SUICOKE, a Japanese (footwear) brand founded in Tokyo, has quietly crafted its niche for some time. While not yet a household name whispered in every corner of the globe, the brand occupies a coveted space within the discerning circles of street culture. The best-kept secret, the knowing nod, the go-to for those seeking a more refined, distinctive alternative to the ubiquitous sandal, slipper, and slide.

For those wishing to elevate the everyday ensemble from mere casual comfort to considered style, SUICOKE offers a compelling proposition. But first things first:

How Do You Pronounce “SUICOKE”?

Since SUICOKE is a Japanese brand, they’re natively pronounced: “SWEE-KOH-KAY”. SWEE as in “sweet,” KOH as in “go,” and KAY as in “say”. Nevertheless, who will fault you for making it rhyme with “Coke”? Now that’s out of the way, let’s explore their brief history.

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SUICOKE’s design prowess has been evident for years, but the brand’s origin story is often a footnote, a forgotten chapter in its story. But as any seasoned traveler (or time-traveling historian) knows, you can’t chart a course forward without occasionally glancing in the rearview mirror. So, buckle up as we embark on a brief journey through SUICOKE’s heritage, from its humble beginnings to its current reign as a sandal and slide sovereign.

2012: The Matryoshka Matrix

Today, SUICOKE is synonymous with fashion-forward footwear. But rewind to 2012, and the picture is…well, different. The brand’s genesis lay not in footwear but in the realm of homewares, specifically a modest collection of matryoshka dolls—those quaint Russian nesting dolls that house a whole family within. It’s a far cry from the catalog we know and love, like discovering that The Beatles were originally a cover band.

With a focus on graphic design and a surprisingly diverse range of products—from keyrings to lamps—SUICOKE entered the Japanese market, producing both footwear and these specially designed, Russian-made matryoshkas. These handcrafted dolls, with their subtly subversive designs, served as SUICOKE’s unlikely ambassadors, introducing the brand to a Japanese audience with a dose of unexpected eccentricity.

SUICOKE matryoshka dolls and lamps

2013: Finding Their Footing (Literally)

Lightweight. Comfortable. Functional. These three words, as it turns out, have been SUICOKE’s north stars from the very beginning. Even a decade ago, their footwear shared the same core values as today’s product line. Employing a less textured version of their now-iconic EVA footbed and outsole, the early sandals were “bold, playful, and versatile”. Canvas cotton straps and metal buckles replaced the nylon and plastic of today while the brand logo was still embryonic.

High-quality sandals and slides are now ubiquitous, but just a decade ago, they were the rebels, the underdogs, the subject of far less experimentation. These early forays into summer style helped lay the foundation for what a premium sandal could and should be, setting a new standard for warm-weather footwear.

2014: A Vibram Victory

Throughout SUICOKE’s history, technical innovation and exploration have been the twin pillars of its design ethos. And in Vibram, they found a kindred spirit. Sharing a passion for creating durable, high-performance footwear solutions, the Vibram x SUICOKE partnership was a match made in heaven.

After a year of rigorous R&D, 2014 birthed an industry first: SUICOKE’s exclusive footbed and outsole with Vibram. This collaboration with the Italian footwear innovators, now recognized as a driving force in the modern footwear industry, resulted in a textured, hard-wearing, and supremely comfortable outsole that redefined expectations for summer footwear.

Since that pivotal year, the partnership has continued flourishing, expanding to include exclusive styles and a dedicated range of Vibram products.

SUICOKE x Vibram footbed, as produced today

2014–Present: Collaborative Climbs

Forging relationships and developing products through collaborations with like-minded partners has been instrumental in expanding SUICOKE’s reach and introducing its unique vision to a global audience. As early as 2013, they were teaming up with Japanese stores and labels like BEAMS and Rehacer.

Over time, their horizons broadened, encompassing US-based labels like Stüssy and Aimé Leon Dore alongside international heavyweights such as Norse Projects, Palm Angels, and Marsell, among countless other high-profile and innovative projects.

In recent years, collaborations with luxury brands, hitherto unimaginable, like Moncler, Lanvin, and Blumarine, have propelled SUICOKE into terra incognita, challenging perceptions and proving that even after a decade of partnerships, the boundaries of their product range continue to be pushed with each new creative endeavor.

SUICOKE x TOGA; SUICOKE x ADISH ZAVO

Where to Buy SUICOKE?

You’re unlikely to stumble upon a SUICOKE pop-up shop at your local farmer’s market (yet), but they’re hardly hidden away in some sartorial speakeasy.

Finding a pair isn’t exactly like finding a parking spot in downtown Manhattan. The most direct route, of course, leads to their official website. But for those who prefer the tactile thrill of brick-and-mortar retail, SUICOKE has strategically infiltrated the ranks of most Tier 2 and 3 retailers—those purveyors of carefully curated cool. These include (but are certainly not limited to):

But as any respectable consigliere would advise, a visit to SNKRDUNK is necessary. From their digital cantina, we offer a few strategic acquisitions you can make.

Does SUICOKE Run Small?

SUICOKE footwear tends to run slightly smaller than standard measurements. For slides, a half-size larger than your usual fit is advisable. With sandals, however, a full-size increase is recommended since the heel straps have a tendency to subtly propel the foot forward on the footbed. As the brand does not offer half sizes, those whose measurements fall between sizes should invariably select the next full size up to ensure optimal comfort and fit.

How to Wear SUICOKE Sandals
Socks or No Socks?

The genius of SUICOKE is its remarkable versatility, accommodating to a spectrum of styles and every aesthetic inclination, from minimalist monochromatic pairings that integrate into any wardrobe to flamboyant collaborative creations designed as singular style statements. For those contemplating the pairing of SUICOKE sandals and slides with socks, the answer is an unequivocal yes. What was once deemed a fashion faux pas is now fashion-forward.

For more style options, the brand’s Spring/Summer 2023 and 2024 lookbooks are good places to learn how to wear SUICOKE sandals.

Source: SUICOKE

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Alternatively, Birkenstock’s offerings (another footwear option of SUICOKE’s ilk) may be right up your alley as well. Read “Counterculture Couture: Birkenstock Clogs for Streetwear“.

For the latest releases, breaking news, and exclusive interviews, stay tuned to the SNKRDUNK Magazine and @snkrdunk on Instagram. Explore the SNKRDUNK App and use the welcome code from the banner below before making your first purchase. Additionally, if you want to try a pair out, visit our stores in Singapore and Japan!

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