Exploring Tokyo, Japan, in cherry blossom season, PINE's journey led to a boutique, local factory in Asakuza for the initial prototyping of PINE's pineapple footwear in 2017.

The quietly narrowed pathways lined with local eateries and captivating stores provided a sense of calm amongst a bustling city.

In the factory, we explored the luxurious natural materials used and the exquisite quality being produced. Once hearing more about PINE's food-based design, the artisanal owner scurried off into a room to return with rolls of mushroom leather.

The combined astonishment that each other were aware of mushroom leather at a time when the footwear industry was still in its environmental infancy, created a warm and welcoming connection.

As the years continued, our food-based footwear prototype made in this Japanese factory evolved and enhanced to become the PINE trail runner.