and purchasing. He is well-versed in a wide range of shoes, from bespoke shoes to sneakers. His motto is, "Just like cooking, you should choose your shoes according to your mood."

JOHN LOBB shoes "CITY II" 189,000 yen

At Tashiro JOHN LOBB , the "Aqua Calf" leather, which had previously been used in country shoes and other items, was incorporated into the popular "CITY II" model a few years ago and has since become a standard feature.
Fukuda: JOHN LOBB shoes are popular with customers who want to wear them even on rainy days.
For our customers in Tabata , having rain boots available at JOHN LOBB is very significant.

Tashiro : What's particularly noteworthy about this model is JOHN LOBB 's "serious commitment." While the regular "CITY II" has a 180-degree Goodyear welt construction, this model uses a 360-degree Goodyear welt to enhance waterproofing. The fact that they've added an extra layer of leather to the outsole to further improve waterproofing is truly impressive.

JOHN LOBB overshoes ¥17,280

One of the key features is that you can attach overshoes when wearing them during heavy rains in Tashiro , and new colors are available this time, so please be sure to check them out.

*All prices include tax.

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