Intro
Before I get into the review, shoutout Palm Isle Shop in St. Laurent, QC. Great online store, good deals, and fast shipping, so merci for being you, Palm Isle, keep it up.
I’ll link ‘em at the bottom.
Now to the footwear…
Let me paint the picture.
It’s a cold, cold god-damned day in early April when I see the UPS guy head up to my front door with what I know’s my new kicks.
I’ve got mixed feelings before even grabbing the box, because the weather says I ain’t taking these pups out for a stroll or a roll for at least a couple weeks.
“You’re going to love the way you look, I guarantee it.” —Men’s Warehouse Guy
Something I didn’t realize is that this shoe’s a replica of the 1981 FABRE JAPAN S basketball shoe. It’s just been modded for skateboarding in the 2020’s.
The 1981 shoes have a bit of the New Balance 330’s to which I will shortly have a thing about in another blawg.
What Have We Become as a Society?
First thing I’ve gotta point out is — and this isn’t just Asics but all skate shoes in general.
Companies are really dropping the fucking ball on the box and goodie quality.
Back in my day you’d get some stickers, a keychain.
Hand job and a ham sandwich.
Well, at least the stickers and keychain(I’m thinking the Muska Circa’s with the ghetto blaster.
That might make we sound like a “get off my lawn” guy, but c’mon.
The shoes are a buck fifty and I don’t get anything but the cheap flimsy box and some tissue paper?
Get bent.
By the way I realize it’s a bit rich for a 39 year old man to be complaining about stickers and keychains, but fuck you, it’s a free country.
You wanna go?
Now that I’ve aired out the box beef — let’s talk about the actual shoes.
They’re a hard 10. No exaggeration.
The colorway is a deep coffee brown that hides smudges like a dream, the profile is clean, and the materials feel like they’re built to take a hit.
Now, this is my first review on here so maybe some may say that’s a little generous.
I wore them around two people.
Got two compliments. For all you non-math majors out there, that’s a perfect score.
I don’t know what your ratio of compliments per step is, but mine just went way up.
And honestly, if we’re being real…
“You look good, you feel good. You feel good, you play good. You play good, they pay good.”
— Deion Sanders
He was talking football, but it applies to skating — and just life in general. These shoes will make you feel like you got your shit together, even if your kickflips suck and your knees sound like bubble wrap and your girlfriend dumped you.
Big Guy Certified
So here’s the real test: Can these shoes hold up under the Big Boy Pressure Test?
Like I said before, I’m husky.
Most skate shoes — especially the flimsy, board-feel obsessed ones — are murder on my feet. No arch support. No padding. Just pain.
But the Asics Japan Pro? Legit ARE comfy.
I’ve walked in them, stood around in them, even done a bit of light skating.
No heel bruising. No nerve bolts shooting up my leg like I just stepped on an electric eel. These things support you like a real homie.
If you’re a heavier skater or just someone with tired knees, these are for you.
Skate Performance: Stiff But Strong
Let’s talk board feel.
Yes, they’re a little stiff out the box. That’s just facts.
The suede and midsole combo takes a few sessions to soften up. I wouldn’t recommend
But that stiffness comes with a tradeoff: structure.
The same thing that makes them feel a bit “thick” at first is what gives you heel protection and midfoot support.
If you’re some 19-year-old Tre flip merchant, maybe you want something thinner and lighter.
But if you’re built like me, or just like a little more support, this is a grown man’s skate shoe.
I’m going to be rolling around and not much more.
Final Take: These Are a Sleeper Hit
Here’s the summary:
- Looks: Sleek, stylish, adult skater energy
- Comfort: Big guy approved
- Performance: Supportive, sturdy, needs a break-in period
- Extras: LOL. What extras?
Honestly, the lack of box goodies is the only real knock here.
If you’re reading this and care more about skateboarding than box stickers, this shoe is an easy pick.
And if you’re like me and think style counts for half the battle?
Get a pair… NOW!
Final Score: 9.5/10
- –0.5 for the lack of stickers, keychains, and ceremonial incense(spite point knock)
- +10 for holding up under pressure and making you look like a coffee-colored god on wheels
Buy the Asics Japan Pro
So go to mom’s purse, grab her credit card and treat yourself to a pair. Better to beg forgiveness than ask permission. You can always buy them yourself too, if you have money.
Afterall, you’re going to love the way you look, I guarantee it.
Want to try them yourself? [Check price on Amazon](#) or grab a pair from Palm Isle Skate Shop.
Curious how the Japan Pros stack up against the competition? Take a look at our full comparison in the Nike SB vs Vans Durability Showdown.