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4cm Waterproof, Breathable, and Lightweight! Workman's Waterproof Sneakers "Athle Shoes Turbulence"

2026.10.13

Workman has developed "Athle Shoes Turbulence," all-weather waterproof sneakers designed for everyday wear as well as rainy days. Designed with urban rain in mind, these sneakers feature 4cm waterproofing from the ground up, while also prioritizing breathability and lightweight comfort. How did they manage to balance waterproofing with everyday wearability? We spoke with Satoru Yoshida from Workman, who led the product development, about the structure and design innovations behind them.

From "Pro Use" to "Everyday Wear": The Story Behind Shoes Designed for Daily Life

A street model featuring 4cm waterproofing, breathability, and lightweight comfort. Available in two colors: white and black. "Athle Shoes Turbulence" 2,500 yen (tax included)

How was "Athle Shoes Turbulence" developed? What challenges did you face when adding waterproof features to daily-wear sneakers?

Up until now, Workman has offered rain shoes tailored to various uses, including sports, outdoor activities, and town use. With the launch of Workman Colors—which offers a more casual style—we set out to develop everyday town shoes that seamlessly fit into our customers' daily lives.

The main challenges with waterproof sneakers for street wear are breathability on clear days and weight. If you apply a waterproof film across the entire upper (the fabric covering the instep) to boost waterproofing, moisture gets trapped inside the shoe. Also, the rubber used for slip resistance adds weight, so the more rubber you use, the heavier the overall shoe becomes.

What specific updates were made compared to previous waterproof shoes?

Our previous lineup included a model called "Athle Shoes Storm Runner," which featured a sporty design with hook-and-loop fasteners covering up to the instep. It prioritized practical functionality—keeping rain out while allowing you to run.

This time, while inheriting that practical mindset, we adopted a classic lace-up design that easily pairs with everyday outfits. While enhancing the style, the waterproofing on the instep is slightly lower than previous models. However, instead of full waterproofing on top, we applied a durable water-repellent finish to the upper to repel rain, adding a new value essential for daily wear: breathability.

Why 4cm? A Hybrid Structure Combining Waterproofing and Comfort

How did you achieve the shoe's key feature, "4cm waterproofing from the ground up"?

First, the sole itself is completely waterproof. On top of that, resin printing is applied to the lower sides of the upper closest to the ground, guarding the base fabric from direct contact with water and securing 4cm of waterproofing from the ground up.

The waterproof sole and resin printing on the lower upper prevent water penetration, ensuring 4cm of waterproofing from the ground up

Why did you set the waterproof height to specifically "4cm"?

Actually, by Workman's standards, we don't label anything with "3cm waterproofing"—we only designate footwear as "waterproof shoes" if it meets at least 4cm. The reason is that most puddles you encounter in the city are around 1 to 2cm deep.

Considering that water splashes while walking, having twice that depth—4cm of waterproofing—is more than enough for everyday rain. That rationale determined our 4cm height standard.

Part of the upper features a window-like panel that doubles as a design accent. What role does this part play?

We intentionally omitted the waterproof film in these "window" panels so they can act as exhaust vents to release trapped heat and humidity. However, to keep rain from seeping through, we applied a durable water-repellent finish to this section.

Unless submerged in water for extended periods, this coating prevents raindrops from penetrating. The lower section closer to wet ground is solidly protected with full "waterproofing," while the upper area exposed directly to rain prioritizes "durable water repellency + breathability." By splitting roles like this, we achieved both waterproofing and a comfortable inside-shoe environment.

Designed to release humidity through upper "windows." A durable water-repellent finish balances breathability and rain protection

Sole design that delivers lightness and flexibility

How did you address the "stiffness" and "heaviness" typical of waterproof shoes?

To keep the shoes lightweight, the outsole rubber—which adds weight—is placed only where grip is needed rather than across the entire bottom. Additionally, grooves cut into the sole allow it to bend naturally with the movement of your foot while walking, minimizing any feeling of stiffness.

Grooves in the sole allow it to flex naturally with foot movement, reducing stiffness

"4 cm Waterproofing" tested for 6 hours; water repellency verified after 10 washes

What kind of testing do you perform to verify waterproof performance?

Based on Workman's internal standards, shoes that pass a product flex test undergo a trial where they are submerged in 4 cm of water for six hours to confirm no water leaks inside. We set a long testing period with harsh environments in mind.

How do you test the durability of the high water-repellency processing?

We test the fabric to ensure it retains its water-repellent performance even after 10 washes.

Textured shoelaces designed to resist untying while walking

The shoelaces use a special yarn to prevent them from coming untied. How does that work?

The surface of the yarn features microscopic ridges and grooves so that walking vibrations won't loosen the knot. When tied, these tiny irregularities interlock to create friction, making the laces hard to untie.

For this model, we extended the laces down near the toe to allow fine adjustments for overall fit. We chose these shoelaces so that the customized fit stays securely in place once adjusted.

Shoelaces designed to resist untying through friction created by microscopic surface textures

Laces extend close to the toe for fine-tuned overall fit adjustment, serving as a stylish design accent

In fact, an employee whose shoelaces usually come untied tried them out and reported that they didn't loosen even once after a full week of wear.

Rather than blindly pursuing pure waterproof specs, the shoe provides the water resistance needed for everyday city wear while balancing breathability, lightness, and walking comfort. That is the core functionality behind the "Athle Shoes Turbulence" for rainy-day town use.

PROFILE

Satoru Yoshida

Workman Co., Ltd.

Manager, Product Development Dept. 5