YUKETEN

Since 1985, YUKETEN visionary Yuki Matsuda has crafted a distinguished American brand, celebrated worldwide for its classic yet refined footwear, bags, and accessories. His journey in pursuit of tradition and artistry has led him to encounter remarkable works of craftsmanship across the globe, fostering a deep reverence for heritage and handcraft.

Yuki’s ceaseless quest inevitably brings him into collaboration with master shoemakers, bag makers, leather artisans, and textile craftsmen—each a steward of generations-old expertise. The extraordinary pieces born from these artisans speak to the depth of their skill and the essence of their humanity.

YUKETEN is an embodiment of their passion, wisdom, and time-honored traditions—a tribute to the artisans, their legacy, and the refined past they carry forward.

At 45R, the YUKETEN shoes we curate are meticulously crafted using the true moccasin construction, a technique steeped in the traditions of Native American craftsmanship. Each pair is carefully hand-stitched by master shoemakers in two historic hubs of excellence—the state of Maine, a sacred ground for traditional moccasin making, and the Sibillini Mountains of Italy, home to renowned artisanal workshops.

The true moccasin upper of YUKETEN footwear is crafted from a single piece of leather, known as the vamp, which extends seamlessly beneath the foot. This leather is carefully pulled over the last, wrapping the foot from below to ensure a secure and natural fit. The plug, which forms the top portion of the upper, is then meticulously hand-stitched to complete the construction.

YUKETEN’s signature originality is reflected even in the unseen details. One such detail is the precise incision at the heel of the vamp—a feature hidden beneath the insole unit and invisible from the outside. When cutting the vamp, a small slit is carefully placed at the heel. After shaping the upper, this slit is drawn tightly together and meticulously stitched. This seemingly subtle step enhances the overall fit, creating a more refined and snug feel around the foot.

Every YUKETEN piece is the result of relentless exploration and innovation, thoughtfully conceived and brought to life by the hands of skilled artisans with years of experience.

At YUKETEN, only the finest, most durable materials—sourced from around the world—are carefully selected for each component of our footwear.

For instance, we use robust yet supple oil-tanned leather from Horween Leather Company, a storied American tannery that has been perfecting its craft since 1900. We also incorporate luxuriously silky full-grain leather from Opera Leather, an esteemed tannery in Tuscany that has been supplying top maison brands since the 1970s. Additionally, we utilize vegetable-tanned leather, processed using a century-old traditional method in Mexico, preserving the raw authenticity of natural tanning techniques.

Each material is chosen not only for its beauty but also for its longevity, ensuring that every YUKETEN piece stands the test of time.

YUKETEN footwear features vegetable-tanned leather insoles, known for their exceptional breathability and moisture-wicking properties. This allows for comfortable wear even when barefoot. Over time, the insoles naturally mold to the shape of the foot, enhancing the personalized fit.

Beneath the insole, a leather tuck with a built-in shank is carefully integrated. This structure prevents excessive heel compression, providing firm support even during extended wear. It also ensures that the foot flexes at the correct point with each step, reducing fatigue and enhancing overall comfort.

By combining the best elements of moccasin construction and Goodyear welt construction, YUKETEN shoes achieve an ideal balance of flexibility, durability, and support.

Camp Sole – Durable, grippy, and crafted from Amazonian rubber and cork.

YUKETEN also offers a variety of original soles, each designed with both functionality and craftsmanship in mind.

A standout among them is the Camp Sole, frequently featured in the spring and summer collections. This sole is crafted from a blend of Amazonian rubber, sustainably sourced from the South American rainforest, and cork chips. The result is a highly durable and grip-enhancing sole that provides exceptional traction and comfort—making it a signature choice for warm-weather footwear.

Cortina Sole – Italian-made lug sole with Olympic ring embossing, designed for superior grip and cold-weather flexibility.

The Cortina Sole, featured in YUKETEN’s fall and winter boots, traces its origins to the 1956 Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy, where it was originally designed. This Italian-made lug sole is distinguished by its unique Olympic ring embossing and is engineered for superior grip. Crafted to withstand cold temperatures, it remains flexible even in low temperatures, ensuring stability and comfort in winter conditions.

Bringing these shoes to life are YUKETEN’s highly skilled artisans, whose expertise is at the heart of every pair. With most of the process done by hand, their craftsmanship upholds the traditions of true moccasin construction.

However, much like in Japan, the number of master shoemakers in both the U.S. and Italy continues to decline. As a result, meticulously crafted footwear bearing the “MADE IN USA” or “MADE IN ITALY” mark is becoming increasingly rare—making each pair of YUKETEN shoes a true testament to artisanal excellence.
Traditional moccasin construction, the finest leathers meticulously sourced from around the world, innovative and functional original soles, and the expertise of artisans carrying on generations of craftsmanship—these elements come together to create YUKETEN footwear.

Yet, there is another essential ingredient: a distinctly Japanese sensibility. From the meticulously detailed shoe designs to the MOTTAINAI-inspired shoe bags made from fabric remnants, every detail reflects a deep-rooted philosophy of craftsmanship, precision, and respect for materials.
Made by YUKETEN for 45R
A pair of YUKETEN shoes is only truly complete when shaped by its owner—molded by the contours of their feet, the creases at the ankle, and the memories made along the journey. YUKETEN footwear is designed for those with an adventurous spirit, a testament to individuality and experience. We hope you enjoy the collaborative masterpiece born from the hands of dedicated designers and artisans.

Each season, only around 1,000 pairs of YUKETEN shoes are produced, with the majority made exclusively for 45R. To mark this special collaboration, every pair features a branded “YUKETEN” stamp on the insole, accompanied by a sideways “R”—a subtle yet unmistakable symbol of Made by YUKETEN for 45R.
Hand-Sewn Denim Chukka
Cordovan Blucher
Our top recommendation is, of course, the YUKETEN × 45R series. The Denim Chukka Boots, crafted using 45R’s original denim in place of traditional leather, and the Cordovan Blucher Shoes, designed with deeply lustrous cordovan to perfectly complement 45R’s denim pants, are both exclusive creations born from the shared passion of YUKETEN and 45R.

We invite you to visit a 45R store to see and experience these exceptional shoes for yourself.
【 45R Stores Carrying YUKETEN 】
• New York Soho Store
• New York Crosby Store
• San Francisco Store
• Paris Saint-Honoré Store
• Stores in China
• Stores in Hong Kong
• Singapore Store

Availability of designs, colors, and sizes may vary by location. Please contact the store directly for details.