Location

Japan

Founded

1996

Price range

¥132,000 – ¥450,000

Shipping

Worldwide

Guild Tokyo Footwear Brand Logo

Guild Tokyo

Independent brand — verified
About

Guild of Crafts is a Japanese shoemaking house founded in 1996 by Chihiro Yamaguchi. Yamaguchi began making shoes in Kyoto in 1980 and later studied shoemaking in England. He established Guild of Crafts at a time when bespoke shoes were still unfamiliar to many customers in Japan, developing the house’s own methods for measuring feet and making lasts. Guild offers bespoke, made-to-order and ready-to-wear footwear. Bespoke begins with the customer’s measurements and a dedicated last, followed by fittings. Made-to-order uses an established Guild last, while ready-to-wear provides a finished-shoe option. Its model lists include Oxfords, buckle shoes and boots, with designs for both men and women. Availability depends on the ordering route and model. The official website explains the different lines and accepts appointment enquiries for orders, maintenance and repairs. Guild is a useful brand to consider when comparing Japanese bespoke shoemakers because customers can see how its approach to fit carries across three ways of buying a shoe.

Brand Details

In-house (handmade)
Japan
Last reviewed
Sep 2026
Independent brand
Verified
C
Chihiro Yamaguchi

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Frequently asked questions

Who founded Guild of Crafts, and when did it begin?
Chihiro Yamaguchi founded Guild of Crafts in Tokyo in 1996. He studied shoemaking at London’s Cordwainers College and later became recognized for advancing bespoke shoemaking education and culture in Japan.
What footwear options does Guild of Crafts provide?
Guild of Crafts offers bespoke, made-to-order and ready-to-wear footwear. Its catalog includes models for men and women, allowing customers to select an ordering level based on fit, personalization and budget.
How does Guild of Crafts’ bespoke service work?
Bespoke footwear provides the greatest degree of personalization, with measurements and fitting information used to develop shoes around the client. Available models and customization options depend on the selected bespoke service level.
What does made-to-order mean at Guild of Crafts?
Made-to-order footwear uses Guild’s proprietary existing lasts, which can be adjusted within the service’s permitted limits. Customers can select from designated models and materials without commissioning a completely individual bespoke last.
Does Guild of Crafts sell ready-to-wear shoes?
Yes. Its ready-to-wear line was developed from more than two decades of bespoke experience. Selected pairs include dedicated wooden shoe trees manufactured by England’s Spring Line to support storage and shape retention.
How should customers decide between Guild’s ordering services?
Choose ready-to-wear for immediate standardized sizing, made-to-order for material choices and limited last adjustments, or bespoke when individual fitting, greater personalization and direct consultation with the workshop are priorities.

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