CLOSE
FEATURE | TIE UP
Five Red Wings and their patinas.
Great Variety of RED WING

Five Red Wings and their patinas.

One of the best parts of wearing boots is not only wearing them, but also growing them into a pair that is uniquely yours. Red Wing's work boots are just the kind of boots you want to enjoy growing into. After putting your feet through the shoes and walking on many paths, you will finally develop a taste for them. I feel that this is where the true value of an item emerges. So, how do the users of this brand wear their boots and how do they enjoy the aging process? Through the stories of five users' boots, we will explore the hidden charm of Red Wing.

RED WING Lovers

Gaku Sakomura

Kamiya Ryu

Hiroyoshi Takao

Takahiro Higashiyama

Yosuke Ishii

RED WING Lovers
  • Gaku Sakomura
    SUPERSOLE 6″ MOC
  • Kamiya Ryu
    IRON RANGER
  • Hiroyoshi Takao
    6″ CLASSIC MOC
  • Takahiro Higashiyama
    IRON RANGER
  • Yosuke Ishii
    CLASSIC CHELSEA

Style 01: Gaku Sakomura with SUPERSOLE 6″ MOC It blends easily with a coordinated look, but also makes a statement in a good way.

PROFILE

Gaku Sakomura
Director, BIOTOP

He joined JUN in his hometown of Osaka as a sales representative for "ADAM ET ROPÉ” At the age of 31, he became the creative director of "ADAM ET ROPÉ" and "Biotope". Currently, he is the director and buyer of "Biotope" and also leads JUN as the managing director.

In recent years, "Biotope" has deepened its relationship with brands, such as releasing special-order models of "Red Wing", right?

Sakomura:Red Wing" has traditionally had an image of American casual, but the brand asked us if we could add a new perspective by proposing something that would harmonize with the mode style. I myself used to wear Red Wing boots a lot. That's when I was approached and the special order project began.

When did you start wearing Red Wing?

Sakomura:I've been wearing them since I was in high school...mid 90's, something like that.

Those were the days when American casual was at its height, weren't they?

Sakomura:That's right. But in my case, Hiroshi Fujiwara had a big influence on me. When I saw him wearing Red Wing shoes in a magazine, I thought I would like to have a pair myself.

You wanted to wear them in the context of street fashion, not in the so-called "American casual" context.

Sakomura:That's right. At the time, the most popular "Red Wing" was the reddish-brown moc-toe Irish setter, but I admired Hiroshi, so I got suede plain-toes and wore them. Rather than wearing vintage clothes, I would match them with sweatpants from Good Enough or standard denim from A.P.C.

I can feel the mood of those days in the way you wear your clothes today.

Sakomura:That may be so. I think it is just right to wear a blouson over a T-shirt at this time of year, with black denim on the bottom to tie it all together.

The "Super Sole" looks very familiar to me.

Sakomura:Actually, I had never worn supersoles before, but now I have become interested in them. I have seen more and more of my acquaintances wearing them over the years, and I thought they looked easy to match. I like the all-black leather, which blends easily with my outfits, and the white stitching on the toe adds just the right accent. The volume is just right, and when I look at my own feet from above, I think they are well balanced.

How long have you been wearing them?

Sakomura:I got them about six months ago, but I am the type of person who changes my footwear every day, so I've only worn them about 10 times in total. However, the quality of the leather is very good, and I can tell right away that the company is very thorough in its quality control. When I wear them, I can strongly feel how comfortable they are on my feet.

What else do you think is attractive about Red Wing?

Sakomura:The design is simple, but it has just the right amount of assertiveness. It blends in easily with your coordination, but it also makes you feel like you are wearing them, in a good way. I think this sense of balance is very appealing.

Speaking of "Red Wing", one of the best parts of "Red Wing" is to nurture the shoes.

Sakomura:The suede boots I've worn so far have only been sprayed with waterproofing spray at the beginning, and I've hardly taken care of them, but I think it would be nice to maintain them regularly to make them look shiny. I don't want to go so far as to make them mirror-like, but I would like to wear them with a bit of a shine.

