FYSKY is a leather shoe brand specializing in made-to-order footwear crafted using the traditional hand-sewn welt method, an artisanal technique passed down since long before the invention of the sewing machine. The brand’s founder, Yosuke Ide, began his shoemaking journey in his twenties, when he started attending a handmade shoe workshop in Asakusa, Tokyo, a historic center for shoemaking. Though initially just a hobby, he soon became drawn to the depth and complexity of the craft. As his skills grew, he began receiving OEM (original equipment manufacturer) commissions from leather goods manufacturers and fashion brands. Meeting the diverse demands for design and fit not only sharpened his craftsmanship but also broadened his relationships with leather suppliers and deepened his knowledge of shoemaking as a whole.

After working behind the scenes as a leather shoe craftsman for over 12 years, Ide established his own company in 2022, launching the brand FYSKY at the same time. The name embodies the hope that each pair of leather shoes, one of a kind in the world, will “Fit You” in both body and lifestyle, offering a light, sky-like comfort that accompanies the wearer through the years. The brand and company name, FYSKY, is rooted in this concept: “Fit You as if you walk in the Sky”—a desire to create shoes that fit not just the customer’s feet, but also their lifestyle.

Step inside the FYSKY atelier and storefront, and you’ll find samples of classic styles like lace-ups, loafers, and boots neatly displayed alongside an array of leather swatches. Here, Ide sits down with each customer for a one-on-one consultation. He listens carefully, learning when and where they plan to wear the shoes, and why they chose FYSKY, building a picture of their lifestyle before co-creating a pair tailored to them. There’s a vast selection of leather to choose from, but through these conversations, the right material reveals itself naturally, reflecting the customer’s needs, preferences, and personality. For example, if someone mentions they don’t have time to brush their shoes daily, Ide might recommend a more durable leather. Each pair is sewn with meticulous care and attention, made with the customer in mind. From the first wear, the soles seem to embrace the foot, and with proper care and occasional repairs, the shoes can last a lifetime.

In addition to pursuing shoes that fit seamlessly into the lives of their wearers, FYSKY also launched the lllast series of small leather goods, created using offcuts from the production process—an expression of their commitment to making full use of every piece of leather they source. This focus on handcraftsmanship and domestic production reflects not only their contribution to the SDGs, but also their desire to carry Japan’s artisan culture and manufacturing spirit into the future. Valuing the uniqueness of one-of-a-kind pieces over mass production, FYSKY continues to take on the challenge of revitalizing the leather industry at large.