2024.10.09
Athlete Shoes Cut in Half! ASICS SKATEBOARDING Edition ~Professional Skater Takuya Ishizuka~
Athlete footwear supports their performance. What kind of technology is used in this gear that becomes a weapon urging athletes to push their own capabilities? This time, with the cooperation of Japan Cutting Labo, we cut in half the shoes worn by promising young skater Takuya Ishizuka, who wears the "ASICS SKATEBOARDING" shoes! He was able to actually verify what kind of technology is packed inside the shoes he wears from the inside.
What Does Takuya Ishizuka Wear the "GEL-VICKKA PRO"?
Takuya Ishizuka, who loves wearing the shoes from "ASICS SKATEBOARDING," was born in Hokkaido. He became hooked on skateboarding after playing with his father's longboard.
"Since I am from Hokkaido, I also did snowboarding until the second grade of elementary school, but after that, I focused solely on skateboarding."
He emerged early on as a standout, winning various skateboarding tournaments and contests held across Japan and became an AJSA-certified professional skater in junior high. Currently, he is actively filming performances on the streets not only in Japan but also abroad.
He uses the "GEL-VICKKA PRO" from "ASICS SKATEBOARDING." When I asked him what kind of shoes they are, he replied as follows.
He emerged early on as a standout, winning various skateboarding tournaments and contests held across Japan and became an AJSA-certified professional skater in junior high. Currently, he is actively filming performances on the streets not only in Japan but also abroad.
He uses the "GEL-VICKKA PRO" from "ASICS SKATEBOARDING." When I asked him what kind of shoes they are, he replied as follows.
"I love that the 'GEL-VICKKA PRO' gives me a direct feel of my feet touching the skateboard when doing tricks. I feel really good with spinning and technical tricks. Being a Japanese brand, it feels like it matches my feet. A few years ago, I had a serious injury, but since I started wearing 'ASICS SKATEBOARDING,' I feel like I’ve had fewer injuries.
This time, I can’t imagine my shoes being cut in half, but I’m really looking forward to seeing how it turns out!"
This time, I can’t imagine my shoes being cut in half, but I’m really looking forward to seeing how it turns out!"
Athlete's Beloved Shoes Cut in Half!
We are about to cut the "GEL-VICKKA PRO," but I’d like to mention the Japan Cutting Labo that cooperated this time.
Located in Azabu Juban, Tokyo, Japan Cutting Labo is a research institute that cuts anything upon request. They are reportedly inundated with requests from product manufacturers wanting to have their products cut.
The machine used to cut various items at Japan Cutting Labo is called an "Obinoko" (band saw). It has a mechanism developed by director Masayoshi Funakubo that enables perfectly clean cuts using a rotating circular diamond blade.
Understanding the Technology Behind Supportive Gear
I asked Ishizuka for his thoughts after seeing his shoes cut in half."Seeing the cut sole in person really shows how thin it is. That’s why I realized the foot sensation could be conveyed directly, making it easier to perform tricks. Also, the green layer that serves as a 'gel' at the heel--thinking about how this small spot absorbs the shock when landing after jumping down about ten stairs, it's truly amazing."
Thanks to "ASICS SKATEBOARDING" for allowing us to cut the newly developed model "GEL-FLEXKEE PRO 2.0" made for the Paris Olympics.
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