Postman shoes combine the look of leather shoes with the comfort of sneakers. In this issue, we will introduce the history, design features, and recommended models of these shoes, which, as the name suggests, have long been the standard shoes for postmen.
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Origin and History of Postman ShoesRed Wing is the creator! Official shoes of the U.S. Postal Service in the 1950s
Postman shoes originated in 1954 when the long-established Minnesota-based work boot manufacturer “Red The origin of the postman shoe can be traced back to the model “#101 POSTMAN OXFORD” developed by “Red Wing,” a long-established work boot manufacturer based in Minnesota, U.S.A. in 1954. The postman’s shoe, which combines the authentic construction of a plain toe with a thick, flat rubber sole, which was revolutionary at the time, was designed as a service shoe for civil servants such as mail carriers, police officers, firefighters, station employees, and watchmen.
Because of their practicality and versatility, the “#101” was adopted as the official uniform shoe of the United States Postal Service (USPS) and worn by mail carriers throughout the United States. For postal workers, it was important to have shoes that could withstand long-distance walking, as they were required to make deliveries every day, regardless of weather conditions. The #101 shoes were adopted in response, and became known as “postmen’s shoes,” a nickname that has stuck to this day. At the same time, other workboot manufacturers, such as Thorogood, were producing USPS-certified shoes, but the black glass leather, rounded toe, and flat sole were common to the #101, and they became established as the unique design of postman’s shoes.
What makes a postman shoe?Constructed with outer wing plain toe, flat rubber sole and glass leather!
The basic design of the Postman shoe, which is based on the original Red Wing “101,” is a simple look that combines an external-blade plain-toe leather upper with a flat rubber sole. The major difference from the common outer-blade plain-toe leather shoes is the flat sole. Although there are many leather shoes with rubber soles in circulation today, flat soles are unique to postman shoes. The upper material is glass leather, which is easy to care for and resistant to water. For postmen who had to go out every day to make deliveries even on rainy days, they must have been extremely grateful for the durability that allowed them to wear them all the time without worrying about the weather. The flat rubber soles were not only comfortable to walk on, but also prevented damage to the lawn when walking through the yard to the mailbox, and prevented the thumping sound of leather-soled shoes.
Here is a selection of recommended models that follow the unique details of postman shoes!
Recommended Postman Shoes 1
As mentioned at the beginning, Red Wing’s “#101 POSTMAN OXFORD” is the original postman shoe. It is a masterpiece that boasts high popularity not only among all postman shoes but also among the many shoes that Red Wing has developed. With a rounded toe and the American casual look of work shoes, they go well with jeans and chinos. They also go well with slacks and other clean pants, making them quite versatile shoes. The oxford type is the standard, but the chukka boot type “9196” is also popular.
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Recommended Postman Shoes 2Danner 'POSTMAN SHOES'
More than 30 years after its release, the “Postman Shoe” is still a Danner classic, loved by a wide range of people. This model offers a glimpse of Danner’s commitment to keep updating the leather and fit with the times, while maintaining the classic design. The model is characterized by the use of thick glass leather, which is highly durable. A Japanese model that fits the foot shape of Japanese people is also available.
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Recommended Postman Shoes 3REGAL Shoe & Co. 'Plain Toe'
Launched by REGAL in Shibuya, Tokyo in 2010, REGAL Shoe & Co. REGAL Shoe & Co. is a line of casual and dress shoes for adults that combines traditional technology with modern fashion sense. This work adopts REGAL Shoe & Co.’s original saddle last with a characteristic rounded toe. The entire sole is covered with a cushioned insole, and sponges are incorporated into the opening, tongue, and instep for a soft, comfortable fit. The leather is characterized by its luster and softness, and the sole uses Vibram’s EVA sole #8338.
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Recommended Postman Shoes 4HARUTA 'Postman Type Shoes #711P'
HARUTA is an established Japanese shoe brand that has been in business for over 100 years. The brand offers postman shoes that follow traditional designs. The outsole is made with a Vibram sole for excellent comfort, and the shoes also have a high grip, making them safe even on rainy days. The shoes are made with a wooden pattern for Japanese people, so the fit is excellent.
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