Why you should wear this bizarre wrap around shoe

The shoe was first marketed as one designed for water sports due to its wavegrip technology that prevents slippage. Equally, they’re ideal for other sports requiring a firm grip such as rock climbing.

Brought to market by the Italian shoe maker Vibram, the wrap-around shoe, Furoshiki, is causing quite the stir in Japan. Based on the traditional Japanese wrapping technique used to transport bundles of clothes, the shoe has been likened to ‘origami for the feet’. It encapsulates the foot with nothing more than a rubber sole and two pieces of cloth folded over the foot, tightly secured by velcro. A cross between a bandaged foot and a scuba diver’s flipper, these shoes are quite possibly the ugliest shoes designed since Crocs. Nonetheless, here are 4 great ways they could be worn by the non-fashion conscious shopper.

1. Comfort

Probably the number one quality everyone looks for in a shoe. The fuss-free velcro fasten of the Furoshiki provides the perfect level of tightness, without the hassle of laces. The unique blend of the shoe’s fabric is stretchy and allows the foot to breathe, a great alternative to sandals on a hot day.

2. Indoor use

If you’re not quite ready to showcase the Furoshiki in public, never fear, they can be put to plenty of use inside the home. Easy to take on and off, there’s no reason why they can’t be worn as a more durable house slipper. Wear during a spring clean, Sunday roasting session or simply when just lounging about.

3. Outdoor use

The shoe was first marketed as one designed for water sports due to its wavegrip technology that prevents slippage. Equally, they’re ideal for other sports requiring a firm grip such as rock climbing. Useful for travellers, during camping or when discovering a new city; the possibilities for outdoor wear are endless.

4. Ease of shopping

To those that can’t face row upon row of shoes, here’s the good news. No longer will you be a slave to the shelves as the Furoshiki comes in five sizes and five colours. Choose your size and colour and leave the shop in 10 minutes knowing it’ll fit like a glove.