Finding high-quality heritage-centric sneakers is kinda tough. Outside of Converse 70s, which are mass-produced, there aren’t many options for top-quality pumps made by people give a shit. Luckily for those tapped into this niche, there are brands like Moonstar Japan.
Producing footwear in Japan for over 100 years, Moonstar is one of Japan’s finest makers when it comes to vulcanized sneakers inspired by both the brand’s Japanese heritage and early 20th-century American athletic sneakers. What sets Moonstar apart from other makers of these styles is that they are one of the only Japanese makers with access to traditional, kiln-fired vulcanization technology, which allows the brand to produce small batches of high-quality vulcanized sneakers, the likes of which are stocked at familiar retailers like Franklin & Poe, Blue in Green, and Redcast Heritage.
We caught up with Natsuko of Moonstar Japan to learn more about the brand and its rare production methods.
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