Work Shoes Are Cool: Four People’s Jobs and G.T. HAWKINS. | feature

Work shoes are cool. Four People’s Jobs and G.T. HAWKINS.

Shoes aren’t just tools for walking. They help us carry heavy loads, use our hands, and navigate the streets. They’re also work tools that support our daily activities from the ground up. This time, we feature four people who work as a painter, a barber, a frame builder, and a gardener. Although their clothing choices and workplace habits differ, what they have in common is that they approach their work with their own unique style. From their usual workplaces—where they wear 〈GT HAWKINS〉—we explore the comfortable relationship between work and personal style.

Photo_Yuichi Akagi

Styling by Shuhei Yamazaki

Hair & Makeup_Narumi Tsukuba

Model_Tao, Kentaro Matsuki, Kaito, Yusuke

Text_Alex Shu Nissen

Edit_Amane Yasuda

For a barber, even quiet footsteps are part of the service.

TAO (BARBER)

"INN the people" is a one-stop shop that combines a barbershop, a hair salon, and even a standing bar. TAO, who works there as a barber, first discovered the shop while he was still employed at another barbershop. He couldn’t forget the experience he had as a customer when he got his hair cut there, so he joined the staff two years ago. The salon caters to both men and women, offering everything from high-tone hair coloring to shaving, and customers can enjoy wine or coffee while waiting for their appointments.

"It's not just about hair and beauty—it's also a way to connect with all kinds of people through food and drink. As far as I know, there's no other place like this."

Some people visit the salon not just to get a haircut, but also to relax. That’s why TAO makes a point of keeping noise to a minimum during treatments and often chooses sneakers over dress shoes for work. Since she’s on her feet all day, constantly moving around—and sometimes slips on hair that’s fallen on the floor—cushioning and traction are actually very important.

"The design looks a little heavy, but they feel almost like sneakers when you wear them. The soles are soft and quiet, so these boots have a unique, hybrid appeal."

HL80149 ¥12,100

TAO’s style centers on vintage clothing, freely incorporating colorful pieces. Even when shorts and sneakers might look too simple on their own, a pair of chunky sneakers adds just the right accent to the look. They support her movements at work while blending seamlessly with her everyday outfits. The comfortable fit and eye-catching design bridged the gap between TAO’s work and fashion.