OVER UNDER THROUGH
K-Swiss has rejigged its characteristic five stripes into 'Over Under Through' stripes as Free Running is all about making your way from point A to point B, over, under and through, regardless of the physical environment in between.
About Free Running
Free running embodies the art of free flowing movement and has become what it is today thanks to its founding French father Sebastien Foucan. The discipline is thought of as a physical way of viewing a surrounding environment, whether natural or urban, without obstacles. Those who take part – known as Free Runners – see the activity as a philosophy that requires balance agility and focus to build self-belief, respect for their surroundings and the confidence to face their fears.
About The Shoe
Ariake is the first shoe inspired by and designed specifically for Free Running. Bold, technical and fashionable, K-Swiss named the Ariake after the renowned Free Running hotspot in Tokyo. The shoe combines material toughness from a single piece that is virtually impossible to break, with a revolutionary outsole designed for running coupled with K-Swiss Shock Spring Technology to cushion the feet and support the knees during landings. The Ariake also has an advanced heel grip and sticky rubber sole that will give Free Runners extra stability when tricking, along with an ingenious D-ring lacing system and a hidden pocket for tucking laces away to avoid tripping.For the first time ever, K-Swiss has taken the step of changing their iconic five stripes logo – first designed in 1966 – to characterize the Free Running spirit. The five stripes on the Ariake now signify the ‘Over – Under – Through’ element of Free running.
About Sebastien Foucan
Sebastien Foucan, new spokesman of K-Swiss, was the pioneer of Free Running that originated in Paris. Sebastien recently wowed the world with his skills in the opening scene from Casino Royale when he was chase by 007 Daniel Craig through a breathtaking array of obstacles.Started practicing Free Running over 18 years ago, Sebastien is incredibly passionate about the sport. It allows him to combine the physical and emotional forces of mind, body and environment. He says, “This partnership with K-Swiss gives me a platform to educate people about my discipline and inspire others to express themselves through the art of Free Running”. In addition, K-Swiss has partnered with Free Running groups in several European countries: Team Traceur in the UK, Parkour Stuttgart in Germany, Andreas Kalteis & Sascha Hauser in Austria, Unleashed in the Netherlands and Yamakasi in France.An interview with Sebastien FoucanQuestion 1: You once started Free Running, how did that happen?Answer: We started by not creating anything in specific at all but more like a child, playing and trying things out. This became our lifestyle or more or less a martial arts philosophy where you make a concept and structure out of your achievements. After 18 years of practicing and not thinking to much about it and just doing and trying things out on street someone said; ‘Wow! You should show that on TV!’ So we made a tape and it got shown on TV. This was the beginning for me and all those years ago I would have never thought I would be where I am today. Question 2: When you Free Run, what happens? What kind of feeling does it have for you?Answer: I feel very free. Free Running is not about training but more about relearning because sometimes you just forget. I was born for it and the children that do it are getting more feeling for it. It feels very natural and for me almost like an animal. Question 3: After all those years you came across Madonna, she asked to work with you? How was that?Answer: When I was young I listened and grew up with her music. I was not a big fan but everyone knows her. When a popstar tells you they want to work with you because they have seen your work and they are amazed by it, I couldn’t believe it. I met her in her studio, she is very natural but also perfectionist and I understand where she comes from. It just feels like a dream, it was an experience I will never forget.
K-Swiss has rejigged its characteristic five stripes into 'Over Under Through' stripes as Free Running is all about making your way from point A to point B, over, under and through, regardless of the physical environment in between.
About Free Running
Free running embodies the art of free flowing movement and has become what it is today thanks to its founding French father Sebastien Foucan. The discipline is thought of as a physical way of viewing a surrounding environment, whether natural or urban, without obstacles. Those who take part – known as Free Runners – see the activity as a philosophy that requires balance agility and focus to build self-belief, respect for their surroundings and the confidence to face their fears.
About The Shoe
Ariake is the first shoe inspired by and designed specifically for Free Running. Bold, technical and fashionable, K-Swiss named the Ariake after the renowned Free Running hotspot in Tokyo. The shoe combines material toughness from a single piece that is virtually impossible to break, with a revolutionary outsole designed for running coupled with K-Swiss Shock Spring Technology to cushion the feet and support the knees during landings. The Ariake also has an advanced heel grip and sticky rubber sole that will give Free Runners extra stability when tricking, along with an ingenious D-ring lacing system and a hidden pocket for tucking laces away to avoid tripping.For the first time ever, K-Swiss has taken the step of changing their iconic five stripes logo – first designed in 1966 – to characterize the Free Running spirit. The five stripes on the Ariake now signify the ‘Over – Under – Through’ element of Free running.
About Sebastien Foucan
Sebastien Foucan, new spokesman of K-Swiss, was the pioneer of Free Running that originated in Paris. Sebastien recently wowed the world with his skills in the opening scene from Casino Royale when he was chase by 007 Daniel Craig through a breathtaking array of obstacles.Started practicing Free Running over 18 years ago, Sebastien is incredibly passionate about the sport. It allows him to combine the physical and emotional forces of mind, body and environment. He says, “This partnership with K-Swiss gives me a platform to educate people about my discipline and inspire others to express themselves through the art of Free Running”. In addition, K-Swiss has partnered with Free Running groups in several European countries: Team Traceur in the UK, Parkour Stuttgart in Germany, Andreas Kalteis & Sascha Hauser in Austria, Unleashed in the Netherlands and Yamakasi in France.An interview with Sebastien FoucanQuestion 1: You once started Free Running, how did that happen?Answer: We started by not creating anything in specific at all but more like a child, playing and trying things out. This became our lifestyle or more or less a martial arts philosophy where you make a concept and structure out of your achievements. After 18 years of practicing and not thinking to much about it and just doing and trying things out on street someone said; ‘Wow! You should show that on TV!’ So we made a tape and it got shown on TV. This was the beginning for me and all those years ago I would have never thought I would be where I am today. Question 2: When you Free Run, what happens? What kind of feeling does it have for you?Answer: I feel very free. Free Running is not about training but more about relearning because sometimes you just forget. I was born for it and the children that do it are getting more feeling for it. It feels very natural and for me almost like an animal. Question 3: After all those years you came across Madonna, she asked to work with you? How was that?Answer: When I was young I listened and grew up with her music. I was not a big fan but everyone knows her. When a popstar tells you they want to work with you because they have seen your work and they are amazed by it, I couldn’t believe it. I met her in her studio, she is very natural but also perfectionist and I understand where she comes from. It just feels like a dream, it was an experience I will never forget.