Sanyo Yamacho, a men's shoe brand developed by Sanyo Shokai, is targeting men looking for rainy dress shoes. Following the "Waterproof Yujiro," the brand's second rain shoe offering, the "Waterproof Seijuro," an updated version of the classic side-gore boots "Seijuro," will be available at Sanyo Yamacho stores and its direct online store, "Sanyo i-Store," on May 19th. While maintaining the design of authentic men's shoes, the "Waterproof Seijuro" is made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride). The design reduces the stuffiness and fatigue often associated with rain shoes and prevents rainwater from seeping in through the soles. While similar to leather shoes, these rain shoes can be worn safely on both rainy and sunny days.



Background to Product Development

The second rain shoe from men's shoe brand Sanyo Yamacho: Waterproof Seijuro
This year's rainy season is said to have started at a record early date. Recently, changes in the weather environment have led to an increase in the occurrence of localized heavy rain, and rain shoes are becoming a necessity in both business and casual settings.

Amid this, men's shoe brand Sanyo Yamacho released its first rain shoe in 2019, the Waterproof Yujiro, a lace-up shoe with a straight-tip design. It has become a popular rain version of the brand's best-selling leather dress shoe, the Yujiro.
In response to customer requests for "rain shoes that can be worn both on and off the job and can be coordinated with not only suits but also casual styles," the brand has decided to develop the second rain shoe, the Waterproof Seijuro, using PVC (polyvinyl chloride) material in its classic side-gore boots, the Seijuro, which are the brand's signature model.

~ About the "Seijuro" dress shoes, which are the basis for the "Waterproof Seijuro" rain shoes ~

"Seijuro" dress shoes
"Seijuro" side-gore boots are a classic, traditional style with an appealing simplicity. The side gore expands as it widens towards the opening, making them easy to put on and take off, and they also provide just the right amount of hold, making them a practical pair of shoes. The last used is the round-toe R2010, which features a small heel cup, narrow arch, and low instep for a firm hold.
Features of the "Waterproof Seijuro"
The "Waterproof Seijuro" rain shoes feature a sharp, stylish form that faithfully recreates the beauty of dress shoes. They complement a wide range of styles, from business attire like suits to sophisticated casual styles. Designed for both rainy and sunny days, they are a special offering from the men's shoe brand "Sanyo Yamacho."

1. Waterproof and Stuffy
The upper is made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) material. It features a waterproof yet high-quality imported leather-like texture. The insole is made of a breathable and moisture-wicking polyurethane material called "Ultra." Its design allows moisture to escape from the bottom of the insole, reducing stuffiness. The cup shape provides a firm hold from the heel to the arch, providing excellent stability and a comfortable fit. 2. Lightweight Micro-Foam Rubber Sole
The outsole is molded from micro-foam rubber for lighter weight and increased flexibility when walking. The "Seijuro" design is faithfully recreated, with details like the chamfered arch and brand logo, resulting in a beautiful finish right down to the bottom. 3. Durable Heel Lift
The heel lift (the part that adds height) is made with solid rubber for excellent abrasion resistance. This wear-resistant material makes these shoes perfect for field sales or business trips both domestically and internationally. 4. Rain-resistant and fatigue-resistant
The upper is molded in a bag shape (using a slash cement method that molds the upper and sole as a single unit), and a micro-foam rubber outsole is bonded to it. This design prevents rainwater from seeping in from the bottom. The outsole is bonded to the shoe using a separate part, providing a secure, stable fit. It's designed to be comfortable even when worn for long periods of time.
5. Design
The attention to detail in the welt, stitching, and waist tapering makes these boots indistinguishable from Goodyear welt construction. The balanced length and shaft width make them suitable for both suit and casual styles.
6. Fit
Side-gore boots have no laces, so they cannot be adjusted to fit with laces. Compared to leather shoes, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) does not break into your foot as easily with wear, so the width is designed to be slightly wider. The included size-adjusting insole allows for adjustments of about half a size. Repeated fine-tuning of the width and instep prevents your foot from moving around inside the shoe, resulting in a pair of boots that fit just like leather shoes.

"Waterproof Seijuro" Product Overview

"Waterproof Seijuro"
Product Name: Waterproof Seijuro
Design: Side Gore Boots
Material: Upper Type: PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Sole Type: Synthetic Sole
Sizes: S/M/L/LL
Colors: Black
Price including tax: 22,000 yen
Our Model Number: Q74-11-010-09

Image of "Waterproof Seijuro" being worn

Stores where it is sold


■ "Sanyo Yamacho" official website
Click here for company press release details