SUPERSOLE 6″ MOC

Super Sole" is characterized by its lightweight and durable sole. The first time I put my feet in these shoes, I was surprised at how comfortable they felt," says Sakomura. Perhaps it's the manufacturing method, but the sole is very comfortable and easy to walk in," he continues. The more he wore them, the more the leather fit the shape of his feet and the more comfortable they became.

SUPERSOLE 6″ MOC ¥34,760

This pair was developed by Red Wing in the 1970s and is made using the patented "Super Sole manufacturing method. The sole is made of urethane foam that provides excellent grip, abrasion resistance, and cushioning, and has a unique look that is different from conventional work boots. The upper is made of black chrome leather. The upper is made of black chrome leather, creating a mode item that is both powerful and sexy at the same time.

Style 02:Ryu Kamiya with IRON RANGER It is a gateway to work boots and a brand of aggravation.

PROFILE

Kamiya Ryu
ALONE Designer

After working for select stores and domestic brands, he established his own company. He is currently involved in planning for various domestic brands, and is also a designer for his own brands, "Alone" and "Specter Fabric Communication.

What kind of bike are you riding today?

Kamiya:This is an Italian scooter called "Lambretta," which I had put on display more than ten years ago to express my world view at an exhibition of a brand I respected. It was apparently placed there more than ten years ago to express the world of a brand I respected at an exhibition. I like the fact that it has been painted and the handlebars have been custom-made to a lower position, as if the owners before me had done a lot of tinkering with it.

I feel that such a bike matches the sexy silhouette of the "Iron Ranger" with its heel.

Kamiya:I think you may be right. Even though this bike is a scooter, the engine doesn't start with a single touch, so you have to kick to start. So I feel a little insecure in sneakers, and I need tough shoes to ride. With Red Wing shoes, I don't have to worry about them breaking even if I kick them as hard as I can.

If so, do your boots make an appearance on a regular basis?

Kamiya:There are so many. I've always loved boots, and there was a time when I stayed away from work boots, but as I got older, I wanted to wear historical boot brand items again, so I've been wearing them a lot lately.

What do you think is the appeal of "Red Wing" among various brands?

Kamiya:I think it is a gateway brand of work boots and an ageless brand. There was a time when I was inclined toward more cozy work boots, but I felt that the design and details were too matchy-matchy, and I began to feel that simple boots with more elements stripped down were more realistic in style, which is what I aspired to. That's when I realized that "Red Wing" was just right for me. Since then, I have been wearing boots from this brand ever since.

How long have you been wearing "Iron Ranger"?

Kamiya:I've been wearing them for less than a year now. Originally, I used to wear engineer boots and the like a lot, but I got them because I wanted lighter boots. Maybe it was because I was wearing those hard boots, but I like that the "Iron Ranger" is much lighter. I also like the fact that it is a heel sole rather than a cushion sole. I like that balance between appearance and wearability.

They are work boots, but they also have a dressiness to them.

Kamiya:That's right. I can wear them in a beautiful way.

Do you take care of them?

Kamiya:As for the uppers, I don't take much care of them. When the leather texture becomes dry, I just put a little oil on it to moisturize it. I think the charm of work boots is that you can wear them roughly. The "Iron Ranger" has a little bit of wear on the toe, but I get attached to it in that way.

It's the kind of aging that only Mr. Kamiya can do.

Kamiya:That's right. I think it must be because I ride a motorcycle, but I think the charm of boots is that they become a pair that is unique to me. It's strange for me to say this, but I think they have grown into a pair of boots that are very manly (laughs).

What did you keep in mind when coordinating?

Kamiya:It's cold with just a jacket on while riding a motorcycle, even at this time of the year. I think it might be from the 70's, but I like the unusual transfer print on it. I used to work in a vintage clothing store a long time ago, so I often mix vintage clothes and vintage items somewhere in my coordination.

