Grounds: Unique Footwear to Elevate Your Harajuku Style

Inspired by Tokyo’s vibrant, daring and even sometimes odd street style, Grounds is a 100% Japan inspired footwear brand. It was created first in 2015 under Giddy Up and rebranded in 2019.

From sneakers to Mary Janes and sandals, the brand’s retro-futurist designs focus not so much on the upper part of the shoe, but on an exaggeratedly thick, bubbly sole.

Visionary Footwear by Tokyo Fashion’s Father

If the name Grounds doesn’t instantly ring a bell, perhaps the name Mikio Sakabe will sound more familiar. Dubbed the “Father of Tokyo’s new-gen fashion” or even “Tokyo’s most intriguing fashion name,” Sakabe has been called many things throughout his career. One consistent thing though, is the distinctive style he brought to each of his creative ventures.

With a philosophy of creating footwear that “lifts the burden of walking,” the brand aims to inspire a “new way of communicating with the earth.”

“We will make people more aware of the time-gravity link and inspire them to dream of their connection to higher dimensions” Sakabe states on the official Grounds website.

Forget what you knew about footwear shapes

Among their most popular designs is the now iconic Jewelry Sole—clear, thick soles made of transparent spheres that resemble jewelry. As well as the TikTok phenomenon Moopie, featuring an exaggerated bubble sole that “looks as if you’ve stepped on something huge and gel-like.”

One of their boldest designs yet, the Oyster. Which twists both the upper and sole into an eccentric shape that promises to fulfill your dream of being a mermaid. But only on paved ground though, as the brand advises with this particular design.

If the number of designs was a bit limited, the brand is currently exploring new shapes, as the mini bubble boots and leather derbies seen in the 24-25 A/W campaign.

“I think Grounds suits someone who wants to do something different from the moment their day begins. If you wear Grounds, something interesting will happen in your day,” Sakabe shared in an interview with Singapore’s Men’s Folio magazine.

So whether you’re embracing your Harajuku-inspired style or simply seeking a bold accessory to complete your look, we highly recommend exploring this ever-evolving Tokyo-based brand and dive in the unconventional.