Most footwear brands make variations of the tried and tested classic shoe silhouettes such as Oxfords, Derbys, brogues, espadrilles and so on. Yogi are a little different in that they take inspiration from a 1970s shoe style (the Earth and Roots shoe), which in turn takes inspiration from a shoe style that dates back to early 19th century Native American tribes - the moccasin.
Hand-stitched at a third generation family-owned factory in Portugal, Yogi's functional and durable styles deliver comfort and authenticity in equal measure. All their shoes are constructed from full leather or suede uppers, leather laces and either Vibram or crepe soles. The ethos is the very same as the vintage moccasins that came before them - to cradle the foot in comfort.
Another aspect of Yogi footwear is the unlined Unlined moccasin construction. This minimises wastage and reduces the use of solvent-based adhesive in the production process. Yogi only use only water-based adhesives where these are integral to the production process. What's more, most of Yogi's raw materials and components - such as vegetable tanned leathers, natural crepe outsoles and recycled shoe boxes - are all locally sourced in order to minimise the brand's carbon footprint.
YOGI WILLARD |
YOGI WILLARD |
Yogi's Willard style is a close relative of the Earth and Roots shoes of the 70s with a wide-toe fit and that iconic upper stitching that references the Wallabee shoe of the 1960s. Its comfort zone is casual weekend fits such as jeans and knitwear. You'll also notice the subtle negative heel on the Willard shoe - that's an important design construct that actually aids posture, particularly useful if you're on your feet a lot.
YOGI LAWSON MOCCASIN |
YOGI LAWSON MOCCASIN |
As for the brand's style footprint, they don't come much more casual than Yogi. Take their Lawson moccasin for example - inspired by the classic camp moc style and beautifully handcrafted with a soft and flexible upper. The shoe is part desert boot, part hippie Oxford and part boat shoe. It's so versatile it will pair perfectly with a pair of spring chinos, tailored summer shorts, autumnal cords or winter indigo denim.
Click here to check out the new Yogi curation at Oliver Spencer now.