IRON RANGER

The wrinkles on the instep and scratches on the toe of Mr. Kamiya's "Iron Ranger" suggest hard use. They get stains from engine oil and battery acid spills, but it gives them a nice look," Kamiya says happily. The appearance of a motorcyclist highlights the toughness of Red Wing's products.

IRON RANGER ¥50,710

The name comes from the miners working in the Iron Range, a mining region in the northern part of Minnesota, USA, where Red Wing is based. A modern refinement of the capped toe boot to protect the toes, designed to be loose-fitting and easy to wear. The leather is oiled in black with a skin-grain finish. The combination of the round toe and heel sole creates a somewhat dressier mood.

Style 03: Hiroyoshi Takao with 6″ CLASSIC MOC These items must be worn and loved for a long time.

PROFILE

Hiroyoshi Takao
LEAD Owner

He has been working in vintage clothing stores since he was in college, and deepened his knowledge while working as a staff member not only in his hometown Hiroshima, but also in Kobe and Tokyo. 2018, he opened a vintage clothing store "LEAD" in Hiroshima. He is creating a store based on the theme of "tradition and innovation.

You have appeared in the media as a sneaker enthusiast, but have you ever worn Red Wing sneakers?

Kaohsiung:Of course. The first pair I ever wore were suede engineer boots. As I got into vintage clothing and learned about classic shoes, I couldn't avoid Red Wing. So I requested a pair myself, and my grandmother bought them for me. When I reached the age of 20, my father gave me a pair of "Postman" as a gift and I wore them.

I think I will love it more when it is given to me as a gift from my family.

Kaohsiung:That's right. For me, "Red Wing" is a boot that I wear with a sense of connection. The "Classic Moc" that I am wearing today is a pair that I got after a friend of mine told me about the existence of this color. I have only been wearing them for a short time, but I want to take good care of them.

You have worn a variety of shoes, including boots, sneakers, and leather shoes, but when do you wear Red Wing shoes?

Kaohsiung:I basically choose shoes that match with my outfits, and when I want to add a rugged element to a slightly elegant outfit, I match "Red Wing" boots. Today's "Classic I like the pinkish color of today's "Classic Moc," and I wore them to add a touch of spring and color to my styling. I like the pinkish color of the "Classic Moc" today. I think the color of the boots adds a bit of spring and color to the look. That's how you find the balance.

Red Wing" in pink is somewhat new to me. But because of its light tone, it shows various expressions depending on how the light hits it.

Kaohsiung:That's what I like about it. When I coordinate my outfits, I like to keep the overall tonal balance harmonious. If I wore black boots here, the contrast would be too strong, but with this color and suede, they blend in very well.

I also thought it was brilliant how you matched the color of the watch.

Kaohsiung:The clock was purchased on the one-year anniversary of my independence, and the colors matched perfectly.

You have only been wearing them for a short time.

Kaohsiung:Maybe it is cool to wear Red Wing shoes tough and dirty, but for these pink suede shoes, I dare to wear them clean. I don't take much care of beige suede, but for this one, I brush it frequently. People often ask me, "You don't wear them much? I often get that question, but in fact, I take good care of them.

I think they will grow up to be classy boots by wearing them that way.

Kaohsiung:I would be happy if the boots are classy and tasteful. At first glance, they look beautiful, but if you look closely, you can see the leather has a strong taste. So I plan to wear them carefully and nurture them for a long time to come. Because I make my living from vintage clothing, I tend to put off buying items that I can buy at any time, but recently I have started wearing "Red Wing" boots, and I strongly feel that these are the items that I need to wear and love for a long time. I believe that there is nothing better than something that you have grown yourself.

6″ CLASSIC MOC

The "Classic Moc" has been carefully worn and nurtured for about a month. The moderate creases in the shoes add depth to the look. I honestly wondered if it would take time for my feet to get used to them, but my fears were unfounded. I thought it might take a while for my feet to get used to them, but my fears were unfounded. Now they are very easy to wear. I think it's great that they can be made in the U.S. with this quality and at this price," he says enthusiastically.

