Japanese-Inspired Shoes That Wrap Around Your Feet
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Store bought shoes rarely fit perfectly, and bespoke options are too expensive for many. Italian shoe maker Vibram, more commonly known for its military footwear, has come up with a solution to this problem with its Furoshiki Shoes.
Furoshiki (風呂敷) are a traditional Japanese wrapping cloth used for transporting goods and were first used in the Edo period to carry clothing while at the public baths. Furoshiki shoes, created by Japanese designer Masaya Hashimoto, have no laces and instead wrap around the foot–hence the name–fastening with velcro.
Vibram calls it the first ever “wrapping sole.” These novel shoes can be bought from the Japanese Vibram store for about $140 USD, and come in at least five colors.
More info: vibram.com | facebook | twitter | instagram (h/t: demilked, rocketnews24)
Store bought shoes not always fit perfectly
So this company came up with a solution that was inspired by Furoshiki (風呂敷)
Furoshiki are a traditional Japanese wrapping cloth used for transporting goods
Japanese designer Masaya Hashimoto used the same idea to create shoes that have no laces and instead wrap around the foot
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get a little sand, animal fur, dirt on that velcro and it won't work anymore. These are more for city wear..plus they are kinda ugly :/
Those are ergonomic bands that adhere to eachother, no velcro involved. However, your right about them being ugly :)
It specifically states in the article that velcro is used. "Furoshiki shoes, created by Japanese designer Masaya Hashimoto, have no laces and instead wrap around the foot–hence the name–fastening with velcro."
The ones which look like boots aren't as ugly as the ones that go to the ankle.
The ones in the video look much better. I guess they would be used by designers, people working in advertising and young people in the West. Not sure about the average population.
Velcro can become unusable due to fur in the hooks part. This is easily cleaned with a slicker brush. There are lots of velcro applications in vet med, and I had to find a way to make everything reliably usable. Looks of the shoe notwithstanding ;-P
Products like velcro onewrap do not get fur in the hooks because there aren't any (I use onewrap for my pet products for this reason). I wouldn't be surprised if they considered this and use a similar product.
Are they water resistant/repellent? Are they warm enough in cool/cold weather? Are they supportive for people with bad backs/knees?
The video is Vibrant brand, which is not supportive. That being said, many people with bad backs and knees, including me, have found relief after SLOWLY transitioning to true minimalist foot wear, and going barefoot quite a. bit. Raised heals and lots of padding cause changes in stride and stance that can hurt your back, hips, and knees.
Do they cover your genitals? Oh wait, we have other clothes for other needs and situations.... From your criteria we could assume that your entire wardrobe consists of thermal underwear, a parka, insulated pants, and a pair of waterproof, high-top, orthopedic boots.
Sorry, I'm not really impressed.
This was informative, and emotionally moving.
get a little sand, animal fur, dirt on that velcro and it won't work anymore. These are more for city wear..plus they are kinda ugly :/
Those are ergonomic bands that adhere to eachother, no velcro involved. However, your right about them being ugly :)
It specifically states in the article that velcro is used. "Furoshiki shoes, created by Japanese designer Masaya Hashimoto, have no laces and instead wrap around the foot–hence the name–fastening with velcro."
The ones which look like boots aren't as ugly as the ones that go to the ankle.
The ones in the video look much better. I guess they would be used by designers, people working in advertising and young people in the West. Not sure about the average population.
Velcro can become unusable due to fur in the hooks part. This is easily cleaned with a slicker brush. There are lots of velcro applications in vet med, and I had to find a way to make everything reliably usable. Looks of the shoe notwithstanding ;-P
Products like velcro onewrap do not get fur in the hooks because there aren't any (I use onewrap for my pet products for this reason). I wouldn't be surprised if they considered this and use a similar product.
Are they water resistant/repellent? Are they warm enough in cool/cold weather? Are they supportive for people with bad backs/knees?
The video is Vibrant brand, which is not supportive. That being said, many people with bad backs and knees, including me, have found relief after SLOWLY transitioning to true minimalist foot wear, and going barefoot quite a. bit. Raised heals and lots of padding cause changes in stride and stance that can hurt your back, hips, and knees.
Do they cover your genitals? Oh wait, we have other clothes for other needs and situations.... From your criteria we could assume that your entire wardrobe consists of thermal underwear, a parka, insulated pants, and a pair of waterproof, high-top, orthopedic boots.
Sorry, I'm not really impressed.
This was informative, and emotionally moving.