The ‘Charles patch’: how British king inspired shoe repairs in Japan
- Named after the British king, the ‘Charles patch’ is a technique, rising in popularity in Japan, of applying a leather patch to damaged footwear
- King Charles is known to use his suits and leather shoes for decades, patching them when they become worn
Britain’s new monarch has long been known for his penchant for getting favourite old shoes and clothes repaired rather than thrown out. Now the practice has taken off in Japan – at least, it is among shoemakers, who are offering to bring precious footwear back to life with what they have dubbed the “Charles patch”.
When the method finally began to take shape, he thought about what to call it. He happened to see a photo of Charles’ patched leather shoes in a magazine and decided to name the technique after the then-prince.
A Charles patch is generally sewn over damaged areas with leather similar in texture to the original leather shoes. The surface is processed and buffed to blend in with the texture of the worn shoe and completed by devising ways to make the borders seamless.
However, according to Sato, it is left to the owner’s discretion whether to make the repaired part as inconspicuous as possible or to design it in a fashion that dares to let the unique patch stand out.
Some of his customers come to him after failing to find anyone else to repair their shoes but remaining fixed in their determination to hold on to them. “I want people to cherish the value of using good things for a long time,” Sato said.
Without maintenance, high-end shoes will last for less than a year, but when polished regularly, they can last from 20 to 30 years, Sato explains.
Nakano said: “King Charles has been talking about environmental issues for half a century, and although there were times when it was difficult for people to understand, his consistent stance is now well received.”
According to the Japan Shoe Repair Association in Tokyo, patching repairs have been around for a long time, but the name “Charles patch” only gained traction in the last several years.