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

Whether you're in town or outdoors, how you dress your feet can have a big impact on the impression you make of your fashion. And what's even more important than appearance is the feeling you get when walking . At YUEN, we're in love with this kind of functional beauty, and have selected a wide range of shoes that use Vibram soles.

In this article, we'll cover everything from the basics of "What is a Vibram sole?" to points to look out for when choosing sandals, as well as YUEN's recommended styles. We'll delve deeper into the "differences" that only those who have worn them can understand.

What are the qualities of truly good shoes that you can only understand by wearing them?

"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, leaving functionality for later. Even when 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 completely sore. There were also days when, whenever I found a bench while out and about, I would immediately sit down.

What's more, if you wear them for a long time, the soles will wear down and lose their grip, so on rainy days you might feel anxious about slipping while walking. While I want to enjoy fashion, as I get older, the importance of being able to walk comfortably has increased.

One day, I came across a pair of shoes that used Vibram soles.

What exactly is a Vibram sole?

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

This philosophy of "supporting mountain safety from the ground 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 "looks-first" person, so I never paid much attention to the brand of the sole of my shoes. But once you put them on and walk around, you can immediately tell the difference.

Three charms of Vibram soles: The difference you'll notice the moment you put them on

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

The greatest appeal of Vibram soles is their incredible grip on the ground, achieved through a special rubber material and a unique pattern design born from years of know-how.

For example, crosswalks on rainy days, tile floors at train stations, dirt at campsites... In places where I used to have to think carefully to avoid slipping, shoes with Vibram soles allow me to walk naturally with peace of mind. This "small reduction in stress" 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. I think the rubber is neither too hard nor too soft, with just the right amount of elasticity, which is what allows them to be both durable and comfortable.

Less wear on the soles means you'll need to replace your shoes less often. I think it's a really ideal cycle, being able to buy more shoes with a positive feeling, like "I like the look of these, so I want to buy another pair."

3. Gentle cushioning makes walking easier

One of the charms of Vibram is that they betray the image that thick soles are heavy. The first ones I wore looked bulky, but they were surprisingly light and the impact on my feet was soft.

The difference in fatigue is especially clear when walking more than usual, such as when traveling or going to festivals. I was surprised at how different my shoes can make me feel at the end of the day. Shoes that make me feel like I can still walk expand my range of activities.

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 perfect for such occasions.

They offer a secure feeling of support 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 has been a wide range of colors available, and in addition to basic black and beige, there are also more colors that add 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. Mixing outdoor styles with urban styles

I often wear nylon pants or anoraks on my days off, and I like how by pairing them with sneakers with Vibram soles, I can create just the right amount of "outdoorsy" vibe. It's great that they incorporate elements of the outdoors while still being perfectly suited to the city.

2. Balance your look with wide-leg pants and platform soles

Thick-soled Vibram shoes are a perfect match for wide-leg pants. They don't make the whole outfit too loose, and they give your feet a sense of stability. What's interesting is that even an outfit that looks a little heavy can be made to look "tight" just by having the uneven soles of your shoes.

3. A minimalist finish with a white shirt and black Vibram shoes

I often use the combination of a simple white shirt and black Vibram soles when I want to show a casual sense of style. It's a combination that suits anyone, but if your feet have depth, the impression changes completely.

The Vibram sole blends naturally with any style while still making a strong statement. At YUEN, we value creating styles that bring out the individuality of each individual while utilizing functionality.

Summary | The true 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. I like the design, can wear them for a long time, and they are easy to walk in - just having a pair of shoes that meet all of these ideal criteria makes me feel like my daily life is changing little by little.

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

Changing your footwear naturally changes your mood. This summer, why not add some "shoes that you can see the difference in when you wear them" to your style?