ー What kind of socks does a globetrotter like Lucas never leave home without?
When I travel, I do a lot of walking, biking, and hiking, so socks are a must-have item to keep my feet warm, clean, dry and healthy. My favorite socks for the past few years have been the tabi socks that separate the toes into two. I have tried five-split socks, but the two-toe split are easier for me to put on and take off, and lend themselves to both daily use as well as for traveling.
ー What is it about these socks that make them perfect for travel?
Compared to ordinary socks, your toes can move more freely. So when walking, you can step firmly on your toes with more strength and balance, making it easier to stride. It’s also convenient that you can wear the sandals with split -toed socks. They are cute and Japanese in origin as in the edo times they would be worn with getas and straw sandals. I thought it would be great if PAPERSKY TOOLS could make a series of socks, so this summer we finally completed the first of a series of three types of socks in the series.
ー Please tell us more about the “TRAVEL TABI SOCKS” series.
The “TRAVEL TABI SOCKS” series, which offers the optimum socks for traveling, will have a lineup of three types in different materials that can be used for various occasions throughout the year. All are made in Japan and carefully crafted with attention to materials and weaving methods, so they are highly durable, and the more you use them, the more comfortable they become and the more personal the fit becomes.
ー What kind of item is the initial “TRAVEL TABI SOCKS (WASHI)” that you released?
The first batch are tabi socks made of “washi” yarn, suitable from spring to autumn. It is believed that Japanese people in the Edo period used Japanese paper for underwear, as it provides a versatile material that directly touches the skin and has excellent water absorbency with quick-drying properties. These socks also have a pleasantly crisp texture that becomes softer through wear. This texture is only possible with Japanese paper, and feels comfortable to wear even in the stuffy summer months. They also contain a natural material with deodorizing properties, making them ideal for taking on trips where frequent washing is not an option.
ー What was the quintessential PAPERSKY element?
We were conscious of spring and summer and focused on PAPERSKY-like color variations so that they can be worn around town in style. The socks are available in three colors inspired by the colors of the “sky” (light clouds, blue sky, and sunset orange). Another little touch is the PAPERSKY logo mark, visible when you turn the socks inside out. The package features “LUCÁMON” PAPERSKY’s official character who travels around wearing tabi socks.
ー What kind of tabi socks are you planning to add to the series in future?
The lineup will include cotton socks for year-round use and wool tabi socks for fall and winter. The cotton ones will be longer to protect legs from grass and insects when hiking in the mountains, and the wool ones will be warmer and quick-drying… We are developing these socks based on our experiences traveling, hiking and biking as well as for daily city dwelling in the hope that fellow travelers will discover the joy of tabi socks when out and about. All the best trips start with a pair of comfy tabi socks, and once you’ve tried them you won’t leave home without them!
