KEEN UNEEK EXO With Shigeyuki Kunii (mita sneakers)
A new type of sneaker called UNEEK EXO.
Keen is an outdoor footwear manufacturer that continues to surprise and inspire us with its innovative products. The "UNEEK" series, which debuted in 2014, became a hot topic of conversation for its innovative design and construction that caused a stir in the footwear scene. The "UNEEK EXO" is a sneaker-like model from the "UNEEK" series, which has since developed many variations. We asked Mr. Kunii, Creative Director of "mita sneakers," a leading authority in the sneaker world, about the appeal of the "UNEEK EXO.
Unique" is a shoe with an innovative design that attracts many people at first impression.
First of all, what was your first impression of the Keane brand and what is your current image of the brand?
the national wellI was attracted by the radical structure, design, and comfort of the shoes. Later, in May 2015, I attended an event called "Sneaker Speaker" as a panelist and was asked for feedback during my free time, which led to the release of the SMU (Special Make-Up) model for "mita sneakers" and the conversation developed.
When "Unique" was first released, its design and structure were a shock.
the national wellThe biggest difference between Keen and conventional outdoor brands is that Keen's manufacturing ideas are innovative and groundbreaking. Other brands use innovative materials, but I think the appeal of Keen is that they are trying to change the concept of shoes by being creative not only in the materials they use, but also in all aspects of their manufacturing methods and structures.
the national wellI had the impression that many of Keen's shoes, not only "Unique" but also "Unique" shoes, were like the lightweight mini 4WDs of my childhood, with unnecessary parts stripped away and only the parts that were truly necessary. I felt a sense of security that "Unique" had a minimal skeletal design, plus the parts that I wanted to be protected were well protected.
I've heard that the shoes have excellent performance.
the national wellI think so. For example, taking one of the popular slide sandals during the summer season, conventional ones do not have high walking performance, and you do not feel like walking around in them, but with "Unique Slide," you can walk for a long time and not get tired. Even in the middle of summer, the ventilation is good, and the sole unit is firm enough to protect the feet from the heat of the road surface. I think the "Unique" was originally developed for the outdoor field, but when I gave the idea of "Unique" for city dwellers as a sneaker store to the designer, Mr. Rory Furst Jr, This led to the SMU with "mita sneakers".
Unique" has sold well all over the world so far.
the national wellI have always believed that a standard item should always be epoch-making, and "Unique" fits the bill. When I went to a resort called Varadero in Cuba the year before last, I wore "Unique" shoes for a wearing test, and many tourists from Europe and the United States said, "Your shoes are cool. What brand are you? I was frequently asked by many tourists from Europe and the United States, "What brand are your shoes? I was also told by a man wearing a pair of "Newport," Keen's founding model, that "Japanese brands have wonderful design expressions! But when I told him, "This is not a Japanese brand, but a product of Keen, the same brand as the Newport you are wearing! I told him, "I can't believe it's the same brand, it's so innovative! He was surprised. Thus, "Unique" has innovation in design that attracts many people at first impression, and it also has comfort. I believe this is one of the reasons why "Unique" has become a worldwide hit.
In addition to the original "Unique," there are now variations such as "Unique Slide," "Unique O2," and "Unique Highty.
the national wellI think the "Unique Slide" is convenient for office wear because it is easy to put on and take off. They also make my feet feel relaxed. I usually wear only sneakers, but when I work in the office, I wear sandals all the time. The "Unique O2" uses a type of sole unit with better cushioning and lighter weight than the original "Unique," so it is more mobile and matches longer walks. It matches more active users. The "Unique Hightie" is constructed with an inner bootie that completely covers the foot, so it can be worn in inclement weather as long as quality water repellent spray is used beforehand.
Eiyuki Kunii talks about what makes Unique Exo so appealing.
KEEN UNEEK EXO ¥12,500+TAX
What were your impressions of the new "Unique Exo" for the 2018 SS when you first saw a sample and actually put your feet in it?
the national wellWhen I first saw a sample of the Unique Exo, my first impression, frankly speaking, was, "Wow, Keen is now making sneakers with knit uppers, which are now very popular. The first thing I felt when I actually put my feet into the shoes was their lightness, which I could not have imagined from their calm looks. They are just so light. I think they will keep me comfortable even if I wear them for a long time.
I was surprised at how light it was.
the national wellI think the "Unique Exo" is a legitimate evolution from the catchphrase "open-air sneaker" that was used when the "Unique" brand was launched in Japan. Until now, there has been a clear line between sports brands and outdoor brands in terms of product design concepts and tastes, but I like the fact that this model cleverly incorporates elements that sports brands have adopted.
How would you like to wear the new "Unique Exo" shoes?
the national wellI think this is a product that can be used to complete all kinds of situations with a single pair of shoes, but I personally would like to use it for after-camping. I personally would like to use this product for after-camping activities. I would wear more serious shoes during outdoor activities, and change into "Unique Exo" shoes around the tent. It would be like a recovery shoe for outdoor activities.
They are certainly ideal as recovery shoes. How about as a town shoe?
the national wellI think the "Unique Exo" is a model that can be worn by a wide range of users, situations, and coordinates, so I hope that users will wear it freely and with their own ideas. Especially in Japan, the culture of wearing such products in a fashionable manner has been established for more than several decades.
The "static cord," which acts as an exoskeleton, controls lateral blurring caused by foot movement, allowing the wearer to enjoy a stable fit. In addition, by interlocking with the bungee cords, the fit is also sufficient.
The engineered knit upper, with its unevenness and knitting density adjusted in each area, is as comfortable on the foot as if you were wearing socks. Breathability is also excellent.
Adopts a non-marking rubber outsole with excellent friction resistance and grip. The midsole is combined with a lightweight "O2 foam midsole" with excellent cushioning properties.
Unique" has made a huge impact on the footwear industry in terms of design, function, and manufacturing.
the national wellThe concept of the "Unique" shoe with two cords (laces) forming the upper really had an impact on me when I first learned about it. I think the evolutionary process of the original "Unique," "Unique O2," "Unique Slide," "Unique Highty," and now the new "Unique Exo" is the way it should be, and I don't think there is anything wrong with the way it has evolved. It is a legitimate evolution. On the other hand, there is a new concept that destroys it and makes us think, "Is this "Unique" too? I am looking forward to seeing the future development of "Unique". I look forward to the future development of "unique.
Eiyuki Kunii / Creative Director, mita sneakers
Born in 1976, he started working at "mita sneakers", a sneaker store in Ueno, Tokyo, in 1996, and later became creative director. He is a key figure in the sneaker industry, working on many sneaker projects both in Japan and abroad, as well as collaborating with various brands and creating special orders.
