[【FOCUS IT.] Whether in the city or the mountains, wear them wherever you are right now. We explore the appeal of Keen’s shoes—available exclusively at Kicks Lab—through the stories of three different people.

“Driven by the desire to ”provide a gathering place for sneaker enthusiasts,” we launched Japan’s first sneaker trade show, “KICKS LAB.,” in September 2007. The following year, we opened a sneaker shop of the same name in Harajuku. The store garnered attention for carrying models not yet released in Japan and overseas exclusive models, and we have also launched numerous in-house collaboration projects.

Kicks Lab has released an exclusive model created in collaboration with KEEN, an outdoor footwear brand based in Portland, Oregon. A limited-edition colorway of the “Jasper Zionic”—which combines KEEN’s long-selling "Jasper" model with a sole developed under the "FAST & LIGHT" concept—is now available.

To explore what makes them so appealing, we conducted a photo shoot and interview with Jun Fujii, who runs “PROPS STORE,” Yuki Yokose, owner of “SUNDAYS BEST,” and Muddy Waterz, who hosts the podcast “Too Young To Know.” We asked them to share their impressions of “Jasper Zionic” from their respective perspectives.

Photo_TaiKino

Text_Atsutaro Ito

Edit_Seiya Kato

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KEEN Jasper Zionic - KICKS LAB. EXCLUSIVE -

¥20,900
The product page isthis way (direction close to the speaker or towards the speaker)The following is a list of the most common problems with the

The "Jasper Zionic" combines superior grip, stability, and responsive traction, seamlessly transitioning from trails to the city. While retaining the signature "Jasper" fit that feels like a second skin, it has been updated for a more active feel.

In addition, the upper features dark brown hair suede reminiscent of deeply roasted coffee beans, creating a shoe that strikes a perfect balance between outdoor functionality and urban style, making it a versatile pair that complements a wide range of looks.

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01_Jun Fujii
"I'd recommend this to anyone who walks a lot, whether in the city or in the mountains."

—First, could you tell us about your outfit today?

Fujii:I coordinated the entire outfit in earth tones to match the brown of the shoes. When I first saw the “Jasper Zionic,” I thought it had just the right amount of volume and was close to my taste. My impression was simply, “These are great shoes.”

—What kind of styles do you think go well with dark brown?

Fujii:The dark tones really pull the look together, and I think these can be worn year-round. They seem like they’d pair especially well with voluminous pants.

—What role do shoes play in styling?

Fujii:You can use it to tie the whole look together, or conversely, as a pop of contrast. Since your choice can drastically change the overall impression, I think this is a pretty important point.

—When choosing sneakers, how do you balance design and functionality?

Fujii:I usually start by looking at the design. However, since I’m on my feet a lot during the day, I ultimately tend to prioritize comfort and cushioning when making my choice.

—Having spent many years sourcing products in the U.S., are there any common traits among the sneakers that continue to appeal to you?

Fujii:I’ve always liked suede and nubuck. When it comes to colors, I tend to go for subdued, understated looks with just one or two colors rather than flashy ones.

—What do you think is the appeal of "Kicks Lab"?

Fujii:It really comes down to the selection of brands and items. I think you have a unique perspective.

—If you were to recommend "Props Store," who would you recommend it to?

Fujii:They go with any outfit, so I’d generally recommend them to anyone. That said, given the cushioning and grip of the sole, I think they’re a perfect fit for anyone who walks a lot on a daily basis—whether in the city or in the mountains.

02_Yuki Yokose
"Blends naturally with any style"

—Can you tell us about your outfit today?

Yokose:The theme is “the best of the ordinary” (lol). I usually wear jeans or work pants, so this is basically my everyday look. Lately, I’ve been really into tie-dye T-shirts and wear them a lot. I’m also into cutting the hems of my shirts myself to give them a boxy silhouette—the shirt I’m wearing today is one I customized myself.

—When you look at sneakers, is there anything in particular you check first?

Yokose:I can’t help but notice designs where the upper and sole are the same color—like black on black or brown on brown. I like them because they look sleek overall and have a great worn-in look.

—What do shoes that last a long time have in common?

Yokose:It really comes down to simplicity. I naturally gravitate toward basic designs—like solid black, white, or brown. Ideally, I’d love it if it were a classic model I could buy again. That said, I’m not just looking for something simple; I’m drawn to pieces that have a distinct character all their own.

—Do you also prioritize functionality?

Yokose:Of course. I wear GORE-TEX shoes on rainy days, and I also like hiking boots. I’m drawn to shoes that aren’t just stylish but also have practical features.

—Please tell us your impressions after seeing and trying on the "Jasper Zionic."

Yokose:First of all, they look really great. I love the monochromatic brown color scheme, and the texture of the long-pile suede is fantastic. I thought they’d blend in naturally with any outfit. Plus, since the sole is fully covered in rubber, I don’t have to worry if they get a little dirty, and they seem easy to maintain. When I’m out sourcing merchandise, I often have to walk in pretty rough conditions, so shoes like these that I can wear without a second thought are a real lifesaver. They’re lightweight, and they felt incredibly comfortable on my feet.

—Was there anything in particular that caught your eye?

Yokose:It’s the shoelaces. I really like the textured design. I think they’ll probably stay tied well. It’s surprisingly frustrating when shoelaces come undone, so I’m glad they’ve thought through even these small details.

—What do you find appealing about these shoes, both as outdoor footwear and for everyday wear?

Yokose:It blends in naturally with either look. It seems like it would go well with a slightly dressier style, like a jacket and slacks, but it would also look great with shorts. It’s so well-made that I’d want to wear it just as it is, without even changing the laces.

—What kind of outfits would you recommend for the color dark brown?

