[Hakone Ekiden] ASICS, Nike, Adidas: Top Model Spotlight on 3 Selected Shoes

The Hakone Ekiden, which seems to have increasing highlights year by year, also draws attention to the footwear this year. With shoe selection becoming a part of the strategy, what kind of shoes will each athlete and team choose? Let’s take a look at the top models from the three major brands: Asics, Nike, and Adidas.

What is this year's trend? Attention is focused on each athlete's footwear

The 102nd Tokyo-Hakone Round-Trip Collegiate Ekiden Race, commonly known as the Hakone Ekiden, is finally starting. The highlights include strategy, time, emotion, and of course, the thick-soled shoes that have been a topic of discussion every year.

While there are individual preferences among the athletes, the choice of shoes has started to be talked about as part of the strategy. This year, we want to pay attention to which brands and models are being worn, as trends in footwear are gradually changing.

Let's take a look at why a particular shoe is chosen by examining the characteristics of top models from representative brands.

High energy return and suitable for strides, METASPEED SKY TOKYO

Source: Asics Japan.

When watching the Hakone Ekiden, you can see runners advancing step by step, pushing off the surface with each stride. Designed to capture the characteristics of stride-type runners who take larger steps, Asics' "METASPEED SKY TOKYO" is the result.

This model is developed based on the concept of naturally extending the stride while increasing speed, rather than simply increasing the number of steps. It features stable propulsion forward while minimizing energy consumption per step.

Source: Asics Japan.

The midsole uses a new material, "FF LEAP™." Compared to the previous model's FF TURBO PLUS, it is approximately 15% lighter, with rebound improved by about 13.7% and cushioning enhanced by around 30%. By placing FF LEAP™ in the lower layer and FF TURBO PLUS in the upper layer, it achieves a high level of stability upon landing and responsiveness upon push-off.

Source: Asics Japan.

The upper features "MOTION WRAP 3.0," which is lightweight and highly breathable. The integration of the foot and shoe is strong, making it difficult to break form even over long distances. It achieves a weight reduction of about 15g (27.0cm/one foot) compared to the previous model and an energy return improvement of about 18.8%.

For runners who thrive on flat, straight courses with advantageous strides, this type of shoe might be a popular choice.

Product Name: METASPEED SKY TOKYO
Price: 29,700 yen (purchase limited to OneASICS members)
Size: 22.5-30cm
Color: Green Gecko/Black
● Asics Japan

The strongest driving force, AlphaFly 3

Source: Nike Japan.

In the high-speed sections of the Hakone Ekiden, there is a running style that maintains speed as if riding a rhythm. Supporting this steady pace without breaking it and moving forward calmly is Nike's standout model, the "Nike AlphaFly 3."

The greatest feature of this shoe is said to be the sensation that the shoe adjusts itself according to the runner's speed, without the runner needing to consciously make fine adjustments. When you step in, you naturally move forward and find it difficult to break your pace. It can be described as having an automatic driving force.

Source: Nike Japan.

The two Air Zoom units placed in the forefoot store energy upon landing and release it all at once for the next step. Paired with a full-length carbon fiber Flyplate, it efficiently converts the force of push-off into forward momentum.

Comparing the now-famous Vaporfly and AlphaFly, while the AlphaFly is slightly heavier, it offers better cushioning and rebound, is more stable, and has a design philosophy suited for longer distances.

Among its predecessors, the progress in weight reduction while minimizing multi-directional sway, thereby increasing reassurance at high speeds, is noteworthy.

Source: Nike Japan.

Even when speed increases over longer distances, the design minimizes disruptions in footwork and makes it easier to maintain a consistent rhythm, making it a shoe that can be expected to enhance the performance of runners in the latter half.

Product Name: Nike Alphafly 3 Men's Road Racing Shoes
Price: ¥40,480
Size: 23.5–31 cm
Color: Multicolor/Volt/White/Black
● Nike Japan

Lightweight, smooth, and highly maneuverable Adios Pro 4

Source: Adidas Japan.

Reflecting on recent Hakone Ekiden, Adidas has been increasingly recognized as a footwear choice that supports "reliable performance." Notably, the "adizero Adios Pro 4," developed specifically for long-distance road racing, has been drawing attention. It is a shoe that balances speed and endurance at a high level.

Source: Adidas Japan.

The features of the Adizero Adios Pro 4 include a propulsion that naturally rolls forward without disrupting the rhythm of running. A major characteristic is the placement of EnergyRods 2.0 (carbon composite rods) within the midsole instead of a carbon plate, which enhances propulsion from the forefoot to the midfoot. It smoothly connects the center of gravity transfer from heel to toe, minimizing energy loss with each step.

The midsole adopts the lightweight and highly responsive LIGHTSTRIKE PRO foam. Even at higher speeds, cushioning is less likely to degrade, and it is designed to control the burden on the legs over long distances. This shoe is also a significant asset for maintaining stability during races that require concentration up until the later stages.

Source: Adidas Japan.

Compared to high-end models from other brands, this shoe is lightweight and offers good maneuverability, potentially advantageous in sections with curves and changes in incline.

Product Name: Adizero Adios Pro 4
Price: 28,600 yen
Size: 22-29 cm
Color: Grey Two / Lucid Red / Grey, Cloud White / Core Black / Silver Metallic
● Adidas Japan

This year, pay attention to the shoes chosen for each athlete's running style and segments, and contemplate the philosophies and technological capabilities of each brand.

Coverage and Text: SYURI

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