Laid together on the table were sneakers from four brands suitable for business attire. With the advent of Cool Biz, ties have been removed, shirts have been replaced with T-shirts, and suits are now made of functional materials, sneakers have become a staple for footwear. However, Takashi Fukuda, chief buyer on the first basement floor Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building advises, "Sports sneakers are designed for specific sports purposes, so for suits and business attire, sneakers that are made to be worn normally in everyday life, such as walking and working, are a better match." The key to choosing business sneakers that look smart and feel comfortable is, quite simply, "innovation."

From left to right: Fukuda, Chief Buyer for the B1 floor of Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building ; Taniguchi, Assistant Buyer for Men's Shoes; Tabata, Buyer in charge of the same; and Tashiro, Editor-in-Chief of ISETAN MEN'S net.
*The information about the characters in this article is current as of August 2019.

Pay attention to sneakers made by a world-renowned, high-quality shoe manufacturer.

"Is it okay to wear sneakers with a suit?" — Lately, we've been seeing more and more customers asking this question.

With a growing demand for "dressy sneakers for work" rather than sneakers featuring prominent brand logos or iconic motifs for casual occasions, those who care about their overall appearance should opt for shoes that prioritize comfort—lightweight and easy to walk in—while featuring uppers made of dressy materials like leather, sophisticated colors like black or white, and sneaker soles.

Rather than simply being sneakers, there's a growing variety of simple and minimalist "business sneakers" that are seen more as leather shoes "easy to wear even in tough work environments, such as long commutes or unpredictable weather."


This time, the shoe experts at ISETAN MEN'S have confidently selected four brands: COLE HAAN , GEOX , ecco, and CAMPER. Tabata, the buyer in charge of men's shoes, commented, "These four brands are global brands that boast development and technical capabilities among leather shoe manufacturers worldwide, and are constantly evolving through innovation. They invest enormous funds in equipment for development, which makes it easy for them to create innovations that utilize technology, and this is passed on to customers in the form of high-quality comfort."

As work styles diversify due to work-style reforms, and office styles become more varied, it's natural that shoe options will also increase. You might want to choose smart and comfortable, high-quality sneakers to match the material and design of your suit or outfit.

1. COLE HAAN

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  People who recommend COLE HAAN
  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."

Pioneer of the suit x sneaker style

Taniguchi: When I was in my first year at the company, I wanted sneakers that I could wear to work, so I chose the "Grand Pro Tennis" from COLE HAAN . Contrary to its dressy appearance, it's surprisingly lightweight when you put it on, and it's so comfortable that I can wear it all day without getting tired, so I've become inseparable from it.

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  COLE HAAN "GRANDPRO TENNIS" ¥28,600

  These sneakers, inspired by vintage tennis shoes, feature a flexible and cushioned sole for ergonomic comfort.

  

  
  COLE HAAN "ZEROGROUND WING OX" ¥49,500

  
  These wingtip oxfords are crafted from high-quality leather and feature laser-etched stitching and cutting details.

Fukuda: The "Lunargrand" model, featuring an innovative sole, made its Japanese debut Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building , B1F, Men's Shoes. It sold explosively, establishing the image of " COLE HAAN as the go-to sneaker for business wear."
Tabata: COLE HAAN has used technology to break down the barrier of "business sneakers," a category that had been difficult to overcome until then.
In addition to Taniguchi Technology, the shoes offer a wide variety of upper and sole color combinations, with brown being a new addition to the lineup. They also feature non-slip grips on the toe and heel, and are highly regarded for their excellent traction.
Many customers come to buy COLE HAAN Haan shoes after wearing Tabata COLE HAAN shoes.
Fukuda 's other pair, the "Zerogrand Wing Oxford," is a new kind of brogue shoe that can be cared for just like leather shoes. It's a pair you can wear with affection.

