Feiyue
Feiyue is a canvas shoe brand from Shanghai, first produced by the DaFu Rubber Company in 1958. Based on the cloth shoes worn by Shaolin monks, it is a staple for martial arts and has an international fashion version.
| First produced | 1958 |
|---|---|
| Origin | Shanghai, China |
| Original maker | DaFu Rubber Company |
| Construction | Vulcanised canvas |
| Website | chinafeiyue.cn |
What is Feiyue?
Feiyue is a Chinese shoe brand from Shanghai. The name means "to leap" or "to fly over". The brand is known for its lightweight vulcanised canvas shoes.
History
Shanghai has made cloth shoes since the 1920s. In 1958 the DaFu Rubber Company designed and produced the Feiyue shoe as a modified version of the cloth shoes worn by Shaolin monks. The brand was a top seller in China, declined in the 1990s and was relaunched in 2003.
In 2005 Patrice Bastian and a group of artists in France began a separate rebranding, launching the first French designed collection in 2006. That business was acquired in 2014 by BBC International of Florida and is run as Feiyue International, which holds the trademark in many markets outside China, while DaFu retains the rights in China.
Products and positioning
- Chinese version: thin canvas, flexible ankle and light sole, built for martial arts and wushu, in around 150 styles
- International version: thicker canvas and more padding, with fashion styles for men, women and children
The international line has collaborated with brands such as Céline, agnès b. and Swarovski.
Why it matters
Feiyue is an example of a heritage Chinese product that gained a second life as an international fashion sneaker.
Frequently asked questions
Where are Feiyue shoes from?
Feiyue shoes come from Shanghai, China, where the DaFu Rubber Company first produced them in 1958.
What are Feiyue shoes used for?
The Chinese version is a staple for martial arts and wushu, while the international version is designed as everyday fashion footwear.