Sou Sou's Tabi Shoes

"Sou, sou" is Japanese for "yes, yes"—an expression usually used in the context of the small affirmations uttered while nodding one's head in a conversation. And this affirmation—a slight phrase, but one that's crucial to everyday functioning—is what inspired the brand name for Sou Sou, a unique footwear company based in the old Japanese capital of Kyoto.

The style of shoe that they make is called "tabi," and although it was made famous by Martin Margiela, he was beaten to the punch by traditional Japanese craftsmen a handful of centuries ago. Some of Sou Sou's shoes resemble sneakers cleaved at the toe, while others are more like socks with a pad of rubber on the bottom. Though the shoes' look is modernized with the use of funky patterned prints and punchy neon fabrics that Sou Sou produces, each pair is still hand-stitched by a small team of local artisans versed in the technique.

Many visitors are surprised when they visit the shop and see artisans at work on the shoes right there in the atelier, but they take their work deadly serious at Sou Sou—if something is off even by a millimeter, it's back to the drawing board. Despite their shoes' contemporary or even futuristic look, Sou Sou is dedicated to keeping up traditional techniques. Slip a pair on—your big toe won't even miss the company.

For more information, see sousounetshop.jp

—Misha Janette