U-DOT | Japan Leather Guide(ジャパンレザーガイド)

Products: U-DOT

Products: U-DOT

U-DOT:The arrangements are endless. Custom ordered shoes that are easy to enjoy

U-DOTThe arrangements are endless. Custom ordered shoes that are easy to enjoy

U-DOT, which debuted in the fall/winter of 2012, has reinvented itself as a custom-ordered shoe brand.
Not limited to shoes, fashion items are basically made by designers and brands, and the mainstream style is to buy with empathy. While it's nice to have the pleasure of choosing, the company has shifted its focus to making the shoes that it wants, with the consumer taking center stage. When we talk about custom orders, we have an image that it takes a long time to complete, especially for small companies, but surprisingly, they are delivered within a month of the order. We are able to achieve such a sense of speed because we are based in Asakusa, where the leather industry is particularly strong in Japan. Everything from creating patterns to sewing to purchasing materials and parts is done within a 10 km radius. In addition, shoes are made only after orders are received, so there is no waste in terms of SDGs. In all of those ways, custom orders fit U-DOT.

Custom orders are available for a total of 25 designs carefully selected from 100 varieties. They come in a variety of styles, from loafers to sneakers, all unisex. Because of this, most of the models come in 8 sizes, 21 ~ 28 cm, which makes them flexible enough for people with concerns or complexes about foot size. From leather to soles to metal fittings, you can mix and match them to your liking. For example, you can change the type and color of leather on the left and right, which is difficult to do with typical custom orders. Still, the price is reasonable, starting at 16,000 yen. Custom orders tend to have a high threshold, but U-DOT makes it easy and fun to challenge them.

Of course, the brand's signature comfort that wraps around your feet doesn't change. The upper is made of a single layer of leather, and most of the shoes are made in Japan. It's made of fluffy leather and is over 2mm thick. That makes it easy to blend in with your feet, and gives you a direct taste of leather's allure: its soft texture and excellent breathability that prevents stuffiness. Plus, it's nail-free, so it's light and easy to walk in, and provides an exceptional comfort that's addictive once you put your foot in. It is also noteworthy that the essential glue for making shoes is gradually shifting to water-based glue. This is not only for consumers, but also for makers. The U-DOT has a large female staff, and problems have arisen internally, including sickness caused by a strong smell of glue. To remedy that, they decided to use water-based glue, which is safe in the mouth. In other words, U-DOT's custom-ordered shoes are easy on both feet and makers.

U-DOT custom orders are available at its retail stores and e-commerce sites, as well as at pop-up stores that are actively held throughout the country for a limited time. The best opportunities to see them in person and try them on are updated on the website as needed. At present, it is mainly being rolled out in Japan, but it is also looking at the world in the future. He has already received individual orders from the U.S. and other countries via Instagram, and the response from overseas has been good. Although the brand's form has changed, the desire to promote Japanese shoes and Japanese leather to the world remains unchanged. And U-DOT, which also makes shoes for some of the world's most famous brands, has the fashion sensibilities it developed at its OEMs. Powered by leather shoes that are as light and comfortable as sneakers, U-DOT's custom-ordered shoes are going global.

A pair of leather sneakers with a simple design that appeals to adults

This minimalist high-cut sneaker features a soft leather finish. As a result, they are comfortable enough to make you want to wear them barefoot. You can create a simple yet mature look by putting everything together in the same color, or you can arrange it to your own custom order. It's also stylish to add a touch of personality to the look, such as changing the color of the heel and toe or the texture of the leather. Depending on your taste and styling, get one that's like you and not two in the world.


U-DOT HIGH CUT SNEAKER

Materials
cowhide
Price
(tax included)
¥27,500〜