Tanuki Umi

All around you, deep blue darkness prevails. The ground beneath your feet is muddy. Your movements are slow and sluggish, as if you were dragging your arms and legs through some kind of liquid. When you open your mouth, tiny bubbles rise up in front of your eyes. Your lips taste of salt. Slowly, you close your eyes and hum a little song. When the sun wakes you up again, you blink the dream away and look down at your feet, where your toes are stretching comfortably into your Tanuki Umi shoes.

This feather-light minimal shoe is simply perfect for nimble feet. The special washi material made from 75% paper and 25% polyester by the Japanese company Itoitex nestles pleasantly around the foot while giving it room to breathe.

Thanks to its innovative processing, skin only comes into contact with the paper, while the polyester on the outside of the Tanuki makes the shoe resistant to abrasion. This unique fabric from Japan is temperature regulating and boasts naturally antibacterial properties.

The microfiber heel cushion provides protection for sensitive paws. We recommend kneading it gently prior to first-time wear to make sure it’s supple and pliable.

The navy elastic laces can be swapped out for other laces for added colorful fun.

Please note:
To ensure the best possible comfort, the Tanuki models are now equipped with an insole made of temperature- and moisture-balancing hemp-flax fleece. If you want to wear the water-permeable, quick-drying Wildling shoes outdoors in cool, wet conditions, you’ll find the right washi replacement sole here.

Every single shoe is a handmade one of a kind. The structure and coloration may exhibit minor irregularities.
Extensive wear can create a denim effect of sorts.

Upper/edging:
stretch washi (75% paper, 25% polyester) – navy

Mid-sole:
100% certified organically grown cotton

Insole:
hemp-flax fleece (50% hemp, 50% flax) [removable]

Outsole:
80% synthetic rubber from 50% recycled material, 20% cork – anthracite

Further information:
does not contain materials of animal origin, water-permeable

This minimal shoe is water-permeable. Combined with the "Washi" insole, it can also be worn in water and dries in no time. Consequently, waterproofing is not necessary.

If the shoes get soiled, it’s best to brush them clean gently when they’re dry or wash them gently by hand. Not machine washable.

The insole is also washable and should be removed after use for proper drying and airing out. It protects wild paws and the inner sole from wear and tear.

If this minimal shoe walks through salt water with you, we recommend rinsing it well with fresh water afterwards.

True to size as measured with the Fitkit.
Video tutorials explaining how to use the Fitkit and determine the correct fit are available on the Wildling Shoes YouTube channel.