BRAND INTRODUCTION

Midfoo Advance

Midfoot是由一家成立于1947年的鞋履制造商推出的新鞋履品牌，旨在推广“人类本来的行走方式”。实际上，人类理想的行走方式并不是从脚跟开始，而是以整个脚底平稳着地的感觉行走。Midfoot这个词意味着“脚底中央部分的着地”。这种行走方式不会给身体带来负担，并且能够利用大肌肉群行走，因此具有持久性且不易疲劳。另一方面，如果从脚跟开始着地，则容易损伤小腿等部位的肌肉和关节。Midfoot是一款能够自然实现理想行走方式的鞋履。其外底是与关西大学人类健康学部的河端隆志教授自2014年起共同开发，经过多次试制后完成的。

Midfoot is a new shoe brand introduced by a footwear manufacturer established in 1947, promoting "the natural way of walking for humans." In fact, the ideal way for humans to walk is not to land on the heel first, but to walk with a sensation of the entire sole landing flat on the ground. The term "Midfoot" refers to "landing on the central part of the sole." This walking method does not burden the body and allows the use of larger muscle groups, making it more sustainable and less tiring. On the other hand, landing on the heel first can easily strain muscles and joints, such as those in the calves. Midfoot is a shoe designed to naturally achieve this ideal walking style. Its outsole was developed in collaboration with Professor Takashi Kawabata of the Faculty of Human Health Sciences at Kansai University, starting in 2014, and was completed after numerous prototypes.

Midfoot

“Midfoot”是指在步行或跑步时，整个脚底以平坦的方式（主观上感觉脚底中央部分着地）着地的动作。通过将整个脚底作为一个平面来接触地面，可以将地面的反作用力转化为向前推进的力量。赤脚或穿着木屐行走的动作与此类似。这种着地方式减少了因脚跟着地而产生的制动效果，从而减轻了对小腿和关节等的负担。由于主要使用的肌肉转变为臀肌群（即臀部肌肉），因此能够利用更大的肌肉群进行行走。我们认为，以Midfoot方式行走是一种不会给身体带来不必要负担的理想步行方式。

Midfoot鞋所使用的外底是由Oriental Shoes株式会社与关西大学的河端教授自2013年起共同研究开发的。这款鞋旨在实现人类最高效的着地方式，经过反复试验和改进，最终完成了能够引导理想肌肉活动并将对脚的伤害降至最低的鞋履。

MIDFOOT是实现最佳步行性能的独一无二的鞋履。

"Midfoot" refers to the action of landing with the entire sole of the foot flat on the ground (subjectively feeling like the central part of the sole is making contact) during walking or running. By using the entire sole as a surface to engage with the ground, the ground reaction force can be effectively utilized as a forward-propelling force. This movement is similar to walking barefoot or in traditional wooden clogs (geta). This type of landing reduces the braking effect caused by heel striking and minimizes the burden on the calves and joints. Since the primary muscles used shift to the gluteal muscles (i.e., the muscles of the buttocks), it allows for walking by engaging larger muscle groups. Walking with a midfoot strike is considered an ideal walking motion that avoids unnecessary strain on the body.

The outsole used in Midfoot shoes was developed through joint research by Oriental Shoes Co., Ltd. and Professor Kawabata of Kansai University, starting in 2013. Aiming to create shoes that enable the most efficient landing, the design underwent numerous trials and refinements. The final product guides ideal muscle activity and minimizes damage to the feet.

MIDFOOT is a one-of-a-kind footwear designed to achieve optimal walking performance.

TOUN

TOUN是在奈良当地的设计公司Office Camp的策划下，结合拥有70多年历史的Oriental Shoes精湛的制鞋技术，以及出生于奈良的平面设计师山野英之的设计理念而诞生的品牌。这一项目由与奈良有着深厚渊源的三方从各自的专业角度共同合作，实现了超越地域、时间和世代限制的创新尝试。TOUN不仅仅是一个地方品牌，而是通过本地研究孕育出的全新文化产物，致力于打造超越地域传播的独特产品。

TOUN was born under the direction of Nara-based design firm Office Camp, combining the high-quality leather shoe craftsmanship of Oriental Shoes, which boasts over 70 years of history, with the designs of graphic designer Hideyuki Yamano, a native of Nara. This project, a collaboration among three entities deeply connected to Nara, each contributing from their professional expertise, achieved an initiative that transcends conventional boundaries of place, time, and generation. TOUN delivers not just regional outreach but a new cultural creation born from local research, offering a product-making philosophy that goes beyond mere local promotion.

