The way you view the New Year's Hakone Ekiden (Tokyo-Hakone Intercollegiate Ekiden Race) will change. In the third installment of Isetan Sports Gate's special dialogue, we'll talk about shoes, which are a runner's greatest weapon. Hosted by Ugo from Isetan Sports Gate, Hakone Ekiden veterans will discuss shoes together with Toshiyuki Aono from On Japan, a popular running brand.

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Are the Hakone Ekiden runners still running?

Ugo: As the New Year approaches, I'm sure everyone's racing spirit is ignited (laughs), but have you been running lately?

Right now, work takes priority, but I run on the treadmill at the gym once or twice a week. I usually run about 7-8 kilometers, aiming for a pace of 5 minutes per kilometer when I'm feeling good, and then slowing down to about 3 and a half minutes per kilometer at the end. It's a much slower pace than when I was competing, but I feel great afterward and it's a great stress reliever.


Fukushima: I also go to the gym and run once a week. My routine is running, weight training, and then a sauna. I'm currently in the Mitsukoshi Isetan Ekiden (long-distance relay race) team, and the beer we have with everyone after the race is especially great (laughs).

When I was still competing, I was always striving for results and pursuing them relentlessly, but now, like Mr. Fukushima, I just enjoy the beer after a run (laughs).

Aono: I wear On shoes and run in running events all over the country. I also participate in races 3-4 times a year.

Let's talk about our favorite shoes, each of us with our own unique preferences.

These days , amateur runners are very stylish. I've tried various shoes, but Mizuno shoes are the ones that fit my feet best, and I still stick with Mizuno. Asics shoes are too narrow for my feet, but I think Asics are good for people who land on their heels.

My advisor at Fukushima High School instructed me to "stand out with your running, not your shoes." At the time, Asics had many relatively simple designs and they fit my feet well, so I chose Asics and wore them until I graduated from university. When choosing shoes, it's about whether they're too tight when you wear them and whether you like the cushioning. I prefer shoes with thin soles.

Tago: I tend to run with my toes forward, so I prefer shoes with good flexibility. It's also important to run in them a few times to see if I get blisters. Today, Aono-san is letting me try On shoes, so I'm thinking of running in On for the next Mitsukoshi Isetan Ekiden Race.

When choosing shoes , the most important thing is to find the right size for your feet. At the same time, it's important to trust your own senses, so be sure to try them on in the store. On holds trial shoe events where you can run in the shoes on the road, so please take advantage of them.

On 's new shoes are recommended for all runners.