Asics: Space Shoes
I have a lot of time for the products of Japanese shoe company Asics; I wore out two pairs of their shoes when training for the London Marathon and they managed to keep my feet in fairly good shape throughout.
There’s an article in this week’s New Scientist about a pair of shoes they’ve designed for use in microgravity (space shoes, if you will).
Recently Asics also featured on an installment of Discovery Channel’s How Its Made; showing the multi-stage production process of their running shoes, as well as the more TV friendly task of dropping an egg from 30 feet up onto a 1 inch thick mat (made of the special shock-proof gel that goes into their shoes); the egg landed on it’s side, but didn’t break.
On that program they showed the first ever pair of running shoes that Asics made over 50 years ago. What struck me immediately upon seeing the space shoes is how similar they are to the “1953 Marathon Tabi”.
In 50 years, the materials technology may have improved to the point where an egg doesn’t break when subjected to 30 feet of gravity, but take gravity out of the equation and much of the subsequent inventions become irrelevant: the shoes go back to square one (albeit with more breathable, multi-layered construction).
why does the space shoe have a split down between the big toe and the rest of the toes? any reason? or just to make it look more japanese?
I believe the tabi toe is slightly raised which helps stop the calf and foot getting cramp.
Hi,
I’m interested in the production of the atletic shoe, so;
Do you know where I can see the ‘How its Made’ shoe episode?
Thanks
You could try You Tube, perhaps discovery will upload it there.
Where can I get a pair of those shoes? I love them and need to get them.
Nike Rifts, also split-toed, were designed for the Kenyan track athletes… the toe design allegedly gives better control/traction. I have 20 pairs….and don’t run. ;o)
The split toe can allow for more grip when running, or climbing.
Toes are important…for balance and good biomechanics.
We did not evolve wearing shoes.
I suggest reading the newly released best-selling book titled Born to Run (click the link from my blog). It will help you see why all this cushioning and support in running shoes is not necessarily good for you.
I would LOVE a pair of the original marathon Tabi shoes OR even the new ones.
Anybody know where I can get a pair.
In the meantime, checkout Vibram FiveFingers or the new FeelMax shoes.
Best Regards, Barefoot Ted
I will be listing a pair of the Tabi Marathon split toe Asics trainers on ebay this coming Sunday evening in a size UK 7 if anyone is interested