Born in Nara, TOUN sneakers are a hybrid shoe combining leather shoes and sneakers, built on 70 years of know-how.

Did you know that Nara is a region where footwear making has long flourished?

It may not be widely known that Nara is home to a variety of active footwear makers, producing everything from setta (traditional leather-soled sandals) to leather shoes.

TOUN's sneakers, which combine comfortable walking feel with high durability, are one such example.

We'd like to introduce TOUN sneakers, born from a desire to create footwear that stays true to Nara's role as a place connecting history and culture—unchanging over time, yet new.

The foundation: 70 years of leather shoemaking

TOUN sneakers are made by Oriental Shoes, a maker of men's leather shoes. Thanks to their 70 years of accumulated leather shoemaking know-how, they were able to create TOUN's one-of-a-kind sneakers that draw on the best qualities of both leather shoes and sneakers.

So where exactly do TOUN's distinctive features lie?

1. Material selection made possible by deep knowledge of leather

The exterior uses cowhide suede (velour), while the interior uses pigskin.

The cowhide suede, which gives the sneaker its soft touch and silky texture and defines its overall impression, deliberately uses material with a stronger nap, allowing as little material as possible to go to waste.

Pigskin, which is highly moisture-absorbent and well-suited to the interior of shoes where humidity tends to build up, has a soft, smooth feel in contrast to cowhide, and conforms easily to the shape of the foot.

2. The secret to its soft comfort

Compared to men's leather shoes, which are made firm and sturdy using outer leather, lining leather, and reinforcing materials, TOUN sneakers are constructed almost entirely from outer leather alone, giving them a soft comfort found in neither leather shoes nor canvas sneakers. This softness is also what makes them less tiring to wear.

3. A soft fit that still holds securely

The last, which forms the base shape of the shoe, is the same as that used for leather shoes. Artisans carefully fit the leather to the last by hand, one shoe at a time. By using the tight-fitting last of a leather shoe, the sneaker holds the foot securely even with its soft material.

4. The secret to ease of walking lies in the sole

The biggest feature not found in typical sneakers is the shank, sometimes called the "spine of the shoe," placed beneath the sole. Normally used to support heeled leather shoes, using a shank in a sneaker creates a stable shoe that resists twisting.

Finally, the upper (the part of the shoe above the sole) and the sole (the base that supports the foot) are directly stitched together using a technique called side McKay construction, increasing durability and completing a sneaker that resists damage.

5. Sneakers crafted through the hands of a graphic designer and artisans

TOUN sneakers were born from a somewhat unusual combination: a graphic designer creates the design, and a leather shoe maker manufactures it. Precisely because the designer does not specialize in product design, the sneakers gain a storytelling quality from a different angle, resulting in a simple, easy-to-understand design. TOUN sneakers have a crafted feel that conveys a sense of human warmth. This design—something that feels both familiar and yet had never quite existed before—gives the brand a presence unlike any other.

▲Women's Sneaker Five Camel

Now that you know what makes TOUN special, let's find your favorite pair

TOUN sneakers come in two designs, named "Three" and "Five" after the number of eyelets (holes for the laces). What differences are there between the two?

Women's Sneaker Three

▲Women's Sneaker Three Green, inspired by the shoe that "wraps" the foot—the very origin of footwear 

The Three has a simple construction, as if a single piece of leather had a slit cut into it, with soft, plump wrinkles forming across the instep for a gentle wearing feel. Though it gives a relaxed impression, you can rest assured it holds the foot securely, since it's made using the tight-fitting last of a leather shoe.

Women's Sneaker Five

▲Women's Sneaker Five Green, modeled on the deck shoe, said to be the origin of the sneaker

While its design brings to mind a standard sneaker, the Five's combination of materials and colors also carries a sense of freshness, making it a perfect fit for TOUN's concept of "NEW NOSTALGIC."

