The balance between shock absorption and rebound was just right.
What kind of gear do you choose when you run?
Fujikawa:Of course, functionality is a prerequisite, but recently I prefer to wear so-called garage brand clothing. I like to wear clothes that I can see the faces of the people who make them.
Do you wear a lot of sportswear?
Fujikawa:That's not true. The functionality of sports brands is superior and gives me a sense of security. So when I participate in races, I wear them as innerwear, and I rely on such functionality while maintaining my own style.
What kind of shoes are you particular about?
Fujikawa:When I run on trails, I try on a variety of shoes. When I run on the road, I honestly choose shoes based on their appearance (laughs). (Laughs.) In my case, even though I run on the road every day, I don't run for tens of kilometers, so I don't really look for functionality. If that's the case, I'm looking for something cool. But recently, I have been running with an awareness of speed, so I can feel the difference in shoe performance more than before.
Mr. Fujikawa, I understand that you usually wear clothes that you can run in.
Fujikawa:I'm a hairdresser, so I wear clothes that I can run in style and have fun. That's why my closet at home is full of quick-drying clothes (laughs). If I have to go to all that trouble, I tend to choose clothes that I can run in. I also choose shoes that are cool and runnable.
What do you think of the "Wave Rider 25" that you were asked to wear this time?
Fujikawa:I like this color. I was attracted by the coloring, which is different from so-called running shoes. They have a sense of volume, and I can wear them on the street as they are. I don't mean to flatter you or anything, but you can totally use them as your personal items.
Why did you choose this color from the various color variations?
Fujikawa:To be honest, I thought they were all good colors and I could wear any of them. Among them, I thought this color had excellent design. The overall gradation of silver and black, the rainbow lines on the midsole, and the design of the heel are not like running shoes in a good way.
Do you have any actual running experience?
Fujikawa:They were in great shape. First of all, the insole felt great when I put my foot in it. The cushioning is also good, and on the other hand, it maintains a good degree of firmness. Shoes with carbon in them are popular these days, but these shoes let me feel that I am running on my own power without relying on that. With carbon shoes, there is too much rebound, and you don't really feel the sensation of running on your own legs. That's why I think they are suitable for training.
These shoes feature Mizuno's original midsole material "MIZUNO ENERZY" on the entire sole and "MIZUNO WAVE" in a new shape to provide flexibility (our company's comparison: product performance differs from material performance. This item has enhanced flexibility (our company's comparison: product performance differs from material performance, and effects and feelings may differ due to production variations and design) and resilience (energy return = resilience / our company's comparison: resilience when the midsole material is compressed in the vertical direction). On the other hand, the shape of the "Parallel Wave," a key feature that enhances stability during running, has been updated to improve midfoot stability.
Fujikawa:I knew it. I really felt the stability of the landing. The cushion is not too soft, but has just the right amount of firmness. It not only absorbs the impact, but also rebounds, and the force is transmitted smoothly when I kick off. If you feel like you are running on a cushion, you won't be able to go very fast. But this is not like that. The balance between shock absorption and rebound was just right.
By the way, have you ever worn Mizuno shoes before?
Fujikawa:I don't have running shoes. However, I used to play baseball, so my gloves and spikes were made by Mizuno. So I am familiar with the brand.
Do you feel that Japanese brands fit your feet better than foreign brands?
Fujikawa:I think so. The width size is just right, not too narrow and not too wide. With foreign brands, if you choose shoes that fit your width, you inevitably end up with extra toe space. When I had my size sent to me this time, I had some concerns about whether or not the size would fit, but when I received the shoes, I realized that my fears were unfounded. They fit my feet without any stress at all. I think I will wear them not only for this occasion but also for training.
