The Japan Shoe Manufacturers Association is a non-profit organization that works to provide and promote high-quality leather shoes that are suited to Japan's climate and the feet of Japanese people. We will explore the companies that participate in this organization, looking at their history, notable topics, and classic items.

This time, we're featuring HARUTA, known as a pioneer of loafers. We'll introduce products made with "ECOPET®," a recycled polyester made from used plastic bottles, as well as the brand's signature "Spock shoes."

Haruta's History

Haruta began as Haruta Shoe Manufacturing in 1917, starting as a manufacturer and retailer. In 1948, Haruta Shoe Manufacturing was established, and production of children's shoes began. In 1955, they released Haruta Spock Shoes, in 1956 women's coin loafers, and in 1957 men's loafers that were the first in Japan to use the cemented construction method. In 1964, they began producing ice skates for export, selling 165,000 pairs in total, including regular shoes, and reportedly became the number one exporter in Japan. In 2011, they opened their first directly managed store at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse. In September of the same year, they opened their first directly managed store in China at Izumiya Department Store in Suzhou, China.

The women's coin loafer, the first loafer shoe in Japan, was created in 1956. It is said that the then-president, Yosaku Haruta, developed it after he felt that it was a good match for the Japanese culture of taking off and putting on shoes at the entrance of a house, following a visit to the American shoe industry. Since then, loafers have become widely popular as school shoes. A wide range of styles have been developed, including "wide loafers" that can be worn with loose socks, "forehead loafers" that go well with school uniform fashion, and "heel loafers" that can make you look taller. Haruta currently distributes loafers not only in Japan but also in East Asia, including South Korea, China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.

Topics of interest

Here are some of the most noteworthy topics from Haruta. We'll be discussing their product development using "ECOPET®," a recycled polyester made from used plastic bottles, and "XL EXTRALIGHT®," an ultra-lightweight material used in their shoes.

It uses "ECOPET®," an artificial leather made from recycled plastic bottles.

HARUTA offers products made with "ECOPET®," a recycled polyester made from used plastic bottles. ECOPET® has a long history as a recycled fiber in Japan and is used in sportswear, school bags, train seats, and more. It features a texture similar to genuine leather, is lightweight, water-resistant, and easy to care for, and is used in a wide range of items, including classic coin loafers, tassel loafers, mules, and lace-up shoes.

The sole uses ultra-lightweight material, prioritizing flexibility and shock absorption.

HARUTA is also focusing on developing products that utilize "XL EXTRALIGHT®," an ultra-lightweight material uniquely developed by Finproject® of Italy, for the soles. XL EXTRALIGHT®, used in a variety of items including slip-ons, lace-up shoes, and loafers, is characterized by its high flexibility and shock absorption. The sole's flexibility during walking increases the contact area with the ground, resulting in stable walking, while its high shock absorption reduces foot fatigue.

Knowing the classics: Spock shoes, originally worn by doctors and monks.

Spock shoes are Haruta's signature shoes, developed in 1955 and boasting a history of approximately 70 years. Originally developed as doctor's shoes for doctors and monks, they are now popular as casual shoes due to their distinctive V-shaped opening and minimalist design. Mitsukoshi Isetan Online Store offers them in black only, in sizes 24cm to 28.0cm.

Related Article ▶ "ISETAN Shoe Fair 2022" Announced! Popular limited-edition items and shoes that are sure to sell out will be on display. A powered-up 14 days are coming! [Updated September 14th (Wed)]

View the HARUTA product list on the Mitsukoshi Isetan online store.

 

Mitsukoshi Isetan Online Store
Find the latest information on ISETAN MEN'S men's shoes here.

Men's shoes Instagram: @isetanmens_shoes

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