Though some what lost to passage of time, Kadoya was once the lone biker wear brand in Japan. Akin to Lewis Leathers in the UK, and Schott in US, they were conceived as utility brands — filing a hole in the market for high-quality biker wear. From the 30s through the 80s, Kadoya outfitted many of Japan’s top motorcycle racers, and even made battle suits, (reinforced rider jackets and pants not unlike those Balenciaga has released under Demna Gvasalia) used by Japanese police in riots. Unlike their American and British counterparts, Kadoya’s pivot towards more mass produced clothing in the 1990s was largely a misfire, and while they operate several stores throughout Japan, the unceasing tide of fashion has largely left them in the dust.

They left us with an assortment of fascinating work from decades past, including these long discontinued Hammer boots. Their name can be seen emblazzoned onto the metal guards which are meant to protect a rider’s shin, split between an image of a bull’s skull, which served as the label’s logo. They are similarly steel tipped, as most rider boots are, and feature adjustable buckles on the foot and calf. Ultra heavy in weight, these boots clock in at several pounds each.

Condition: 8/10. Some scuffing and fading consistent with age across the toe.

Tagged size: 25.5 (US 7.5, can easily accommodate a size 8.5-9).