Like the exquisite, treasured leather goods of Italy, repaired many times to continue in their faithful service. Or like heirloom Swiss watches, passed down through the generations from father to son.
‘The sneakers that will last a lifetime’ create value through their long use, and pass on the story of their owner.

We strive for authenticity in the things we use every day. We recognize the need to respect and rely on our everyday, casual shoes.

Design

The designer began with an image in his mind of sneakers with a spacious toe line and large eyelets, similar to the shoes that a Japanese postman wears. For Bluestone, he was determined not to be satisfied with the design until he had created the ideal shape of the shoes he most wanted to wear himself. SUKUMO Leather has a natural soft finish and quality, so any scratches on the leather do not stand out, no matter how much the sneakers are worn. The surface of the leather interacts with the light for a beautiful vivid blue. The inner leather moulds to the shape of your feet for superior fit and comfort.

Material

Genuine sukumo dye is produced in Tokushima, following the 600 years traditional process. The dyer's love for his work and the plants themselves shines through in the way the indigo leaves are harvested, dried, fermented, and matured, entirely by hand. The whole process takes 300 days. The dye is fermented for two weeks before it can be used. When the dye-bath is ready, the leather is gently and thoroughly immersed. The indigo colour is created through oxidation. Dyeing is repeated up to 40 times, depending on the depth of the shade required. Finally, the dyed leather is rinsed out under running water to remove the lye, and the pure and natural indigo hue appears.

Bluestone Designer | KOICHI AKARI

‘I wanted to make sneakers
that would last a hundred years.’
This was the origin of Bluestone.

‘The first time I came across SUKUMO Leather, I sensed a kind of resilient spirit within the leather itself. We assume that ordinary sneakers will last only two or three years. But when I saw this leather, it inspired me to make sneakers that would last a hundred years.

I was struck by the beautiful blue of SUKUMO Leather, a shade I had never seen before. This was the origin of Bluestone.’