If there’s anything that Japanese barista phenom Hiroshi Sawada might be better at than latte art, it’s style and branding. The owner of Streamer Coffee in Tokyo, which are among the hippest specialty coffee cafes not only in Tokyo but globally that we’ve seen, has released a whole line of Barista Sportswear, including cool camo basketball shorts perfect for busy shifts, loads of awesome tshirts, and now, kicks, designed by Hiroshi with Columbia Sportswear to be perfect for the active barista.
Here’s the rub: they’re only available in Japan right now. But if you can navigate the Japanese Columbia Sportswear page, you can totally order your own pair! Here’s how we did it:
¢ Go to www.columbiasports.co.jp
¢ Google translate it
¢ Click on Men’s Footwear
¢ Scroll down on that page until you see the 919 Mid Omni-Tech Special
¢ Buy a pair of your own for 12,600 Yen (about $125 USD)
Now, let me tell you what I really think of them, because I think I’m the only person in the United States who has a pair right now (Hiroshi gave them to me). THEY ARE RADICAL. They’re some of the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn. They’re super durable, and there’s no tongue — you slide it on like a boot — like the world’s most comfortable boot. They’re totally waterproof. They have all sorts of cool details, like the coffee bean lining, Hiroshi’s symbol on the back of the heel, and they come with two sets of laces — leather or traditional.
They’re limited edition, so if you want a pair, get it now! Warning though: sizes are limited. Go git it!
Shoes on the counter, tisk tisk tisk.