Taniguchi 's "Zero Grand" is a dress shoe with a substantial appearance, but it uses Grand.OS in the sole, which offers excellent flexibility and cushioning, making it very comfortable to wear.
Tashiro COLE HAAN shoes use high-quality leather, and the stitching inside gives them the appearance of authentic footwear, but they have succeeded in reducing weight by stripping away unnecessary elements. The fusion of craftsmanship and innovation is truly remarkable.
When you actually wear them , you'll find them incredibly comfortable for city life, so it's no wonder they have so many repeat customers.
Taniguchi: I've had my "Grand Pro Tennis" shoes for three years now, and I find their versatility—being able to wear them both for work and leisure—to be a major appeal.

2. GEOX

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  People who recommend Geox
  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.

Pay attention to the "Isetan exclusive" collection, which has enhanced its fashion appeal.

Fukuda Geox is famous for its "breathable shoes" that originated in Italy. They feature a system that allows sweat to escape through holes in the sole, keeping the inside of the shoe dry and comfortable with good ventilation, while preventing water from entering from the outside and releasing moisture.

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  Geox "NEBULA" ¥24,200

  These popular sneakers from a well-known series offer an excellent fit, featuring a 3D performance unit sole for superior grip and 3D breathing for breathability in all directions.

Tabata: "Geox shoes are known as 'shoes that don't get stuffy,' and they have overwhelming support from salespeople who walk outside all day and from people who want their shoes to last a long time. Because moisture escapes from inside the shoe, the quality of the leather upper is maintained, and they are also popular as maintenance-free shoes."
Taniguchi: These sneakers, designed by Fukuda and exclusive to ISETAN MEN'S , have a really cool leather texture on the upper. The sole is also just the right thickness, so they seem like they would add volume to the bottom of tapered pants and have a leg-lengthening effect.

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  Geox "DEIVEN" 38,500 yen each
  *Isetan Shinjuku store exclusive

  This limited collection is produced in the company's own factory in Italy. The upper material is made of high-quality cervo leather (deerskin).

Building on the excellent functionality of Fukuda Geox shoes, and with the desire for "a more sophisticated sneaker style," the upper is specially made from Cervo leather, known as the cashmere of the leather world for its soft texture and fine grain. Combined with a lightweight, cushioned platform sole, and featuring a subtly embossed logo, this shoe is produced in limited quantities at a factory in Italy.





These sneakers are truly exclusive, as you'd expect from Tashiro Fukuda, with their meticulous attention to material combinations and specifications. The textured leather adds more nuance than smooth leather, making it perfect for a "not-too-clean" style.
These shoes are popular at the Taniguchi store, and are purchased by a wide range of customers, from those in their 20s who like the dad-style thick soles to those in their 50s who are drawn to their luxurious feel. When you actually wear them, they're lightweight, the upper is soft, and they can be easily paired with anything from slacks to cargo pants.
Tabata: I personally use these a lot when I'm on business trips. They're breathable, rainproof, and very comfortable to wear.

3. ECCO

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  People who recommend ECCO
  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.

I fell in love with cutting-edge innovation at first sight.

Tabata ECCO has two key differences from other manufacturers. First, they produce and manufacture the leather used for the uppers and other parts in-house, which is their greatest strength. In addition to their own use, they supply leather to luxury brands and have earned such trust that their leather is used in Apple iPhone covers.
Fukuda ECCO 's leather is truly excellent. You can really appreciate its quality after wearing them for a day.



To give you an analogy , Tashiro says that with COLE HAAN leather, you can feel the quality the moment you pick it up, with Geox, you can feel the quality a few hours after wearing them, and with ECCO , the quality gradually comes through.
Another appealing aspect of Tabata sneakers is their manufacturing process. While most sneakers use a cement construction method where the upper and sole are bonded together, ECCO are made using the "FLUIDFORM™" method, which involves pouring the sole material into a mold shaped to fit the sole, resulting in a one-piece molded product.
The meticulous leather welt work on Fukuda's "ECCO ST.1" is proof of that.

