The basic sneaker production method was born in 1839 in the US.
One distinctive character of SPINGLE MOVE is in the unique design where the sole is shaved upwards and envelops the upper. The looks go without saying, and the combined functions of the strong sole and upper bond, the hard to peel off sole, and the hard to lose form, are all created by the vulcanization method.
The vulcanization method is where the rubber sole and shoe body are joined together and heat and pressure is applied in a sulfur-added kiln, quite simply the ‘basic production method of sneakers,’ as invented 170 years ago in 1839 by the inventor Charles Goodyear.
The craftsmens’ hand made upper (body) and sole are attached and the sneaker is hung up and set on a rack. At this point, at first look the sneaker looks like it is close to its final form, however in actuality the rubber part is very soft. Through putting them in the vulcanization kiln, the upper and the sole are firmly bonded.
The hand work takes more energy and time and effort than you can imagine.
At over 100 degrees celcius for approximately one hour, pressure and heat is applied to the sneakers in the kiln.
When the heating ends, the kiln door opens upwards with a roaring sound, and the smoke inside rushes out.
As a blast of hot air, white smoke and rubber smell permeate the room, the craftsmen take the rack out and deftly cuts the temporary threads added to prevent loss of shape. Following this, to stabilize the shape of the hot sneakers, a large fan is used to cool them off.
The ‘vulcanization method’ is carried out basically by hand, taking more labour and time and effort than you can imagine, so has bad production efficiency. Therefore, the number of companies using this method have decreased dramatically, and currently it is said that including SPINGLE, only three companies in Japan are currently producing by the vulcanization method.
Our factory, which has over 75 years of history, will continue to protect the ‘vulcanization method’ and continue to share its good quality with the world.