Brand Feature - Shoes Like Pottery

At Uniform Buffalo, our main goal is to introduce our customers to new brands that champion quality and craftsmanship over branding. We’ve always believed that the best products tell a story long before they reach your wardrobe. Some pieces are simply made, others are forged. Shoes Like Pottery falls firmly into the latter.

Stills from the Moonstar factory, Kurume, Japan

On the surface, these shoes are simple to the eye: clean lines, timeless silhouettes, and a quiet confidence that fits seamlessly into any rotation. The kind of trainer that someone would ask whether or not they were a converse all star. However, upon further inspection you’ll find something far more compelling and a fantastic product. An old school process rooted in tradition, precision, and craftsmanship that’s almost unheard of in modern footwear. Handmade shoes...some would say old fashioned we prefer one of a kind...

Made in a Kiln Like Pottery 

So how did the name come about...although poetic, as with a lot of Japanese brands, it has a very literal meaning.

Shoes Like Pottery are produced in Kurume, Japan, at a single factory belonging to MoonStar, a company with over a century of shoemaking heritage. A brand that is ubiquitous in Japan. What sets them apart is the ka-ryu process. A traditional vulcanisation method used by only a handful of manufacturers worldwide.

An image of the industrial kiln in which these beautiful shoes come to life

Ka-ruyu Process

The Karuyu process is a unique way of making shoes, inspired by the way artisan pottery is crafted. First, raw rubber is mixed with sulphur, and the shoe upper is glued to the rubber sole. Then, the shoes are placed in a large industrial kiln and heated to around 120°C for about 70 minutes.

The heat triggers a chemical reaction between the rubber and sulphur, which strengthens the rubber and creates a permanent, extremely strong bond between the sole and the upper. The result is a shoe that is incredibly durable, keeps its shape, and stays flexible, much like a well-crafted piece of pottery.

The shoes are all characterised by the blue outsoles

It’s a very slow, meticulous process. It’s something that simply can’t be replicated at scale. See what we mean about a shoe that's a lot more than meets the eye...

Handmade in Kurume

Beyond the kiln, every detail matters.

Each pair features beautifully textured canvas, hand-sewn by skilled craftsmen in Kurume. A region known for being the birthplace of Tonkotsu (pork-bone broth) Ramen and Yakitori, it is also associated with traditional Japanese manufacturing. There’s a tactile quality to the fabric, a subtle irregularity that speaks to the human hands behind it. Every pair is unique and one of a kind.

A pair being hand sewn by a highly skilled artisan 

This isn’t mass production. Far from it. It’s considered, deliberate work that doesn't involve shortcuts, the quality is ominously evident every time you lace a pair of these incredible shoes up.

Tested Over Time

We’re always cautious about bringing something new into the shop. It has to earn its place.

For us, Shoes Like Pottery isn’t just another trainer, it becomes the one you always gravitate towards. Day after day, year after year. Whether it’s days exploring a city, weekends away, or just everyday wear, they hold up in a way few trainers do. The shoe couples up nicely with the old saying...if it ain't broke don't fix it.

Shoes Like Pottery at Uniform Buffalo

At Uniform Buffalo, we lean towards pieces that prioritise quality over quantity. Products that justify their place in your wardrobe not through trends that you see on your instagram explore page, but through longevity and thoughtful design. A true timeless classic. Shoes Like Pottery ticks every box. They’re minimal without being boring. Functional without compromise. And most importantly, they’re made with a level of care that’s increasingly rare. In a world of fast footwear, these are a reminder that some things are worth slowing down for.

01 JP Low Sneaker - Blue

We’re absolutely buzzing to bring Shoes Like Pottery to Chelmsford. A brand with deep roots, a unique process, and a product that truly stands apart.

If you’re looking for a shoes that blends craftsmanship, comfort, and longevity, this is it.

Come and try them on in-store, or explore the collection online.