In recent years, the needs for shoes have changed dramatically due to the diversification of lifestyles and the casualization of clothing. TOMOE made in Italy, an original brand of Tomoe Trading Co., Ltd., which has been selling to department store customers for many years, is flexibly responding to these changes in the shoe market and gaining support.

The product development manager and sales staff of Tomoe Trading, along with the assistant buyer for men's shoes at Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building , explore what kind of shoes people want to wear in today's era and the reasons why Tomoe Made in Italy shoes are so popular.

Four people who know the realities of the shoe market discuss the topic.

Four people with firsthand knowledge of the brand discuss the current state and future of TOMOE. Behind the shoemaking, which combines the trust cultivated over many years in department stores with ideas that resonate with today's lifestyles, there is a definite reason why it is chosen.

 

TOMOE made in Italy

Based on over 70 years of experience in department stores, Tomoe Shoji's original brand creates shoes that meet modern needs. Focusing on lightweight construction using the Italian Goodyear welt method and product development incorporating best-selling designs from the shoe market, they offer a diverse range of shoes categorized to suit various lifestyles. Their appeal lies in offering realistic shoes that combine understated aesthetics with comfort, perfectly suited to today's times.

We deliberately chose the Goodyear welt construction method to prioritize comfort.

This "dress-up style" category is perfect for business attire such as suits and ties, or for modern semi-formal occasions like weddings. While most dress shoes are made using the Goodyear welt construction method, these shoes are made using the McKay method, allowing for comfortable wear even right out of the box without needing to be broken in.

It's also perfect for today's more casual business environment.

This "dress-down style" category is a perfect match for today's increasingly casual business casual attire. It creates a light and airy look that complements unconscious suits and jacket-and-trouser combinations that lack interlining.

The target is something between sneakers and dress shoes.

When you don't want to be as casual as with sneakers, but still want comfort, a pair of "casual-up style" shoes is recommended. They can be worn with a smart casual outfit for a casual outing on the weekend without sacrificing elegance.

The minimalist design is perfect for adults.

These "casual-down style" sneakers feature a minimalist design that gives them a sophisticated look. The fine-grained leather adds a touch of luxury, making them a great match not only for casual weekend outfits but also for business casual styles such as easy-to-wear suits.

We also have footwear for special occasions that you don't often have the chance to wear.

We also offer "formal style" shoes for special occasions such as weddings, funerals, and ceremonies. A pair made of glossy patent leather is a perfect match for tuxedos and black suits. The rubber sole ensures comfort, which is another welcome feature.

 

What kind of shoes are needed in today's world?

Suzuki : Up until now, Tomoe has only offered original products that are made in Japan. But starting this year, we've revamped our logo and are officially launching Tomoe Made in Italy, a line specializing in Italian-made products, to meet the needs of the current shoe market.

Ikeuchi : That "modern feel" is reflected in the choice of materials and the balance with the price, isn't it? They use high-quality Italian shoes to create authentic dress shoes for around 50,000 yen. I feel like they're creating something with a good balance of quality and price.

Itabashi : The product lineup has become quite extensive. To make it easier for customers to choose according to their lifestyle, we offer shoes divided into five categories: "dress up," "dress down," "casual up," "casual down," and "formal."

Honma : We see the increasing diversity of customer needs every day, even in our stores. For example, even within the category of dress shoes, the type of shoes chosen will differ depending on whether you're wearing a tie or a more casual jacket and trousers style.

Itabashi: It's the same even with casual wear. The sneakers you choose will differ depending on whether you're dressing smartly with a jacket or something similar when going out to a restaurant, or going out casually in jeans on the weekend.

Ikeuchi : This kind of shoe categorization might be easy for customers to understand. They offer a complete range of shoes within a single brand to meet the "fragmentation of different occasions." That flexibility is probably what fits in with today's times.


Honma : Our aim is to offer a total selection of shoes within the Tomoe Made in Italy brand, so that you can find shoes that fit into modern lifestyles and are suitable for various occasions. In addition, more and more business people today place importance on whether they can make a good impression on others. That's why designs that aren't too flashy are also important.

Ikeuchi : A key point is that the brand emphasizes the idea that a sensible businessman should dress appropriately for the occasion. Also, the fact that they incorporate best-selling designs in the current shoe market, such as plain toes and slip-ons with sneaker soles, while still using the Goodyear welt construction method, reflects the brand's philosophy.

Suzuki : For example, even with our straight-tip shoes, we opted for the lighter McKay construction instead of Goodyear welt. They conform well to the foot, and we offer both Vibram and leather soles. Because of the McKay construction, the shoes are soft even when new, making them easy to wear even for those unfamiliar with leather shoes. We've focused on user comfort and ease of selection above all else.

Itabashi : Because I have over 70 years of experience guiding customers through the shoe industry in department stores, I can reflect the voices of real business people. That accumulated experience is our company's strength.


Ikeuchi : Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building has a selection of shoes that respond to the "current voices of our customers." The specifications are great and would impress shoe enthusiasts, but what's really important is the craftsmanship that prioritizes "being able to wear them properly" and "looking neat." That's why I think Tomoe Made in Italy is attracting attention right now.

 

ISETAN Leather Fair 2025 will be held.

We are pleased to announce that the "Leather Expo," formerly known as the "Shoe Expo," which has been very popular among leather enthusiasts, will be held again this year.
We introduce a wide selection of leather items, chosen from various perspectives such as pre-sale items, limited editions, customizable options, and cost-effectiveness.

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