U.S. Orthofeet Establishes Local Japanese Subsidiary, Orthofeet Japan

U.S. Orthofeet, a company that develops premium hands-free shoes, has established Orthofeet Japan K.K. as its local Japanese subsidiary, commencing operations on April 1, 2026. Orthofeet was founded in the U.S. in 1984 by brothers Ron Bar, who holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, and Michael Bar, who holds a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering. The company began product deployment in Japan in 2024. With the establishment of its local subsidiary, Orthofeet is making a full-scale entry into the Japanese market, promoting the concept of 'health investment' to contribute to societal challenges such as the declining birthrate, aging population, and extending healthy life expectancy. This is achieved through its brand, which combines designs based on biomechanics and podiatry to support feet and walking—considering that a person takes approximately 200 million steps (7,000 steps x 365 days x 80 years) in a lifetime—with its unique, U.S. patented hands-free functionality.

Orthofeet is a shoe brand that stands apart from conventional health shoes and hands-free shoes by integrating advanced technology. Specifically, it supports the feet, which play the crucial role of bearing the entire body weight, through three key features: a 'hands-free donning and doffing function' that holds the ankle with a patented spring structure, an 'Orthocushion System' which is a sole structure based on orthopedic knowledge, and 'included custom parts' that allow for easy adjustment of fit to individual foot shapes. With this full-scale entry, the product lineup will also be expanded beyond standard sneakers to include options for various occasions such as sports, formal wear, and outdoor activities.

Orthofeet Japan K.K. was founded by members with extensive experience in the shoe industry, primarily those qualified in the 'Foot Instruction Manual Certification' (足のトリセツ検定) organized by Shimokitazawa Hospital, Japan's only comprehensive foot hospital, and the Japan Walking Association.

In Japan, Orthofeet has consecutively won the FOOT HEALTH AWARDS in 2024 and 2025, and its products are already available in over 100 stores nationwide. With the establishment of the local subsidiary, the company will evolve its activities to engage more closely with customers and 'support Japanese feet.' We invite you to experience our unique shoes.

Orthofeet Specialty Stores

・Shinjuku (Street-level store)

・Isetan Tachikawa

・Daimaru Kyoto

・Hanshin Department Store Umeda Main Store

・Nishinomiya Hankyu Department Store

・Tsuruya Department Store

*For a complete list, including partner stores nationwide, please visit here:

(Retailers | Orthofeet Japan Official Website)

Company Profile

Name

Orthofeet Japan K.K. (English name: Orthofeet Japan K.K.)

Head Office Location

Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

Representative

Representative Director and President: Yasuyuki Umino

Business Description

Wholesale, retail, and e-commerce business of Orthofeet brand products in Japan

Capital

30 million JPY

Date of Establishment

March 2026

Investor

100% invested by Orthofeet Inc. (USA)

Number of Employees

25

Brand URL

https://www.orthofeet.jp/

Yasuyuki Umino Profile

Orthofeet Japan K.K.

Representative Director and President: Yasuyuki Umino

After returning from studying abroad, he has been consistently involved in the shoe industry since 2005.

He has held various positions in the distribution of health-focused shoe brands such as BIRKENSTOCK and BENEXY.

In 2024, he led the introduction of the U.S. Orthofeet brand to Japan.

Graduated from Globis University Graduate School of Management (International MBA).

Obtained 'Foot Instruction Manual Certification' Advanced level.