Shoe Shop Day

What Is Shoe Shop Day?

September 28th is "Shoe Shop Day" (Kutsuya no Hi), established by Salon de Gres Co., Ltd., an Osaka-based shoe maker, based on a wordplay reading of the numbers 9-2-8. It is officially recognized by the Japan Anniversary Association.

A Day for Shoes, Built on Wordplay and the Season

This anniversary combines a playful number reading with a seasonal meaning.

• Established by: Salon de Gres Co., Ltd., a maker of women's and men's shoes
• Origin: A wordplay reading of "9-2-8" (ku-tsu-ya, echoing "shoe shop")
• Seasonal meaning: Also marks the time of year people start swapping summer sandals for autumn and winter shoes
• Recognition: Officially certified by the Japan Anniversary Association

Feeling the Change of Season from the Ground Up

Shoes support us every single day, yet it's easy to overlook when they need care or replacing. A change of season is the perfect excuse to take a fresh look at what's on your feet.

Salon de Gres is a shoemaker headquartered in Nishinari Ward, Osaka. It is committed to handmade shoes finished one pair at a time by craftsmen, and to "Made in Japan" production handled in-house from cutting to finishing. The anniversary reflects its wish to spread comfortable, easy-to-wear shoes, which are also important for staying healthy, across Japan. Incidentally, March 15th is known in Japan as "Shoe Day."

Ways to Mark the Day

• Give the shoes you're currently wearing some proper care
• Tidy up your shoe closet and reconsider the pairs you no longer wear
• Go shopping for new shoes to see you through autumn and winter
• Learn more about choosing shoes that truly fit your feet

A Little Gratitude for What Carries You Every Day

Shoe Shop Day is a chance to appreciate the shoes that support every step we take. September 28th, right at the turn of the season, is a good day to rethink both the comfort and the style of what's on your feet.