Fugashin Saigon may not be a well-known name in Ho Chi Minh City’s shoe scene, but it's quietly carved out a niche with its commitment to classic style and impeccable quality. With no flashy Facebook updates, ads, or lookbooks, Fugashin relies solely on its craftsmanship to attract discerning customers. It’s been around for four years, and while many may not be familiar with this small shop, those who know, know.
Founded by a Japanese owner, the brand embodies a core Japanese principle: letting the product’s quality speak for itself.
On the hunt for a pair of Oxfords for an important meeting, I browsed Hanoi’s shops but couldn’t find what I needed. Taking a chance on a trip to Ho Chi Minh City, I reached out to Fugashin, and the next day, I found myself selecting the Sanjo Classic Oxford. At first glance, it’s your typical black Oxford - nothing extravagant. But at 4,000,000 VND for a ready-to-wear pair, it turned out to be a unique experience.
Here’s my review after roughly 15 wears:
Shoe Name: Sanjo
Model: TP-503
Made In: Vietnam
Upper Material: Italian calf leather - shiny, stiff, and structured
Lining: Leather
Sole: Leather sole – known for long-term comfort, but be warned, it’s not great for typical Vietnamese roads if you plan on walking long distances
Construction: Goodyear welted
Comes with an anti-wear piece on the sole
Fugashin logo on the insole
Packaged in a blue box
Fit
The Sanjo fit me like a glove - almost as if it were custom-made. It might have been luck, as my size was nearly sold out by the time I arrived.
Fugashin sizes follow the UK system (6-9 UK), so it differs from what most people use with sneakers. For instance, I’m a 42 in Euro sizes or an 8.5 US, but with Fugashin, I wear a size 7 UK.
Comfort
Premium leather shoes aren’t designed for instant comfort, and this was no exception. High-quality leather needs time to mold to your feet, a process called “breaking in.” With the Sanjo, the break-in period was about 2.5 months. That said, after just 2-3 weeks, I already felt a noticeable improvement.
Warranty
Fugashin provides a one-year warranty on the sole, and they’ll replace it for free if there’s a manufacturing defect within that time.
Service
What truly stood out at Fugashin was the professionalism and deep knowledge of the staff - especially the store manager, in my case. Despite showing up at 9 AM, I was greeted warmly, given full access to try on various shoes, and received invaluable advice. The staff’s understanding of different shoe forms, materials, and construction was impressive, as was their honesty. If a pair didn’t suit me, they didn’t hesitate to say so.
Final Thoughts
At 4,000,000 VND with Goodyear welted construction, the Fugashin Sanjo is a strong contender in the market, especially for those serious about investing in their shoe game. If you’re in Ho Chi Minh City, Fugashin is a shop worth visiting.
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