6″ CLASSIC MOC ¥45,870

This is a representative item of Red Wing, whose roots are in work and hunting. It features a moc toe that allows for a high degree of freedom of foot placement and a traction tread sole that is easy to walk in any location and does not tire easily even after long hours of wear. The upper is made of rough-out leather in Dusty Rose Abilene, and the light pink color adds a touch of color to your feet while fitting with a variety of outfits.

Style 04:Takahiro Higashiyama with IRON RANGER Sole customization makes this pair ideal for both appearance and comfort.

PROFILE

Takahiro Higashiyama
Office Higashiyama Representative

After working as a store staff of "BEAMS", he moved to an advertising company and established his own company, "OFFICE HIGASHIYAMA" in 2021. HIGASHIYAMA" in 2021. Currently, he is producing in the field of creative and communication for various brands, mainly apparel.

What is the connection between you and Red Wing?

East Mt:I've been wearing them since I was in high school, and the first pair I ever got were side gore boots. After that, I also bought "Supersoles" and "Irish Setters.

It is an unusual choice to choose side gore boots for the first pair, isn't it?

East Mt:At the time, Delkazi was in vogue, and I liked clean fashion (laughs). I used to wear side gore boots with white or black jeans. I also liked outdoor clothing, so I often wore items from American brands. Red Wing boots fit well with that style.

Do you continue to wear them consistently after that?

East Mt:That's right. When I was working at BEAMS, I also worked with Red Wing, so I have some rare boots that were specially ordered. So I have always been familiar with the brand.

And you've been wearing them a lot recently.

East Mt:I feel that in the past few years, there has been a resurgence in the industry. I think Red Wing is a brand that has never wavered. They are still manufactured in the U.S., and they continue to maintain a high level of quality. Good products can be loved for a long time, and young people are discovering this appeal and wearing them freely with their own sensitivity. I am inspired by such a scene, and it also brings back a sense of freshness to my work.

You are wearing "Iron Ranger" today, but the sole is custom made with a traction tread sole instead of a heel type sole.

East Mt:I had originally not worn them because they seemed too rugged, but a Red Wing staff member recommended them to me, and when I tried them on, I was surprised at how well they fit. At that time, I got an image of how they could be reborn in a modern way if they were changed to a traction tread sole, so I decided to take the plunge and customize them. When I finally got around to it, I was pleased to see that it turned out exactly the way I wanted. The look is now to my liking, and the comfort has also improved a lot.

Red Wing also offers official customization services, doesn't it?

East Mt:That is one of the charms of the brand, isn't it? The soles inevitably wear out, and by reupholstering them in this way, we can keep wearing them for a long time with a sense of attachment.

How long have you been wearing them?

East Mt:I got them late last year and wear them 2-3 times a week. I haven't taken care of them at all, but I think the look has changed somewhat. The leather is much softer than when I first started wearing them. The fit has increased a lot.

What did you have in mind for the coordination?

East Mt:Both the top and bottom are coordinated with items from [non-native]. Rather than the American casual style of yesteryear, my current mood is to wear slacks or easy pants. The designer, Mr. Fujii, wears a variety of shoes, including sneakers, leather shoes, and boots, and incorporates the data he obtains into the silhouette of the pants. Recently, he supervised a special-order model for Red Wing, and perhaps that's why the boots go so well with the clothes he makes. They look very natural, but the width of the hems and the length are well calculated to create a beautiful silhouette. That's why I always wear this combination.

IRON RANGER

The suede fluff has been worn in for many years, and it is about to take on a new, rich look. I'm a little embarrassed to keep them clean, so I want to wear them hard and get them dirty more and more," says Higashiyama. I want to put more wrinkles on them, and I think it will be cool if the soles get dirty and darker," he says with a gentle expression as he looks at his own boots.

IRON RANGER ¥50,710

The Iron Ranger is made of beige-colored suede. The oiled roughout leather has a darker color than dry tan suede. The deep coloring and the fur of the suede give the boots a calm mood. The wooden pattern uses the No. 8 last, which is widely used for round-toe type boots, and the silhouette fits a variety of pants.