Color Lineup

Green, inspired by the grass and greenery of Nara's original landscape, is a neutral color that carries no particular statement or meaning. Camel, paired with navy, adds a bright touch to your feet, brightening up the otherwise dark tones of autumn and winter outfits.

▲Left: Three Green　Right: Three Camel

TOUN sneakers pair beautifully with outfits that put the spotlight on your feet. Both Green and Camel are colors that enhance a coordination, so try incorporating them as an accent to a simple outfit.

Sweatshirt: GG SWEAT CREWNECK BUTTER (coming soon)

Pants: Custom-order CTX-010L 12oz Selvedge Straight Jeans White

Shoes: Women's Sneaker Three Camel

Pants: NAJA Denim Pants

Shoes: Women's Sneaker Three Camel

A versatile pair that blends in with a wide range of outfits. Thanks to its suede fabric, this sneaker has a refined, calm feel, making it a great choice for those looking for a sneaker that doesn't feel too casual.

Hoodie: Retrofitted Loose Fit Hoodie

Skirt: Cotton Slub Piping Skirt (coming soon)

Shoes: Women's Sneaker Five Green

Pouch: [Custom-order] HORSE LEATHER WAIST POUCH

Shirt: BANDCOLLAR SHIRT (coming soon)

Pants: Cotton Balloon Pants

Shoes: Women's Sneaker Five Green

Bag: Balbas Tote HALLIE

Pants: NAJA Denim Pants

Shoes: Women's Sneaker Five Green

Leave the Size Selection to Us Too

You may have come across a lovely pair of shoes but felt unsure which size to choose, worried about getting it wrong.

TOUN sneakers in particular are based on the construction of leather shoes, so it can be hard to tell how they differ from the sneakers you normally wear. If you're not confident about picking your size, please use TOUN's insole gauge sheet to find the size that's right for you.

It's very easy to use.

1. Print out TOUN's insole gauge sheet at A4, actual size.

2. Align your heel with the Heel line.

3. The right size for you is the size that adds one thumb's width beyond your toe. 

*Depending on the print condition, there may be some discrepancy in the scale on the measurement sheet, so please check the measurements against a ruler to make sure they're accurate.

*Please measure while wearing the socks you normally wear, standing on a hard floor such as flooring.

*If the total width that extends beyond the guideline is 20mm or more, we recommend sizing up by 0.5cm regardless of your foot length.

Our ZUTTO staff actually tried fitting themselves using this sheet.

【 Staff H 】

　Measurement result: 23.0cm

　Item tried on: Women's Sneaker Three Green

 【 Staff T 】

　Measurement result: 24.0cm

　Item tried on: Women's Sneaker Five Camel 

According to TOUN's own research, measurements using the insole gauge sheet matched the correct size for over 90% of people. The two ZUTTO staff members who measured this time also got results that matched the size they found fit best when actually trying the shoes on. Choosing the size that's right for you reduces strain on your feet and lets you fully enjoy the comfort of wearing them. It's easy to do at home, so if you're unsure which size to choose, please give the insole gauge sheet a try.

For Years of Continued Use

Finally, so that you can keep loving and using your TOUN sneakers for years to come, here's some information on care and repairs.

About Care

Do you think suede shoes stain easily and can't be worn on rainy days?

Actually, suede is a material that can be used regardless of the weather. Suede fabric is made from raised fibers. When it gets wet, these fibers lie down, which makes it look as though a stain has appeared.

When the fibers have been flattened by rain, gently brush them with a slightly stiff brush. This alone is enough to raise the fibers again. Dust can also be removed with brushing, so it's nice that such simple care lets you wear them any time of year.

About Repairs

The side McKay construction, in which the upper and sole are stitched directly together, has a simple structure that allows the sole to be replaced with a new one simply by removing the stitching. This makes it possible to give TOUN a new lease on life while keeping the same soft, foot-hugging fit.

The Oriental Shoes factory always keeps a stock of soles and other materials needed for repairs. Since the repairs are carried out by the very makers who craft the shoes, you can trust the quality of the work.

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