KOTOKA

奈良制鞋业起源于日本明治维新后，随着西方文化的引入，1870年开始制造欧美式皮鞋，最初以军靴为主。战后，随着经济增长和西式服装的普及，皮鞋需求激增，奈良凭借其传统鞋履制作的基础和地理优势，逐渐成为皮鞋制造的重要产地。奈良县民以认真踏实的性格著称，非常适合精细的制鞋工艺。

20世纪90年代后，市场变化导致日本国内皮鞋制造业面临挑战，奈良的鞋厂开始从竞争转向合作，共同应对市场需求的变化。进入21世纪，奈良制鞋业从数量转向质量，注重高附加值产品的开发，并通过创新设计和开拓新销售渠道，推出了如“KOTOKA”等新型皮鞋品牌。

如今，奈良制鞋业在传统与现代的结合中不断进化，致力于打造兼具品质与文化内涵的鞋履，展现了奈良作为制鞋产地的独特魅力与未来潜力。

The footwear industry in Nara originated after Japan's Meiji Restoration, with the introduction of Western culture. In 1870, the production of Western-style leather shoes began, initially focusing on military boots. After World War II, with economic growth and the popularization of Western-style clothing, the demand for leather shoes surged. Leveraging its foundation in traditional footwear craftsmanship and geographical advantages, Nara gradually became a significant hub for leather shoe manufacturing. The people of Nara Prefecture are known for their diligent and meticulous nature, making them well-suited for the intricate craft of shoemaking.

After the 1990s, market changes posed challenges to Japan's domestic leather shoe industry. In response, Nara's shoe manufacturers shifted from competition to collaboration, working together to adapt to evolving market demands. Entering the 21st century, Nara's footwear industry transitioned from quantity to quality, emphasizing the development of high-value-added products. Through innovative designs and the exploration of new sales channels, brands like "KOTOKA" were introduced.

Today, Nara's footwear industry continues to evolve by blending tradition with modernity, committed to creating shoes that combine quality and cultural significance. This showcases Nara's unique charm and future potential as a footwear production center.

SEAM.SHOES  

公司成立于秋田，专注于为众多品牌制造鞋类产品。通过从设计到最终产品的全流程自主管理，品牌能够对每一个细节进行严格把控，并通过反复的试错快速推进产品开发。在这个变化多端的时代，品牌将技术与对手工制作的热情融入到首个原创品牌“SEAM.SHOES”中。我们的鞋子将传统工艺与现代设计相结合，为每位穿着者带来优雅与舒适的日常体验。

SEAM.SHOES

Founded in Akita, we specialize in crafting shoes for numerous brands. By managing the entire process in-house, from design to final product, we maintain meticulous attention to detail and swiftly advance product development through continuous trial and error. In this rapidly changing era, we infuse our craftsmanship and passion for shoemaking into our first original brand, "SEAM.SHOES." Our shoes blend traditional craftsmanship with modern design, offering sophistication and comfort for everyday wear.

U-DOT

来自东京的制鞋品牌 U-DOT，以经验丰富的日本老手工制鞋匠人技艺为基础，结合现代感的设计，制造出高品质、充满趣味和原创性的鞋子。消费者可以根据自己的喜好选择不同质感和颜色的皮革，组合出富有自己创意的鞋款。柔软的单层皮，简洁的设计风格和舒适的穿着感，为U-DOT在日本本土，中国和欧美等地都带来众多的喜爱者。

U-DOT  

U-DOT, a Tokyo-based shoe brand, blends the craftsmanship of experienced Japanese shoemakers with modern design to create high-quality, playful, and original footwear. Customers can personalize their shoes by selecting different textures and colors of leather to craft a pair that reflects their creativity. With soft single-layer leather, minimalist designs, and exceptional comfort, U-DOT has garnered a loyal following in Japan, China, and across Europe and North America.

Coshaer

“不需要华丽，只要一点点时尚就好。”  这是品牌的诞生初衷。设计理念以“虽然只是稍微有点个性，但能让今天的穿搭变得更时尚”为概念，设计简约，易于搭配日常服装。从材料的选择到舒适的鞋型设计，我们在每一个细节上都倾注了心血。所有工序均在奈良县大和郡山市完成，传承当地精湛的手工技艺。为了让您能够长久穿着并珍惜每一双鞋，我们采用了易于修复的结构设计，致力于制作经久耐用的产品。  

Brand Philosophy

"It doesn’t have to be flashy—just a little bit stylish."  

This is the essence of “Koshāru” (小洒落る), a brand born from the idea of subtle refinement.  

Concept

Our shoes are designed to effortlessly complement simple outfits. The concept is: "Shoes that are just a little unique, yet have the power to elevate your entire look."

Craftsmanship

We pay meticulous attention to every detail—from the selection of materials to ergonomic designs that ensure a comfortable fit. Every pair is crafted entirely in Yamatokoriyama, Nara Prefecture, where tradition and craftsmanship come together.  

Sustainability

We create shoes to last. With a focus on repairability, our designs are built to be cherished and worn for years, fostering a deeper connection between you and your footwear.