“MY FIRST BROOKS” is a three-part series in which fashion-conscious runners discover Brooks’ latest models and share their perspectives on what makes them special. The first installment features Daishi Nishino, a designer at NEAT, a brand specializing in pants. We spoke with Nishino—who started running to lose weight and has since become a runner aiming for 100 km a month—to find out how he views running shoes, incorporating his fashion perspective as well.
Photo by Marisa Suda
Text & Edit_Aika Kawada
WHAT IS BROOKS?
Founded in 1914, Brooks is one of America’s leading, long-established running brands. It enjoys overwhelming popularity in its home country and is recognized as a major brand in the running world.
PROFILE
Designer of the underwear-focused brand . After working as an elementary school teacher and in sales and PR at Brooks Brothers, he founded in 2015. He also runs the PR agency “Nishinoya.” In addition to his work in the fashion industry, he is an avid runner.
Until running becomes a part of my daily life.
Mr. Nishino says he started running because he was in his 40s and had become concerned about his figure. Although he had been on the basketball team in high school, he had stayed away from exercise for a long time. When he tried running again after a long hiatus, he says that at first, even running 2 km was a struggle.
"As I kept at it, the distance I could run gradually increased, and I was able to do more and more. That progress is what makes running so enjoyable. I'm the type of person who gets completely absorbed in anything that interests me, so once I started running, I naturally got really into it (laughs)."
She says she’s currently aiming to run 100 km a month. Mornings are hectic with taking care of the kids and driving them to and from school, so she mainly runs at night. Even amid her busy schedule, she makes time to run whenever possible. She even brings her running shoes along on business trips to keep up her running routine while traveling.
"When it comes to running technique and training, I research proper form and how to increase my running distance on YouTube, and advice from store staff with track and field experience is also a key source of information. Their expertise—such as how to stay hydrated and fueled during a race—is also very helpful."
He says that trying things out for himself, doing his own research, and learning from those around him—the accumulation of these experiences—is what keeps him motivated to keep running.
Add a touch of playful style to your feet.
This time, Mr. Nishino tested Brooks' latest model, the "Ghost AMP." His first impression was of the color scheme and the elegant design.
"Pastel colors are rare in men's fashion. I think they really catch the eye and can serve as a bold, unexpected color accent. When paired with a simple outfit, the shoes become the focal point of the look. Instead of wearing them just to fulfill a functional need, thinking about how they complement your clothes opens up new ways to enjoy running shoes."
When choosing shoes, he says it’s important to select a model that suits your goals and intended use. At the same time, he notes that since they’re tools for running, it’s important not to forget a sense of playfulness in their appearance, in addition to their functionality.
Don't push yourself too hard—just move on to the next goal.
While I’m passionate about running, I also make a point of not pushing myself too hard.
“I still keep in mind the words of my senior, Keiji Kaneko: ‘If you’re too strict with yourself, you won’t be able to keep it up. Maintaining a healthy relationship with running is key to sticking with it.’ Even if it’s fun when you first start, as you continue, there will inevitably come a time when your times or distance plateau. If you push yourself too hard during those times, running itself can become a burden. I make it a priority to maintain my own pace.”
In fact, he just competed in the “Tokyo Legacy Half Marathon 2026” and completed his second half marathon. He fell just a few seconds short of his goal of breaking 1 hour and 45 minutes. Although he was left feeling disappointed by the result, he says that his determination to achieve that goal next time has become a new source of motivation for his running.
“The “Ghost AMP’ looks like it’ll be a great companion for my future jogs and recovery runs. With a look and feel like this, I’d love to try pairing them with my everyday outfits, too. Above all, the Brooks brand exudes a sense of sophistication and the reliability of a long-established company. You don’t see too many people wearing them yet, so they feel like a really ‘good choice.’ That sense of being a connoisseur is a major part of their appeal, isn’t it?”
