 In June 2009, esteemed ASICS athlete Ryan Hall traveled to the ASICS Research and Development Center in Kobe, Japan to undergo testing and evaluation, which would be utilized in constructing a custom pair of running shoes perfectly suited to his needs. The shoes have been completed and the 2009 ING New York City Marathon will be Hall's first race in them.
It has been a life-long dream of Hall's to get his own custom shoes, and he was amazed at the in-depth process that went into creating them. No less than seven experts were involved in the measurement and evaluation of Hall's feet, legs, strength, flexibility, speed and impact. His feet were measured from every angle, using cutting-edge technology, and his legs were measured for strength and flexibility in relation to other marathoners. Run testing on an indoor/outdoor track helped determine his ground impact, force and reaction time.
After 2 days of testing, researchers had the information needed to create a pair of shoes uniquely designed for Hall's specific running mechanics. They also provided Hall with additional information and advice on strengthening and stretching exercises to enhance his performance.
"It's every kids' dream to have their own custom-made shoe, and now my dream has come true," said Hall. "I think it's going to help a lot for my future races to get my shoes dialed in."
Hall will debut the one-of-a-kind black and white shoes, embroidered with the word "STEPS" in tribute to Ryan and wife Sara's The Hall Steps Foundation, on November 1, 2009 when he runs the ING New York City Marathon for the first time. STEPS is a charitable initiative recently launched by the Halls to fund programs which create a better life for youth living in poverty in the United States and abroad.
"My shoe is not just a customized shoe, it is a customized extension of me," said Hall. "When I run the ING New York City Marathon, I will see all the faces behind the shoe, from the woman who is responsible for punching the holes for the laces, to the technician who analyzed my stride, to the researcher who measured my body. I will feel their support in more ways than through my shoes absorbing the tough roads of New York." In addition, the R&D Center was able to custom make the shoes for the specific terrain of the ING New York City Marathon.
ASICS Corporation, with more than 50 years of footwear manufacturing experience, offers a full line of performance-driven athletic shoes and technical active sports apparel and accessories. |