Six key points of "RETO" and the story behind its development: A conversation between Daichi Kamino and the president of a long-established sock manufacturer (Part 2)
Text: Yuki Yoshida
Daichi Kamino's brand , RETO, will begin selling running socks in April 2022. The product was developed in collaboration with UNIVAL Co., Ltd. , which has its own factory in Kakogawa City, Hyogo Prefecture, one of Japan's three major sock production areas, and took about a year to complete.
In February, we actually visited the factory in Kakogawa City, Hyogo Prefecture. In this article, we will reveal the conversation that took place between UNIVAL's President Yokoyama and Kamino after the factory tour.
In the middle part, he talks in detail about the special features of the running socks "RETO × IDATEN".
"I want to wear the same socks for everyday use and tough training." The ideal socks are now complete.
Kamino: Regarding the "RETO x IDATEN" socks, we've been discussing for about a year now, asking ourselves "Maybe it would be better to do this" or "Maybe it would be better to do that."
"RETO × IDATEN" is based on the "IDATEN" socks sold by UNIVAL. Could you tell us about the particularities behind "IDATEN"?
① As thin and light as possible
Yokoyama: During the development stage, we had Yuriko Kobayashi try on the shoes and gave us a lot of suggestions for improvement. When we were developing them, she gave us some advice about running: "Make them as thin and light as possible."
Making them light and thin is not good for their strength, as they will tear easily. When it comes to making socks, manufacturers often ask the opposite, but we kept improving them by asking, "Can you make them a little thinner?", and we have now created a fairly light and thin product.
② The patented "honeycomb structure" creates a comfortable fit
Yokoyama: One of its features is the honeycomb structure. We developed it to see if we could make conventional taping a little more suitable for running. The honeycomb structure is made up of a collection of hexagons, and it is this collection of hexagons that makes the taping possible.
Honeycomb means a beehive. A beehive is made up of a collection of hexagons, and even if it is trampled on, it will recover and expand. It has a structure that protects the eggs no matter how much pressure they are put under by external enemies.
Hexagonal structures are said to be structurally strong against pressure and external enemies, and are mainly used in parts of aircraft and architectural pillars. When you look into it, you will find many different types of hexagons.
Our original taping is not hexagonal like this, but is shaped to tighten, but by making it hexagonal, pressure is applied from six directions, so pressure is distributed evenly to the foot. "IDATEN" is designed to apply equal pressure from any angle.
When it comes to regular taping socks, many people feel that they are simply too tight, but when you try on "IDATEN," you'll think, "Hmm, they're not that tight." This product molds to your foot over time, so it's designed to fit any foot shape.
Jinno: I've worn taping socks from other manufacturers before, but they were quite tight, which bothered me. They say it improves performance, but I still found it bothersome, so I sometimes felt like something wasn't quite right. I like the "RETO x IDATEN" because they're so smooth to put on that you wonder, "Are these really taped socks?", and they have just the right amount of tightness.
3. Non-silicone anti-slip
Jinno: You also pay particular attention to the anti-slip properties. I heard you say earlier at the factory that "this part uses a different thread," but is there any reason why you use this type of thread without any bumps?
Yokoyama: Just now, Kamino-san mentioned the strange feeling of non-slip socks, and Kobayashi-san, who supervised "IDATEN," said something similar. Most non-slip socks have silicone attached to them. Sports socks in particular have this, and naturally, adding it gives them a non-slip effect.
Runners and track and field athletes requested that the shoes be made as thin as possible. They wanted a barefoot feel, and the anti-slip feature would be a huge hindrance. After all, it's silicon, so it's inevitably uneven, and that makes it particularly unsuitable for long distances, or so we thought.
So, this thread is a non-slip thread. So, of course, it can be knitted. And because it can be made with the same thinness, it has none of the unevenness or discomfort that silicone has. And yet, it has a non-slip effect.
④ Achieve arch lift with our unique technique
Yokoyama: The arch of the foot is also a key point. From the time you wake up in the morning until the evening, the arch of the foot gradually drops. The top of the foot is an important part, especially for athletes, and a falling arch can cause fatigue and injury.
To improve this situation even a little, the socks are designed to strongly press up the arch of the foot. These socks are ideal as they raise the arch while fixing the ankle with tape.
⑤ Special thread absorbs moisture quickly, dries quickly and is tear-resistant
Jinno: Speaking of thin and light socks, I've actually worn some socks up until now that are thinner than "IDATEN." But some were so thin that I wondered, "Is there really any point in wearing these?" That's why these socks are just the right thickness for me; they're not too thick. If the socks were thick, they'd get sweaty later in the run and my feet would swell, which can make them feel cramped inside my shoes... But I think these socks are just the right thickness, neither too thin nor too thick, and they fit perfectly into my shoes, providing the best support for my running.
Yokoyama: That's right.
We do a lot of things when it comes to manufacturing, but we also pay particular attention to the materials. As Kamino-san just said, making thin and light socks is something that can be done as much as you want in the sock industry. And, this might sound a little naughty, but if you make them thin and light, you need less thread, which helps keep costs down considerably.
So when they ask us to make something thin and light, we have to ask ourselves, "Is that really okay?" But we've heard that being as thin and light as possible is necessary for running, so we thought we'd focus on the material and see if there was anything else we could do.
"IDATEN" uses 100% polyester moisture-wicking, quick-drying thread, and the thickness of this moisture-wicking, quick-drying polyester thread is a little thicker than regular threads. This gives it a unique feel, and although I can't reveal the name of the thread as it's a trade secret, it is thin, light, and yet durable.
Kamino: It's certainly hard to tear.
Yokoyama: That's what everyone says.
Jinno: For me, socks don't tear so much as they get thin and I have to change them, but tear-resistant socks are a bit of a problem for the sellers because if they don't tear, people won't buy new ones (laughs), and it can be difficult for students to spend that much money on socks. I think that being able to last a long time is quite important for athletes, so I feel that they're durable when I wear them, and that's what makes this product so appealing.
⑥ Length that makes your legs look cool
Kamino: Of course, functionality is important, but as a collaboration product with "RETO," I was particularly particular about the length.
Originally, the previous "IDATEN" products were a little shorter than "RETO x IDATEN," reaching just above the ankle. That length was fine, of course, but nowadays, shoes with thick soles are becoming more popular, and the shoes would rub against the Achilles tendon.
If you run for many kilometers in that condition, the skin can get rubbed off and peel off. By placing a sock between your feet, you can prevent this from happening.
Also, simply speaking, I think it makes the legs look cool, makes the legs look longer, and balances well with the socks to show the well-trained legs of athletes, so I was particular about the length as it was a collaboration product with "RETO".
