Manual Industrial Products 05

Each pair is handmade in Japan from raw, undyed leather that develops a natural patina over time. The construction employs traditional hand-stitching techniques typically reserved for dress shoes, applied to a casual sneaker silhouette.

The MIP-05 features a low-profile design with suede paneling on the toe box and leather laces. The upper is constructed from cow leather, with pig leather used for the lining. The sole is made from leather with rubberized reinforcement at the heel and toe areas. Each shoe includes hand-stamped logos and comes with both leather and cotton shoelaces.

The construction process involves traditional hand-stitch techniques, with each pair taking months to perfect during the development phase. The shoes feature replaceable soles designed to extend their usable lifespan. The actual sole attachment method remains proprietary, though the perimeter of the shoe displays a visible stitch-down construction where leather wraps around and is sewn along the edge.

The sneakers are constructed entirely from raw, undyed natural leather. When new, the material appears in its original tan color. Over time and with wear, the leather develops a patina, aging into brownish tones that vary based on individual use patterns. This aging process reflects the Japanese design concept of Wabi Sabi, which values the aesthetic of materials changing dynamically over their lifetime.

The natural leather's color and texture vary from product to product due to the characteristics of the material. In wet conditions, the leather may experience discoloration or color transfer to other items. Care instructions recommend avoiding use in rain, and if the shoes become wet, wiping them gently with a lint-free cloth and allowing them to dry in shade.

The Manual Industrial Products 05 belongs to Hender Scheme's broader MIP collection, which reimagines mass-produced sneaker designs through artisanal leather craftsmanship. The line takes contemporary footwear originally manufactured using synthetic materials and industrial production methods and recreates them with leather using traditional hand-stitch techniques. This approach creates a contrast between mass-scale manufacturing and individual craftsmanship.

The brand's production takes place in Asakusa, a Tokyo district with historical significance for leather craftsmanship. The area developed its leather industry along the Sumida River, where water was readily available for the tanning process. Hender Scheme founder Ryo Kashiwazaki established the brand in 2010 after learning his craft from local manufacturers in the district.

The MIP-05 is produced in a Japanese sizing system ranging from size 1 (22.5-23.0 cm) to size 7 (28.5-29.0 cm). The sneaker is available in natural (undyed leather) and black colorways. Retail pricing has been documented between $519 and $839.

The shoes are described as highly resoleable due to their construction quality and the grade of leather used, though specific resoling procedures may require skilled leather craftspeople familiar with the construction method.