Q: When, how and why did you found Slow Wear Lion?

Slow Wear Lion: Our company is an import company, and we used to carry lots of brands from America. There were many nice brands also nice boots as well, but at the same time we feel that there is something missing, which is like foot comfort, functionality... This is why we started our brand "Slow Wear Lion".

Q: Why the name Slow Wear Lion?

SWL: We started this brand in 2001. The meaning of the brand name "Slow Wear" comes from the careful slow manufacturing, opposite meaning of mass production. In 2008 we add the word "Lion", and it means "The careful slow manufacturing with the strong pride".

Q: What's the brand-idea behind Slow Wear Lion?

SWL: We are influenced by many good boots brands which we used to import. These are all good products. Our favorite is work boots, we also like utilization-focused military boots too. On the base of these knowledges we add some design and function on our products.

Q: Which material do you prefer to use for SWL production?

SWL: We use the best materials from all over the world. Some boots use Horween leather from America, some uses Vibram outsole from Itary.

Q: Please can you shortly describe the most important production techniques?

SWL: In the production, not all process is in hand made. We use both our hands and machines just for making the best boots. For example, there is a difference of the preparation of the glue for each of all four seasons, and the machine can't do this by itself.

Q: Where do you take the inspiration for the design?

SWL: We basically have a meeting with our design team and store staffs together. We try to get more idea from our customers, and improve the quality of the basic items.

Q: Is there any other brand that you admire and take inspiration from?

SWL: Our brand is still young, and there are many brands which we admire and take an inspiration from.

Q: What's the typical target for Slow Wear Lion shoes?

SWL: We are happy if someone who used to wear boots long time ago starts wearing boots again with Slow Wear Lion, or someone who have been wearing boots for ages wears our boots for the next pair, or maybe someone who never wears boots starts their boots' life from our brand.

Q: Which are the most important qualities that make Slow Wear Lion shoes unique?

SWL: The concept of the brand is "enjoying the aging of the boos". Most leather used for boots is very hard. It takes time to make it softer, and it makes people away from boots. Our boots uses soft oil leather, and easy to take off, so you can go everywhere without any stress. We also provide a repair service. The outsoles is just like the tires of cars & motorbike, so it's necessary to change every time these abraded away. We support your boots' life with Japanese craftsmanship.

Q: Which are your future plan?

SWL: Slow Wear Lion is made from the best materials from all over the world, and with the careful slow manufacturing with the strong pride of Japanese craftsmanship. We will keep doing this.