Yokose:For the coming season, I’d love to pair it with some loose-fitting, light beige pants—almost white in color. Bright-colored socks like the ones I’m wearing today would go perfectly, of course, but I think it would also look great with more subdued colors like black or navy.

— Please tell us about your impressions of “Kicks Lab” and what makes it appealing.

Yokose:They really do have a strong reputation for their custom models. They’ve released a variety of models with memorable colorways over the years, and I think they’re a shop with a real knack for color. It’s also impressive that they continue to release their own original designs, so it’s no wonder they attract sneaker fans from all over the world.

03_Muddy Waterz
"There are charms you won't notice unless you walk around."

—First of all, what kind of group is “Too Young To Know”?

FACE:It all started during the pandemic, when I was going out to the mountains. I kind of brought that same vibe straight to the radio. I often describe it as having a “muddy, raw feel.” Rather than polishing things up, I try to talk just as I am in my daily life—I really value that kind of rough, unpolished quality. It’s not just about what I felt in the mountains—it’s also about putting into words the sensations I have while traveling or in those fleeting moments.

Ioka:These days, it feels less like a show about the mountains and more like a regular daily radio program. I’ve settled into a style where I just talk about whatever comes to mind at the moment. It started out as an extension of my outdoor activities, but as I kept doing it, I started thinking, “It doesn’t really have to be about the mountains.” Before I knew it, the show had shifted toward covering everyday life.

—Was there any listener feedback that stood out to you?

Ioka:That’s the episode we did early on called “The First Half and Second Half of Life,” isn’t it? People still talk about that one a lot.

SHINKNOWNSUKE:In the first part, we talked about everything from our childhoods up to now, and we were planning to follow that up with the second part… but we haven’t done it yet (laughs). That said, it seems that episode really left a strong impression on people. I was just talking normally, but some people actually changed jobs after hearing it, and others even started their own businesses. Honestly, I didn’t expect it to have that much of an impact, so it feels a little strange.

—I hear you’ve been spending more time exploring the city than hiking in the mountains lately?

FACE:I haven't been going to the mountains as often as I used to.

SHINKNOWNSUKE:Instead, it’s starting to feel more like a “city hike.” Just walking around town might actually be fun. Maybe the three of us could take the train somewhere far away and walk back. Rather than having a specific destination, I’d like to try focusing on enjoying the journey itself from now on.

SHINKNOWNSUKE
An artist based in Tokyo. Known for works that blend pop-style character designs with street culture, he has held solo exhibitions both in Japan and abroad. In addition to creating artwork for brands such as Nike and adidas, he has also collaborated extensively with the fashion and music industries.

—What makes City Hike so interesting?

SHINKNOWNSUKE:There are definitely some views you just can’t see from a car or a bike, right? I think there are actually quite a few places in Tokyo that you wouldn’t notice unless you walked there. It’s fun to discover those hidden gems. Plus, I just really enjoy that laid-back atmosphere—chatting while we walk, taking photos along the way, and just savoring the moment.

—Are there any projects you’d like to try in the future?

SHINKNOWNSUKE:I’d really like to try recording a radio show while walking.

Ioka:I feel like it would work just fine even if we were walking around town and chatting casually. It’s less about setting the stage and more about letting things flow naturally.

Chihiro Ioka
A shop owner based in Tokyo. He runs the select shops "SUPPLY" and "BACKDOOR," showcasing products and creators from Japan and abroad through a unique lens that connects street culture, art, and music. He continues to engage in activities that bridge fashion and culture.

— Please tell us your impressions of "Kicks Lab."

SHINKNOWNSUKE:I still have vivid memories of the old store. The music was blaring, and the sneakers were displayed beautifully. It feels like it was already fully formed even before stores like today’s became established as a cultural phenomenon.

Ioka:It’s also really interesting how they’ve chosen special models that differ from the standard lineup. Take the pink shoelaces in this collection, for example—I think that kind of playful touch really works well here.

—What are your thoughts on the “Jasper Zionic,” the exclusive model being released at “Kicks Lab” this time?

FACE:They're really comfortable to wear, and I love the pink lace that came with them. Lately, maybe because of my age, I tend to stick to simple black-and-white outfits, so I've been really into adding pops of color like this to mix things up.

FACE
An artist based in Tokyo. He is known for a style that combines pop and humorous character designs with bold graphics inspired by graffiti. In addition to exhibiting both domestically and internationally, he is actively involved in a wide range of projects, including providing artwork for brands such as New Balance and adidas, as well as collaborating within the street culture scene.

Ioka:It’s lightweight and easy to pair with everyday clothes. I think it strikes a good balance that works with both wide-leg and slim-fit pants. It’s definitely designed for outdoor use, but I really like how that functionality translates seamlessly into everyday fashion.

—Is there anything you’d like to try doing with “Kicks Lab” in the future?

FACE:I really want to try a project that combines walking with radio. It could be something like a city hike event, or a project where we record while walking.

SHINKNOWNSUKE:I think a project centered around the simple act of walking through the city would be really interesting. Ideally, we’d create something that’s not just an event, but something that becomes content in and of itself.

The product page isthis way (direction close to the speaker or towards the speaker)The following is a list of the most common problems with the

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KEEN Jasper Zionic

¥20,900
The product page isthis way (direction close to the speaker or towards the speaker)The following is a list of the most common problems with the

The “Jasper Zionic” is a new outdoor sneaker designed to seamlessly bridge the gap between the outdoors and urban life. It combines the timeless design of the long-selling "Jasper" model with a sole unit developed under the "FAST & LIGHT" concept.

Designed to respond to quick movements in the field while seamlessly blending into urban style, this shoe embodies the feeling of being perfectly at home wherever you are—whether in the mountains or the city.

We also offer a wide range of colors for our inline products, so be sure to check those out as well.