There's a reason the ASICS Japan Pro keeps coming back. It's not hype — it's a shoe that actually works on a skateboard. Clean enough to wear to the shops, built well enough to survive a proper session. If you've been sleeping on ASICS in the skate world, this is the one that'll wake you up.
The Story
The Japan Pro started life in the 1970s as a Japanese volleyball shoe — functional, precise, low-profile. ASICS brought it into the skate world and the result speaks for itself. The silhouette is familiar without being a knockoff. It sits in that sweet spot between heritage runner and purpose-built skate shoe that a lot of brands chase but rarely nail. ASICS Skateboarding has been quietly building a legit roster and the Japan Pro is the centrepiece — worn by some of the best skaters in the game right now.
What Makes It
- Foxing tape construction — wraps the outsole for durability and a clean silhouette that holds up through repeated grinds and slides
- Vulcanised rubber outsole — thin and grippy, giving you the board feel that vulc lovers demand without sacrificing durability
- Padded tongue and collar — keeps your ankle comfortable over long sessions without adding bulk
- Suede and mesh upper — breathable where you need it, reinforced where it counts (ollie zone, toecap)
- GEL cushioning insert — ASICS' signature tech sitting quietly in the heel, taking the edge off high-impact landings
- Low-profile last — keeps you close to the board, great for technical skating and flip tricks
On the Board
The Japan Pro skates exactly how it looks — precise and responsive. The vulc sole gives you that locked-in feel for flip tricks and tech work, while the GEL insert in the heel actually does something useful when you're bailing or landing heavy. The suede holds up well, and the foxing tape means the sole isn't peeling off after two weeks. It runs true to size, fits slim, and breaks in fast. These are a skater's shoe — not just a lifestyle silhouette wearing skate branding.
Shop the ASICS Japan Pro
Available now at Parliament in four colourways — $169.95.