Japanese Uniform-Style Shoes Made Stylish with Made-in-Japan Quality, Haruta

It's no secret that Japanese school uniforms have a certain style to them that's popular all over the world. So it shouldn't come as much of a surprise to learn that uniform-style leather loafers have become the in-thing in recent years, an iconic fashion item necessary to complete that Tokyo look. And for some loafers and oxfords with a little history, you can pick up a pair of Haruta's shoes in Shibuya, Shinjuku, Harajuku or Omotesando.

Haruta: The Go-To For Footwear Classics

Haruta's been making shoes in Japan since 1917, when they started making school uniform loafers in Nara. That means they've been at it for more than 100 years!

Official Haruta Website

Official Haruta Instagram

The Reasons for Haruta's 100 Years of Success

① The Materials

Haruta produces their own leather, giving them the best possible quality assurance.

And they're pretty picky about the quality of the shoes' construction, visible down to the stitches.

② The Designs

When Haruta's business began to expand, many years ago, so did their offerings. These days, however, they've cut down on the many varieties of shoes, deciding to focus on just the classic shapes and styles, and the small details that bring variety. Just loafers, oxfords, and some boots might not seem like a lot, but it turns out that there are some subtle ways to bring unique style to each new design.

Even between different loafers styles, little things like toe shape and length or stitching can entirely shift the impression a shoe gives off, even if the styles are similar at first!

③ The Value

No matter how beautiful these shoes may be, when you're deciding on a purchase, there's no helping that cost has to be taken into account for most of us. Fortunately, these shoes are both affordable and stylish! Haruta keeps quality high by manufacturing the shoes domestically with their own materials, but doesn't jack up the price. You can tell they just care about making good shoes with long lives, since you can also head to one of their boutiques and get shoes stretched to fit without any tight spots or pinching, for free. If you wear them so much they start to wear out, bring them along on your next long trip to Japan. The repairs can take a couple weeks, but they'll fix split seems and worn soles, for a price much lower than buying a brand new pair. No need to get rid of perfectly good shoes!

Haruta's Offerings

① Loafers

Available in a wide range of sizes, just about anyone can catch a little of that cool Japanese high school style with a pair of these loafers. Of course, loafers have been style items for many years in settings of all kinds, and don't have to look like uniform shoes.

The standard rubber outsoles keep you steady all day.

Which do you like best, penny loafers, tassels, or bits?

For a more modern look, go for one of Haruta's colors that probably wouldn't be found as part of a school uniform. Green, perhaps?

② Spock Shoes

Show off your classy socks with the D’orsay-style cut of Haruta's iconic "spock" shoes. They first came out as men's shoes in 1955, but thanks to their convenience (and a certain Japanese fashion model), they've grown significantly in popularity over the past few years.

Simple enough to be casual, and sleek enough for formal situations, these shoes slip on and off in seconds, which is probably a little part of why they've become so very popular all over Asia. Thanks to their convenience and support, the shoes are beloved by doctors and pregnant people alike (and especially pregnant doctors)! 

After these shoes shot up in popularity, Haruta started experimenting on how to make the shoes even more accessible for fashion-fiends of all kinds, changing up leather varieties and lining materials without sacrificing overall quality.

③ Monk Strap Shoes

These monk strap shoes stand out in a boutique full of simple, subtle styles, offering something a little different.

We were surprised at how light the shoes felt, but visiting a boutique, we were then told that Haruta offers even lighter options as well! Special editions of the Haruta shoes come made with special soles from both XL EXTRALIGHT and Vibram, adding extra stability and comfort.

④ Oxfords

Not a big fan of the loafer look? Haruta's lace-ups offer a slightly sleeker look, but still have that unique Haruta variety. In both men's and women's sizes, minute stitching offers a more formal effect for some styles, whereas shorter toes make others feel more casual.

They even have oxfords with a bit of a heel! But at 4.5 cm (1 ¾ in), it shouldn't cause much discomfort.

The smallest tweaks clearly change the men's oxfords!

⑤ Shoe Care

Don't let bad weather or wear and tear ruin your look! With a little TLC these shoes can last for years, which is why Haruta offers some beginner's kits for leather care, and bottles of repair cream, which will all keep the leather looking good long-term.

Tokyo Locations

Shibuya ~ MODI

Three minutes from Shibuya Station's Hachiko Exit is Modi, where you'll find a Haruta boutique on the 4th floor. Sip some coffee across the hall while you decide exactly which pair to pick up.

Haruta Shibuya MODI Branch1-21-3 Jinnan, Shibuya City, Tokyo
Phone: +81 3-4336-8242
Hours: 11:00 - 21:00

Shinjuku ~ Lumine EST

For women's styles, the convenience of this branch basically inside Shinjuku Station (on the 4th floor) makes it easy to pop in and look around.

Haruta Shinjuku Lumine EST Branch3-38-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo
Phone: +81 3-6380-1596
Hours: 11:00 - 21:00
(Women's styles only.)

Harajuku Omotesando ~ Tokyu Plaza

Fashion-lovers from all over the world are known to flock to Harajuku, so it's only right that you'll find a Haruta there too! Find women's styles on the 4th floor of Tokyu Plaza.

Haruta Harajuku Omotesando Tokyu Plaza Branch4-30-3 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo
Phone: +81 3-6434-5981
Hours: 11:00 - 21:00
(Women's styles only.)

Made in Japan, high quality, and even environmentally friendly, it's no wonder Haruta has been bringing great shoes to students (and graduates!) in Japan for over 100 years. While fashion may shift with the trends, it's clear the Haruta's classic styles and stylish touches are here to stay, so it's a good thing your new Haruta shoes will last a good whike! Pick up a pair for the fun touch of Japanese style, and then keep the sturdy shoes around as a travel memento for years to come!

Gone shopping in Tokyo recently? Gotten yourself a new pair of Haruta shoes? No matter what your haul included, we’d love to hear about it! Let us know about your experience on twitter, instagram, and facebook!