About

What is Bench Made?

I worked for 8 years at a long established bespoke shoemakers “John Lobb”. I have lived since then to use my experience from working at that shop. I will endeavor to make shoes for each customer, which they will be able to wear for 30 years with repair and care.

There are as 20 different feet for every 10 people. I give careful consideration to each foot when making shoes, which allow the wearer to experience stress free walking. I discuss in detail with every customer each pair shoes paying special attention to their life style and desires. From these consultations I will make for each customer a completely individual one off pair of shoes.

For the purpose of fitting and design, I make trial shoes, which I will adjust at fitting sessions until you feel satisfied. After completion of the initial order, each time you walk it will soften the insole and adapt you personally. Continued wear makes moderate creases on the shoes, and constant polishing makes the color more impressive. The shoes and the customer walk together and as you walk they will grow to become a part of you. Please enjoy a new first step with “Bench Made” shoes.

Yukiko Okawa Bench Made CEO

  • 1992

    I first learnt how to the make shoes at Moge Workshop.

  • 1995

    I entered the shoe making technology course at Cordwainers College in London. I began to learn how to make hand sewn welted shoes from Paul Wilson who is a John Lobb bespoke shoe maker. I started work experience in John Lobb’s bootmakers at St. James’s street in London.

  • 1996

    I won the young designer of the year sponsored by the Shoe & Leather News.

  • 1997

    I graduated with an HND from the shoe making technology department of Cordwainers Colledge. I became the first Japanese shoe maker employed at John Lobbs. After I Joined the company I specialized in Clicking, pattern cutting and closing. I worked at John Lobbs for 8 years. While there I had the pleasure of making shoes for Queen Elizabeth.

  • 2004

    I left John Lobb’s and came back to Japan and opened “Benchwork Study” shoe making school.

  • 2005

    I started my own bespoke shoe brand “Bench Made” by Yukiko Basett Okawa in coraboration with MIYUKI HUNDRED CLUB in Ginza.

  • 2006

    I moved my “Bench Made” brand to Setagaya Tokyo.

Order How to order?

1. Booking

Orders are on a subscription basis. Please contact me by Tel or E-mail. Once we receive your contact, we will send you confirmation.

CONTACT

2. Order

At the first meeting we will take your foot measurements. After which, we will discuss the design of your shoe and the materials. It is better to choose a lace shoe for your first pair as it is better for making a good fit and last initially.

Once the order is decided, we will make a bill of which half the total is require as a deposit prior to starting on your shoes. You can use your credit card to pay we accept: Visa, American Express (Amex) and Mastercard.

3. Trial shoes

we will make a pair of trial shoes for the purpose of fitting and design, which you should try for, fit and comfort and design. If there are no problems, we will start to make your actual order.

4. Completion of initial order

Once you have tried the completed shoes, if there are still no further problems then the order will be completed with the payment of the balance owed.

5. Next pair

For subsequent order after the completion of your first pair of shoes the price of the last (Aprox 25,000 yen) will be deducted.

PRICE LIST

Shoes

Oxford

425,000 yen (incl. tax / incl. shoe tree) or more

Derby

Whole Cut

Saddle

Side Elastic

425,000 yen (incl. tax) or more

Instep Elastic

436,000 yen (incl. tax) or more

Boots

Oxford

480,000 yen (incl. tax) or more

Derby

Jod Pher

568,000 yen (incl. tax) or more

Side Elastic

535,000 yen (incl. tax) or more

Zip Boots

535,000 yen (incl. tax) or more

DESIGN

Repair About repair

We accept all kinds of shoe repair. But we cannot accept whole sole change and repair if it is made by machine. Please ask us any details.

CONTACT

PRICE LIST

Repair

All Sole Change

42,000 yen (incl. tax) or more

Heel (Top Piece) Change

6,200 yen (incl. tax) or more

Toe Tips

3,150 yen (incl. tax) or more

Half Rubber Sole

6,200 yen (incl. tax) or more

Socks

3,200 yen (incl. tax) or more

Stiching

1,200 yen (incl. tax) or more

Patch

6,000 yen (incl. tax) or more

Size Adjustment

Strech The shoe leather is stretched to relieve pain in feet and to make tight fitting shoes more comfortable.

4,100 yen (incl. tax) or more

Tongue Filler The filler makes tongues thicker for large fitting shoes. It also makes it possible to adjust the facing of shoe laces.

6,800 yen (incl. tax) or more

Seat Socks The sock fills the space in large fitting shoes for a good fit.

3,150 yen (incl. tax) or more

Heel Socks -

1,400 yen (incl. tax) or more

Restoration

Re-Iron -

5,500 yen (incl. tax) or more

Polish -

3,800 yen (incl. tax) or more

Works

  • Golosh Oxford Price: 442,600 yen (incl. tax) or more

  • U-Tip Derby – Round Toe Price: 442,600 yen (incl. tax) or more

  • Austerity Brogue Oxford Price: 436,000 yen (incl. tax) or more

  • U-Tip Derby – Chisel Toe Price: 442,600 yen (incl. tax) or more

MORE

FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

  • I would like to order your shoes, what should I do?

    Please make a reservation by email. Please let us know the date and time that is convenient for you.

  • How many times do I have to go to the shop to make shoes?

    Please come to my shop at least twice. Please come to the first time to discuss the design and measure your foot, and the second time to check the trial shoes. If possible, we would like to make a final confirmation when you receive the shoes for the third time, but if it is difficult, we will send the shoes.

  • Is it possible to order without visiting your shop?

    We apologize for the inconvenience, but we cannot make your Last without measuring your feet, so please be sure to come. But If you (and your friends) are sure to order more than 5 pairs, please contact us as we will be on a business trip.

Access

Bench Made
& Benchwork Study

Seijyo 6-5-25, Daiichi Sumino Bld. #408,
Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 157-0066 Japan
TEL: 03-3484-6133
E-mail: bespokeshoes@benchmade.jp

CONTACT

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