Editor's Note: Fellow blogger and shoe expert Derek Li recently ran a magnificent 2:44.10 at the recent Tokyo Marathon and was kind enough to share with us some of the amazing Japan edition running shoes he spotted in Tokyo.
Tokyo Marathon Weekend Sights
I did the Tokyo Marathon for the first time this year, after two failed ballot attempts and I finally got to see many of the fabled racers that are sold only in the Japanese market up close.
Saucony Kinvara 7 Tokyo Marathon “Cherry Blossom”
Saucony Kinvara 7 Tokyo Marathon “Cherry Blossom” PC:Derek Li |
First up is the Saucony Kinvara 7 Tokyo Marathon “Cherry Blossom” edition. I understand it’s available for purchase from Saucony for $120, but when it’s selling for 9000yen in the expo (~$80) how can you not get it, right? The last Kinvara I owned was the K5, and this K7 in the same size (US9.5) came in 8g heavier at 228g, which is still a solid uptempo weight, and a small tradeoff to try the new Everun midsole. Editor's Note: See our review of the Kinvara 7 here
Saucony Kinvara 7 Tokyo Marathon “Cherry Blossom” PC:Derek Li |
There were a couple of Tokyo edition ASICS shoes, including Tarther Japans and Kayanos but unfortunately I didn’t get any pics of them. This year’s Kayanos colour scheme is purple fading to white. I did get a picture of the 2016 Tarther Japan, and this year’s is a bright orange colour. (FYI the Japan edition Tarther and Skysensor both use a single density layer of SpEVA in the midsole. SpEVA is what’s in the Hyperspeed so you know what kind of durometer to expect.)
PC:Derek Li |
Freaks Japan
PC:Derek Li |
I also spotted a Freaks Japan, which is a stability version of the Skysensor Japan, with a bit more stack, and denser Duomax on the medial side heel/arch to mate with SpEVA in the rest of the midsole.
Skysensor Glide 3
PC:Derek Li |
Mizuno Wave Emperor
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For those who don’t know, lots of Japanese shoes including mass-market models like the Adios Boost (called Japan Boost in the local market) come in a “wide” version. This is NOT 2E width per se, but has a 2E-esque forefoot and a D width midfoot and heel.
PC:Derek Li |
PC:Derek Li |
Nike Lunarspider R6
PC:Derek Li |
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That’s about it for my review. I did see some new colour schemes (blue base and black base) for the new Adios Boost 3, but I didn’t take any pics. If you haven’t been to Japan before, I’d highly recommend going to a city when a big marathon is in town. There are lots of racers you would never find anywhere else.
Derek Li Run Bio
Derek at 38K 2016 Tokyo Marathon. PC: Makiko Nukui |
Derek Li is a family physician by profession, and has been running marathons for the past three years. He started running for triathlon training in 2003, and now focuses purely on running in a bid to run all the Marathon Majors. In his free time, he likes to review running shoes and related products at his blog Running Commentary.
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Running Warehouse US has the Asics Skysensor Glide 3, Tarther Zeal 3 and Kainos, and LyteRacer RS4 Asia market racers here (scroll down to Racing Shoes)
Derek, did you find the Japanese training in racing flats as well? Seems like even recreational runners there love the minimal models.
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