SOREL is a Canadian brand that offers a wide range of comfortable footwear. SOREL is widely known as a pioneer of winter boots, and has gained support from a wide range of users for its reliable functionality and richly varied designs. We asked six men and women from various walks of life to try on a pair of boots for around-town use, and talked with them about what makes them so attractive and what makes SOREL so appealing. Let's start with the first three.
The image of a brand that can be used in a wide range of situations, including in the snowy mountains."
How did you feel about wearing boots for town use?
dry paddy field: I couldn't tell from the look of them, but they are made of a material that keeps the inside warm, which is good for the coming season. I usually wear work boots a lot, but compared to those, they are light and totally comfortable. I also like the voluminous upper construction and the blue leather design.
Harada-san, were you familiar with the SOREL brand?
dry paddy fieldOf course. I first encountered Sorel boots when I was about 20 years old, and the model at that time was for work, with a rugged steel toe design that has remained in my memory for a long time.
Do you have an image of the brand?
dry paddy field': It's a brand that has deep-rooted popularity in Canada. Even in Japan, you can often find them at vintage clothing stores that are strong in purchasing American and Canadian goods.' Looking at vintage items from the 70's and so on, I thought they really produced a variety of designs, such as those for ladies, those specialized for the winter scene, and those with outdoor specifications.
What is the point of today's coordination with Sorel shoes?
dry paddy field: They seemed to go well with American casual wear, so I thought of coordinating them as an extension of my usual look. These boots are made of blue leather, so I used blue in my clothes as well. The 501 jeans from Levi's are an unusual purple color. Also, recently I've been in the mood to arrange old bicycle license plates on my shoes.
How would you style these boots for work?
dry paddy fieldI think they are interesting not only as a standard style for men that would be suitable for the snowy mountains, but also as a modish styling twist. I would also like to wear them with oversized items in a '90s style. These boots have a lot of volume, so I recommend wearing them with cut-off jeans to show them off as the star of the show.
Lastly, please tell us about your own passion for fashion.
dry paddy fieldI tend to choose items that are different from others rather than basic items. Just by adding a few of these items to my styling, I can change the look of my clothes. However, I tend to wear mostly vintage clothes, so my style is based on American casual clothes like the one I am wearing today.
Manabu Harada
Born in Kyoto in 1972. After graduating from a junior college of fine arts, she entered the world of clothing. After working in sales at several stores, he started working as a stylist at the age of 23. Known for his unparalleled love of vintage clothing, he has published a book "THE SUKIMONO BOOK" irregularly since 2013, which has many fans within the industry. A new book is scheduled for release next year. The bicycle in the photo is a dead stock Tsunoda bicycle made in 1972.
CHEYANNE LACE FULL GRAIN
These outdoor boots have an impressive outsole that is integrated with the upper. The ankle area is made of highly waterproof full-grain leather, giving the boots a traditional appearance that is not too rugged. The design that tickles men's hearts is the quintessence of "Sorel. This is a pair that can be used not only for camping and other outdoor activities, but also for town use. ¥17,000+TAX
02/ Ayano IKAI, owner of restaurant "plate tokyo", sommelier
It's nice to have boots that I can match with my everyday outfits."
What kind of image do you have of SOREL?
court rankWhen I heard that it was a Canadian brand, I thought that most of the boots would be made of fuzzy material to protect against the cold, but I was surprised to see some stylish designs. I'm also glad that there are models that can be easily matched with my daily outfits.
What are your impressions of the boots?
court rank: The side gore design is cute, and as a woman, it makes your legs look longer. I usually wear long boots, so short boots are fresh.
Do you have anything in mind when you wear boots in general?
court rankI have a restaurant, so it is very important that the shoes are not only easy to wear, but also have a classy look. Sneakers are too casual, so with these I can wear them at work without feeling uncomfortable, and they look very natural.
Ikaï-san, do you prefer boots in winter?
court rankI like boots, but I wear them in various ways depending on how they coordinate with my outfit. Lately, when my restaurant is closed, I often wear a kimono, so I probably don't have many opportunities to wear boots in private. But some fashion people visit my restaurant, so I would like to try out different clothes and shoes. I have always loved clothes!
