Yohei Fukuda 

A standout in the world of classic English shoemaking, Yohei Fukuda is an esteemed craftsman with over twenty years of experience in the business and one of Japan’s leading bespoke shoemakers. Fukuda-san honed his craft while studying at the Tresham Institute in England and working with revered English shoemakers such as Church’s and Edward Green. 

Producing only around 300 pairs a year at his atelier in Tokyo, Fukuda-san prizes balance and timelessness in every piece. Every pair is made with the finest materials and meticulous attention to detail, with the client in mind. At Mason & Smith, Fukuda-san offers ready-to-wear hand-welted leather shoes alongside made-to-order pieces. 

Clients can choose from four house styles for ready-to-wear pieces – Teal, Celeste, Guethe and Ebony. Expect to be fitted in-store for the appropriate sizing, before the shoes are flown in from Tokyo, where they are each made by hand, in approximately seven to ten days. 

Personalisation is also available through their made-to-order shoes, which offer pattern modifications based on the four ready-to-wear styles, and choice of leather lining, toe shape and sole. Fitting is available at Mason & Smith, and orders can be placed year-round.

The shoes can be expected to arrive in 20 to 30 months depending on the availability of the leather material and number of orders at the workshop. Full bespoke shoes with personalised shoe lasts and patterns are only available once a year during Fukuda-san’s trunk show at Mason & Smith, and can take up to 36 months to complete.