Founded in 1873 by Unpei Kurata, Moonstar (originally "Tsuchiya Tabi") is a Japanese brand that embodies unwavering craftsmanship. Influenced by American culture, it set out to create top-tier footwear in a country with limited shoe tradition. Moonstar prioritizes premium materials to maintain shoe integrity, and their skilled artisans meticulously hand-attach uppers to outsoles, a process impossible by machine.
The factory, located in Kurume, Japan, possess the capability to produce Vulcanized soles. These shoes undergo kiln-firing at 120°C (248°F) for 70 minutes, a technique reminiscent of Japanese pottery firing. This process triggers a chemical reaction in the rubber, restoring its original form and resulting in durable and flexible footwear with an elegant silhouette. With a heritage spanning almost 150 years, Moonstar's factory preserves the 'vulcanization method' while sharing its exceptional quality worldwide.