Interview with Hideaki Suzuki founder and designer of Brother Bridge and Sure Boots

March 15, 2025

Visit the Brother Bridge collection at Tempo Design Store

Visit the Sure Boots collection at Tempo Design Store

When did you start making boots? When did Brother Bridge and Sure Boots begin?

When I was about 20 years old, I started the craft of making boots. Firstly, Brother Bridge was conceived in 2014. Then ten years later, Sure Boots was born in 2024.

Was there a special moment which inspired you to start creating boots?

When I was in high school, I saw particular USA-made boots in a vintage shop here in Japan, and it really struck a chord with me. This was the special moment in which truly inspired by to begin to craft boots.

Can you tell us about Asakusa and the factors that make it a special place for boot-making in Tokyo?

Asakusa is one of the areas in Japan that has long been one of the first to adopt Western culture (lifestyle). This is the style that blends cultural elements, which is also one of the good things about MADE IN JAPAN products and craft. Asakusa is an essential town for boot making, as it is a place where craftsmen, materials, and factories all gather up organically and the masterful techniques are passed down.
What are some of your favorite characteristics of Brother Bridge boots?

Brother Bridge has a style that is somewhere between a work boot and a dress boot. It combines beauty and durability. The original calf leather is particularly outstanding. It is gentle on the feet and has a flexibility that you wouldn't expect from a Goodyear construction.

What are some of your favorite characteristics of Sure Boots?

Sure Boots feature a sturdy work boot style and a last that provides an excellent fit. It also has a comfort that rivals that of athletic sneakers.

Are both brands entirely made in Japan?

Yes, both Brother Bridge and Sure Boots are made in Japan. MADE IN ASAKUSA.

The boots are manufactured in factories by master-craftsmen using a combination of machines and handwork.

When it comes to the leather, you are sourcing from the very best Japanese and Italian tanneries. Which are the tanneries you most like to use on your own creations?

We mainly use Japanese tanning factories, but the raw hides come mainly from Europe and North America. When we use full vegetable tanning, it is often from Italy. The glove-leathers come from North American raw-hides the teacore cowhides come from Himeji, Japan. The vegetable pit tanned Loano by Virgilio pull-up cowhides come from Italy. The Conceria 800 brown vaccetta cowhides, and the Maryam horsebutt leather also come from Italy.

Are you more inspired by vintage British boots or American boots? Or equally by both?

Both are equally affected. Both boots have their own unique design and characteristics in which I am inspired by to this day.

Which are your favorite Japanese designers?

One of my top favourtite Japanese designers would have to be Ken Okuyama.

Besides making boots, what are some of your favorite pastimes?

Some of my other passions besides boots are motorcycles and rally.

Are you a collector of vintage artifacts?

I would not say I am an avid collector per se, but I have a fascination for all things vintage.

Can you recommend a Japanese music album to your readers?

I would recommend them to listen to anything from the band The Blue Hearts.

Including visiting the Brother Bridge store, could you recommend three other places for our readers to visit in Asakusa? These can be cafes, restaurants, parks, etc.