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  ECCO “ECCO ST.1 HYBRID Plain Toe Tie” 34,100 yen

  
  A hybrid shoe that combines modern technology with the classic derby shoe style, perfect for both casual and formal occasions. Featuring shock-absorbing technology in the heel, a lightweight polyurethane one-piece molding process, and a flexible outsole, this shoe offers revolutionary comfort thanks to its three-layer construction.

While conventional cement construction methods necessitate a flat shape to bond the upper and sole, the FLUIDFORM™ method allows for the creation of a midsole that conforms to the shape of the foot, resulting in a more fitted feel on the bottom.
Taniguchi 's best-selling model, "SOFT8," has a simple yet stylish design, and many people have started enjoying the "styling of sneakers with suits" after trying this pair. The firm sole, which makes them comfortable even after walking for long periods, is another reason for their popularity.

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  ECCO “ECCO SOFT8 Mens Byfold Sneaker” 28,600 yen

  The SOFT8 is a classic yet contemporary sneaker that embodies ECCO's DNA. With an anatomically shaped last that fits the arch of the foot, a premium leather lining, and a removable leather-covered insole, this leather sneaker makes no compromises on comfort.

I went on a factory tour of ECCO with Mr. Tabata and Mr. Fukuda, and it was truly a place where shoes packed with technology are born.
The "VITRUS" model, clad in Fukuda's traditional calf crust aniline-dyed leather, and the matching of the inlay sole, which was developed through mold creation, were just some of the many highlights.
What's amazing about Tashiro ECCO is how they've achieved the level of skill of a bespoke craftsman through technology. You could say they're "streamlining in order to cherish craftsmanship."
Backed by advanced technical skills and development capabilities, Fukuda offers shoes that provide a level of comfort that even leather shoe enthusiasts will appreciate.
Looking at the customers at Tabata Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building , it seems that people who like the comfort of Goodyear welted shoes also like ECCO shoes. I really want many customers to experience the superior comfort created by technology.

4. Camper®

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  People who recommend Camper
  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."

Highly supported by a wide range of generations

Tashiro Camper is a shoe manufacturer located on the Spanish island of Mallorca, famous for its shoemaking. They are attracting attention from fashion enthusiasts not only for their shoemaking skills but also for their innovative designs, including collaborations with artists. This time, we've selected their classic models, "Beetle" and "Neuman."
Fukuda 's "Beetle" is famous for its shoes that feature an integrated insole and outsole, and elastic laces.

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  Camper "Beetle" ¥27,500

  These shoes feature a wide fit that's gentle on the feet, and an appealing simple, urban-natural design. The elastic laces allow for easy on and off, a feature popular with fans. The insole uses low-rebound material, making them lightweight, cushioned, and extremely comfortable to wear.

Tashiro: When I actually tried them on, I felt like they were wrapping around my feet, and I could really feel the fit around the instep. Also, the last is shaped to the contours of the foot, and the ease of movement in the forefoot contributes to how comfortable they are to wear.
I often find myself preferring casual business styles, such as Taniguchi polo shirts, when I'm in the store.
Tashiro's other choice is the "Neuman," a shoe that any young businessman in his 20s will surely love, as it embodies the "business shoe = open lacing plain toe" style. The slightly rounded toe creates an elegant silhouette within a classic design.

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  Camper "Neuman" 27,500 yen

  A new classic shoe combining a contemporary look with enhanced functionality. Inspired by traditional shoemaking, the sole features a matte finish that gives it a handcrafted feel. Combined with a lightweight outsole, it achieves a surprisingly light feel despite its appearance.

In addition to Tabata's unique design capabilities, this model is also renowned for its excellent durability thanks to its 360º stitching.
Fukuda: Just like regular leather shoes, the fact that you can polish them is a satisfying point for shoe polishing enthusiasts.