Do you have a strong interest in clothes if you meet a lot of people in the fashion industry?
court rankI think I am the type of person who values meeting people more than being particular. When I receive an invitation to an exhibition, I visit it to say hello. When I come across something cute, I tend to order it. I buy clothes because of this, and I worry about spending too much money... (laughs).
What kind of clothes do you think today's boots will go with?
court rank: Today's outfit is simple with a knit one-piece, but it would be good with pants, and would also go well with a skirt. The boots have a minimalist design, so they would also go well with a black one-tone outfit.
cat's cradle
Born in Osaka in 1978. After graduating from a culinary school, he studied under French chef Patrice Julien. After training at several well-known restaurants, he went to an Australian winery by himself in 2005. After returning to Japan in 2007, he became a certified sommelier and opened "Plate Tokio" in Nishiazabu, Tokyo in 2001.http://arigatoinc.com/plate
LEA WEDGE
These side-gore type short boots are easy to put on and take off, and while they have a 7cm in-heel, they have a stable wedge sole for ease of walking. They are stress-free and enhance your style. The upper is made of waterproof full-grain leather that will age well as the wearer wears them. The minimalist all-black design blends naturally with mode outfits. ¥25,000+TAX
03/ Mr. Reijiro Mochizuki, leader of "HATOS OUTSIDE", paint artist
The "coolness" that comes from the practicality of the product is what makes it appealing."
What kind of brand is "Sorel" for you as a snowboarder?
full moonWhen I was holed up in the snowy mountains, it was the standard brand for everyone around me. I remember that we used to talk about how much we wanted that new model. At the time, I was living and working at a ski resort in Nagano, so I had a strong image of shoes for work. Experienced skiers and advanced skiers would wear Sorel boots when skiing. I wonder if there is a revival of this trend these days.
How old were you at that time?
full moonI was about 15 years old, and I went there every winter for the next 20 years. It was a ski resort in the Kita-Shiga area of Nagano, and I lived and worked at a pension there. I started drawing pictures, which I had always been good at, and before I knew it, I was drawing posters for ski resorts and park walls, and working with snowboard wear brands as well.
I'm sure you've worn Sorel boots many times before, but how about the ones you're wearing now for town use?
full moonThey are easy to put on and are in good shape. When I took them out of the box, I thought they looked hard, but when I put my feet in them, they felt surprisingly comfortable and easy to put on. I even tried them on a rainy day, but since they are waterproof, I had no problem at all.
What do you think of the design of these boots?
full moonI don't wear boots very often in my daily life, but I think this model is more practical than fashionable. I think the "coolness" that comes from their practicality is what makes them appealing. I think they can be worn for a long time, and I think they will fit in better as they are worn.
You are wearing a parka and work pants today.
full moonI wonder: What is it? Basically, I work a lot and sometimes paint outdoors, so I tend to wear work clothes that are warm, sturdy, and can get dirty. I am not that particular about clothes, but I often wear brands that my friends are working on.
I think the new model will go well with your usual outfits.
Yes, they are. I think I can get through this winter with this pair. I like the fact that they are boots that can be worn on the street, which is fresh and new for me.
Reijiro Mochizuki
Born in Tokyo in 1977, he has been traveling in Japan and abroad since the age of 16 through snowboarding, and started his painting activities on his own after a friend asked him to do so. Last December, he opened the cafe bar "HATOS OUTSIDE" in Shimotakaido, Tokyo, with the founding members of the design group "HATOS. An exhibition event "NEW TOKYO POST," commemorating the publication of his autobiographical art book "INTRODUCTION," is currently being held at the bar until December 22 (Thu.).www.instagram.com/ragelow
ANKENY.
This popular model from Sorel features details of work boots scattered throughout. The rubber shell covering the upper and waterproof full-grain leather make this a pair recommended for rainy and snowy days. The flat laces, the logo on the heel, and the three stitches for added strength are all subtle details. ¥18,000+TAX