Style 05:Yosuke Ishii with CLASSIC CHELSEA Red Wing is a work boot. They are just right for rough wear.

PROFILE

Yosuke Ishii
HOUYHNHNM, Editor-in-Chief.

After working as an editor at an apparel and publishing company, she joined HOUYHNHNM's editorial team in 2016. He currently serves as editor-in-chief and manages the medium while keeping his brain fully engaged in producing hip articles. He enjoys fishing.

I heard that you usually ride a bicycle.

Ishii:Bicycles are very flexible and suit my work style. This is true when I commute from my home to the editorial office, and also when I go to exhibitions and meetings. Most of the places I visit for work are within 20 minutes by bicycle from the editorial office, so it is more efficient than taking the bus or train.

When you ride a bicycle, do you pay attention to the shoes you wear?

Ishii:I don't mind too much, but if I had to say so, I would say that I try to avoid leather soles because of the jaggedness of the pedals. In that sense, Red Wing's traction tread soles are a great match. The flat outsole gives me a sense of stability and allows me to step hard. The sturdy construction also keeps my feet safe. When you think about it, they may be surprisingly suited for bicycles.

I see that you are wearing "Classic Chelsea" today.

Ishii:This model was released three years ago and I got it around that time. I prefer shoes without laces, and in the past I often wore Red Wing's Pecos boots. The "Classic Chelsea" is also somewhat Pecos. Chelsea" also has a Pecos-like atmosphere. The style is a Chelsea boot of English origin, but the thick suede, the thickly-trimmed, rugged leather sole, and the familiar sole are all made in the manner of a work boot, just like Red Wing. I found this hybrid design interesting.

Why do you prefer to wear shoes without laces?

Ishii:I am lazy, so tying and untieing shoelaces is simply a hassle for me (laughs). I often wear patterned pants, so it's easy for me to coordinate them.

You got it three years ago, so it has aged well.

Ishii:I wear them without any particular scene or situation in mind. I usually wear them when shooting at a campground or fishing. They hold my ankles securely, so they can handle a little bit of outdoor activities without any problems. If it rains a little, water won't get in, and they are very reliable.

Are you taking care of them?

Ishii:I don't do that at all. I try to take care of dress shoes and the like, but with Red Wing boots, they are work boots. I think they look better when they are dirty. Personally, I think it is just fine to wear them roughly.

What did you think of today's coordination?

Ishii:I tried to create a work-style look by combining "Red Wing" with coveralls and a work shirt. However, a straight work style is not enough, so I added track pants, accessories, and colors to create a style that is unique to me. I have an image of deciding on one theme that will be the pillar of the coordination, and then adding different tastes to it just to add flavor.

The use of colors is also very spring-like.

Ishii:I try to keep the colors to about three as much as possible. In today's case, it is off-white, beige, and a touch of purple. The off-white and beige color combination of the tops is based on the color scheme of the upper and sole of the boots. I also picked up the color of the boot's leather collar with a leather necklace. The purple color of the pants is also a subdued color, and the side lines are off-white, so I think they blend well together.

CLASSIC CHELSEA

After three years of rough wear, Mr. Ishii's "Classic Chelsea" has taken on a rugged, aged appearance. Mr. Ishii's "Classic Chelsea. I like the dirty look of the beige suede, and this pair is close to my ideal," says Ishii. The look of the furry suede, the wear lines, and the speckles of darkening in places give the boots a deep depth. The leather is very comfortable on my feet," he says. They are also very comfortable to wear.

CLASSIC CHELSEA ¥43,450

The gores (rubber cloth) placed on the sides of the shoe make it easy to put on and take off, and it fits securely around the ankle to prevent mud and other contaminants from entering the "Classic Chelsea". The sole is made of Poron, a highly cushioned material with an established reputation as a super sole, adding comfort and ease of wear. The upper is made of oiled rough-out leather. The deep coloring is also attractive.
INFORMATION

RED WING JAPAN

Phone: 03-5791-3280

Instagram: @redwingheritage_jp
redwingheritage.com/

Add this entry to Hatena Bookmarks