In recent years, high-quality footwear made of premium materials have become more and more popular. The approach manufacturers use for such sneakers are perhaps closer to “boot” than to “cross-type”. This is due to the quality of execution, the selection of materials and the general style of such shoes. As a rule, a laconic silhouette of retro tennis shoes is used as the basis.
Such shoes can be found in Japan and more specifically- at Yoak.
This brand is relatively young and has existed since 2015. However, the production itself, which is directly engaged in manufacturing products, is from an old Tokyo shoe shop, which has been operating for more than 50 years. The creators of Yoak at various times worked in various fields related to the production of footwear, fashion and style. The main characterisitcs of their products are very high quality of production, really good raw material and an extremely attentive approach to production.
Many Japanese brands rely on the use of old vintage equipment to produce their goods. In principle, what is seen in the photographs is quite far from the on-line factory process. In general, the manufacturers themselves say that it is now extremely difficult to produce shoes completely in Japan. This is not due to cost control, however. Often, simply it’s because there are no necessary productions capable of making the required volume of products. Sometimes even very famous and expensive Japanese brands in Japan don’t always have the opportunity to produce products completely on site. The ability to produce leather shoes of this level completely in Japan is only in such small workshops with very limited runs and a very modest model range.
The factory produces relatively small copies of shoes for Yoak, so the reproduction of certain models does not go very fast. However, this careful approach allows us to get a product of exemplary quality, for which the whole world appreciates the works of Japanese masters.
The outer layer is cut by hand, which is almost impossible with the production of large quantities.
Blanks preparing for the moment of “turning” into wonderful sneakers:
The master sews the sole. The hand-sewn sole will serve for a long time.
The use of small-scale production directly in Japan, allows Yoak to control the quality and the process of manufacturing shoes of high-quality leather and suede.
It is worth noting that the material of the top uses veal leather, which is strong and elastic. From the inside, the shoes are trimmed with a thin, soft and comfortable pork skin. Truth said, a well-thought thoughtful ergonomics of shoes.
Each pair has a thick insole with a foam filler that makes the sole very soft and elastic. For easy pairing, Yoak use classic retro silhouettes that can be harmoniously combined with a variety of clothes.
Now lets go ahead and consider the models that Yoak produces:
STANLEY
Probably the most concise and most balanced model in the collection of this brand. It is a canonical restrained silhouette of retro tennis shoes. Available in two of the most simple and traditional colors: white and black.
“STANLEY” LACE UP LEATHER SNEAKER (WHITE)
“STANLEY” LACE UP LEATHER SNEAKER (BLACK)
As already mentioned above, the material for the top here is used calfskin, while the thin pork skin is used on the inside and on the insole.
The insole is very important for this type of footwear. This particular model has a hard flat sole. Accordingly, the insole here has an anatomical shape and is made of a foam material, which effectively amortizes during walking.
The backstop on these sneakers is stitched.
On the reverse side, the European size and the inscription about the Japanese origin of these sneakers are marked.
The Stanley model can be called universal, since it will be well combined with different clothes, although perhaps the white version with dark denim is still better not to combine in order to avoid the inevitable color of indigo dye.
STANLEY HI
This is a higher version of the previous model, also made in two strict colors: black and white.
“STANLEY HI” HIGH CUT LEATHER SNEAKER (BLACK)
“STANLEY HI” HIGH CUT LEATHER SNEAKER (WHITE)
The back is sewn with a special loop for easy putting on of these sneakers.
LUKE
In general, the base of these sneakers is the same, but just instead of laces two Velcro tapes are used.
“LUKE” VELCRO LEATHER SNEAKER (WHITE)
“LUKE” VALCRO LEATHER SNEAKER (BLACK)
The main difference of this model is the use of two velcro buckles.
STANLEY ZIP
And, finally, a version with a zipper.
“STANLEY ZIP” ZIP UP LEATHER SNEAKER (BLACK X BLACK)
“STANLEY ZIP” ZIP UP LEATHER SNEAKER (WHITE X WHITE)
In general, it’s all playing on the same basic model STANLEY. But in this version, the sneakers can be unlocked or unfastened with a zipper fastener.
The zipper fastener itself is powerful and eye-catching.
ULYSE
The model has a silhouette different from all previous ones. There is a more pronounced backdrop and suede reinforcing pads.
These sneakers are produced in three different colors: black, white and in the color of untreated skin (this variant, perhaps, is the most unusual, and over time the color of the skin will change and darken).
“ULYSE” LACE UP SNEAKER (BLACK)
“ULYSE” LACE UP SNEAKER (WHITE)
“ULYSE” LACE UP SNEAKER (BEIGE)
Sneakers have beautiful lining of soft suede
These sneakers look quite versatile.
LILY
These soft suede shoes will be good “friends” with chinos trousers, khaki, shorts and with some jeans. It will probably pair best with jeans from raw denim in the coloring of SUMMER BLUE
“LILY” SUEDE SLIP-ON (SUMMER BLUE)
Thus, friends, you have a great opportunity to personally get acquainted with the shoes of the highest quality made in Japan. For a more accurate determination of the size, do not hesitate to contact our customer support.
Enjoy the shopping!
