Make a difference with every step you take. Why choose "Vibram soles"? What is the appeal that YUEN loves?

Whether in the city or outdoors, the way you dress your feet can greatly affect the impression of your fashion. And even more important than appearance is the feeling you get when you walk . At YUEN, we are in love with this kind of "functional beauty" and have selected many shoes with Vibram soles.

In this article, we will introduce the basics of "What is a Vibram sole?", the points to look out for when choosing sandals, and YUEN's recommended styles. We will delve deeper into the "differences" that only those who wear them can understand.

What are the qualities that make a truly good shoe, something you can only understand by trying them on?

"Why don't you stop giving up on fashion forever?"

As a member of the YUEN planning team, I would like to share with you what I have personally experienced over the past few years. In the past, I would prioritize appearance when choosing shoes, and put functionality on the back burner. Even if I thought, "I might be walking a long time today," I would end up choosing my favorite platform sneakers, and by the evening, my feet would be sore. There were days when I would find a bench when I was out and about and would immediately sit down.

Moreover, if you wear them for a long time, the soles will wear down and lose grip, so on rainy days you might walk in them worrying, "I might slip." While I want to enjoy fashion, the importance of "being able to walk comfortably" has increased as I've gotten older.

One day, I came across a pair of shoes that had a Vibram sole.

What exactly is a Vibram sole?

Vibram is an outsole brand that was founded in Italy in 1937. The founder, Vitale Bramani, started developing shoes that would make climbing safer after an accident while climbing.

This idea of ​​"supporting safety in the mountains from the feet up" is still applied to modern urban and outdoor life. Today, Vibram soles are widely used not only in hiking boots and trekking shoes, but also in sneakers and sandals, and are supported by brands around the world as a "trusted sole."

At first, I was also a "look-first" person, so I never paid much attention to the sole brand of shoes. But once you put them on and walk around, you can immediately see the difference.

Three charms of Vibram soles | The difference you can feel the moment you put them on

1. Reliable grip, no need to worry about rainy days

The biggest appeal of the Vibram sole is its overwhelming grip on the ground. This is achieved by using a special rubber material and a unique pattern design born from years of know-how.

For example, on a crosswalk on a rainy day, on the tile floor of a station, on the dirt of a campsite... In places where I used to walk while thinking "be careful not to slip," I can walk naturally with peace of mind with shoes with Vibram soles. This "small stress reduction" actually makes a huge difference.

2. Shoes are economical because they last longer

The sneakers I've been wearing for over two years also have Vibram soles. Normally, the rubber on the heel would wear down and become loose, but they're still in good condition. The rubber is neither too hard nor too soft, and has just the right amount of elasticity, which is what makes them both durable and comfortable to wear.

Less wear on the soles of your shoes means you have to replace them less often. You can buy another pair with a positive feeling, like "I like the look of these, so I want to buy another pair," and I think that's a really ideal cycle.

3. Gentle cushioning makes walking easier

One of the charms of Vibram is that it betrays the image that thick soles are heavy. The first ones I tried on had a voluminous design, but they were surprisingly light and the impact on my feet was soft.

Especially when traveling or going to festivals, where you walk more than usual, the difference in fatigue is obvious. I was surprised at how different my shoes make me feel at the end of the day. Shoes that make me feel like I can still walk expand my range of movement.

Why Vibram sole sandals are recommended this summer

In the summer, you want to keep your feet light, but you don't want to compromise on comfort or safety. Sandals with Vibram soles are just the thing for you.

It provides a sense of security by firmly supporting your feet while still maintaining breathability and ease of putting on and taking off. I love the contrast between the minimalist look and the technology packed into the soles.

Recently, there are more colors available, not just basic black and beige, but also more colors with a little accent. They are comfortable to wear and have a sophisticated look, so they look great both in the city and outdoors.

YUEN's recommendation of "Vibram sole" style

Vibram soles are the perfect item for people who don't want to compromise on looks or comfort. YUEN offers everyday styles that make the most of their functionality and design. Here, we introduce three styles that are easy to incorporate into your everyday life.

1. Outdoor mix that blends in with the city

I often wear nylon pants and anoraks on my days off, and I like how by pairing them with sneakers with Vibram soles, I can create the perfect "outdoorsy" look. The great thing about these is that they incorporate outdoor elements while still being suitable for the city.

2. Balance your look with wide pants and thick soles

Thick-soled Vibram shoes are a perfect match for wide pants. They don't feel too loose, and they give your feet a sense of stability. What's interesting is that even outfits that look a little heavy can look more "tight" just by having the soles of your shoes have some unevenness.

3. Minimalist finish with a white shirt and black Vibram

I often use the combination of a simple white shirt and black Vibram soles when I want to show a subtle sense of commitment. It's a combination that looks good on anyone, but if your feet have depth, the impression changes just by that.

The Vibram sole blends naturally into any style while still having a strong presence. At YUEN, we value creating styles that bring out the individuality of each person while making the most of functionality.

Summary | The essence of shoes lies in the “invisible” parts

Since I started choosing shoes with Vibram soles, I have come to strongly believe that "shoes are directly connected to the quality of my life." Just having a pair of shoes that meet all of these ideals - a design I like, can wear for a long time, and are easy to walk in - makes me feel like my daily life is changing little by little.

If you're currently experiencing minor problems like "I feel tired when walking lately" or "I feel uneasy about my feet on rainy days," one option is to try out Vibram soles.

Changing your footwear will naturally change your mood. This summer, why not try adding some shoes that you can feel the difference in to your style?