Are These Funky Furoshiki Wrap-Around Shoes The Footwear Of The Future?

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Photo Credit: Vibram

Italian shoe manufacturer Vibram is well known for its minimalist shoe designs. In 2005, the company revolutionized the footwear industry with the introduction of FiveFingers. Designed to replicate being barefoot, the shoes featured thin flexible soles that molded the wearer’s feet. Now, the company has done it again by collaborating with Japanese designer Masaya Hashimoto to create the wrap-around Furoshiki shoes.

Photo Credit: Vibram

The footwear is very similar to its namesake and inspiration – the Furoshiki cloth used in Japan to wrap anything from gifts to groceries, and even as clothing. It comprises just a rubber sole and stretch fabric that wraps around the foot, almost like a garment burrito.The fabric is then secured with Velcro, alleviating the need for pesky laces. While it may not appear so, the manufacturer attests that the unconventional-looking Furoshiki’s are more comfortable than many of the regular shoes and sneakers that are currently in the market.

Photo Credit: Vibram

Also, given the flexible material and the design’s anatomical shape, the shoes can easily adapt to different sizes of feet. And while they appear flimsy, Vibram says that the rubber sole is sturdy enough to absorb every crack or bump in the ground and also handle slippery surfaces. Though not suitable for running, the shoe’s grip makes them perfect for less strenuous activities like Pilates and barre workouts. Thanks to their lightweight and flexibility the shoes can easily be stashed inside a gym bag or even an oversized purse. The best part? Wearing socks with these all-encompassing footwear is entirely optional!

Photo Courtesy: Vibram

Currently available in five colors, the funky-looking Furoshiki's are a significant departure from the sky-high heels, leather boots, and sturdy athletic shoes we’re accustomed to wearing. It is therefore not surprising that they have garnered a lot of attention since they came to market, earlier this summer. However, whether they are just a short-term fad or “footwear of the future,” remains to be seen!

Resources: refinery29, arch20.com, vibram.com

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424 Comments
  • jyhuzyky-167355119739
    This is cool.But they look weird!
    • unknown_user14
      unknown_user14about 3 years
      Those would be nice to put on if you were ever swimming!!! Quick and easy to put on!!!👌
      • dream_beyond
        dream_beyondover 3 years
        Wow that is weird but cool!
        • galaxy52
          galaxy52almost 4 years
          wow: those are a little crazy, but also really cool! I wonder how much they are selling them for?
          • horsegirl79
            horsegirl79over 4 years
            Wow that is crazy!!😮😮😮😮😃
            • happyvscogirl
              happyvscogirlover 4 years
              this is weird- I would never want a pair of these.
              • thompson45
                thompson45over 4 years
                The only possible reason I could see for this would be for storage. Would be great to put in a backpack when in not in use. Otherwise they seem like they would be uncomfortable.
                • vsco girlabout 5 years
                  this is sooooo cool!!
                  • Benjaminover 5 years
                    I don't want any
                    • chlooe
                      chlooeover 5 years
                      That doesn't really look like the future... It looks like shoes that some dare-devils would wear. This looks kind of frightening to me, to be honest. I'm not used to wrapping around shoes - It's like imagining an octopus wrapped around your foot!