Starting trail running competitions in 2013, Ruy Ueda gained attention by winning the "Hasetsune CUP" the following year with a stunning new record. He quickly rose to become a world-renowned mountain runner and became "shoe-free" in October 2021, not signing exclusive contracts with any shoe manufacturer. Let's delve into his shoe selection process.
ー When did you become aware of Vibram?
Ueda:
Around the same time I started trail running.
ー When did you start considering shoe selection for performance improvement?
Ueda:
During my soccer years in elementary and middle school, I focused mainly on fit. In high school, the track team had a strong reputation, and manufacturers measured our foot shapes to create custom shoes. This made me more aware of details like the upper material.
ー How did your perspective on shoe selection change when you entered the world of trail running?
Ueda:
In university, I joined an athletics club and participated in a 100km marathon, which led to being scouted by Columbia Sportswear Japan. My first impression of trail running shoes was that they were heavy. However, I discovered that good fit can make the weight less noticeable. I started paying attention to outsole design after beginning trail running.
ー Can you explain the difference between trail running and sky running?
Ueda:
Sky running is a subset of trail running with specific categories: "SKY" (20–45 km with 1200 m+ elevation gain), "SKYULTRA" (50–80 km with 3000 m+ elevation gain), and "VERTICAL" (average slope of 20%+ with sections over 33%). Sky running emphasizes reaching peaks quickly, unlike trail running.
ー You are known for excelling on steep courses...
Ueda:
Yes, I perform well on high-altitude and steep climbs. Factors like heart and lung capacity, leg strength, and experience in sports requiring agility and lateral movement contribute to this. My ability to maintain speed on inclines with less fatigue was confirmed through lactate measurements at Red Bull's facility.
ー How do you evaluate new shoes?
Ueda:
I prioritize fit for comfort during long runs, followed by grip to prevent slipping on wet surfaces. Next, I consider midsole softness and overall weight, preferring shoes between 190–250g.
ー Since becoming shoe-free in October 2021, do you receive shoes from various manufacturers?
Ueda:
Yes, I do. My sponsor, Runtrip, also arranges shoes I am interested in, which I review on their YouTube channel.
Ruy Ueda
Mountain Runner
Born on October 3, 1993, in Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture. Graduated from Saku Chosei High School, a prestigious school for ekiden, and Waseda University.
Achievements over the past 10 years: 72 domestic races with 52 wins (win rate 72.2%), 20 new tournament records, 8 international tournament victories. In 2019, he became the first Asian annual champion in the "Skyrunner World Series." In 2021, he won gold medals in the VK and COMBINED events at the "Sky Running World Championships." In October 2021, he established Mountain Frontier Co., Ltd. to create a new athlete image. In 2022, he launched the original D2C gear brand "Ruy." He achieved a Guinness World Record with "ONE STROKE" on Mount Fuji. He placed second in the COMBINED (VK+SKY) at the Sky Running World Championships.
ー When did you become aware of Vibram?
Ueda:
Around the same time I started trail running.
ー When did you start considering shoe selection for performance improvement?
Ueda:
During my soccer years in elementary and middle school, I focused mainly on fit. In high school, the track team had a strong reputation, and manufacturers measured our foot shapes to create custom shoes. This made me more aware of details like the upper material.
ー How did your perspective on shoe selection change when you entered the world of trail running?
Ueda:
In university, I joined an athletics club and participated in a 100km marathon, which led to being scouted by Columbia Sportswear Japan. My first impression of trail running shoes was that they were heavy. However, I discovered that good fit can make the weight less noticeable. I started paying attention to outsole design after beginning trail running.
ー Can you explain the difference between trail running and sky running?
Ueda:
Sky running is a subset of trail running with specific categories: "SKY" (20–45 km with 1200 m+ elevation gain), "SKYULTRA" (50–80 km with 3000 m+ elevation gain), and "VERTICAL" (average slope of 20%+ with sections over 33%). Sky running emphasizes reaching peaks quickly, unlike trail running.
ー You are known for excelling on steep courses...
Ueda:
Yes, I perform well on high-altitude and steep climbs. Factors like heart and lung capacity, leg strength, and experience in sports requiring agility and lateral movement contribute to this. My ability to maintain speed on inclines with less fatigue was confirmed through lactate measurements at Red Bull's facility.
ー How do you evaluate new shoes?
Ueda:
I prioritize fit for comfort during long runs, followed by grip to prevent slipping on wet surfaces. Next, I consider midsole softness and overall weight, preferring shoes between 190–250g.
ー Since becoming shoe-free in October 2021, do you receive shoes from various manufacturers?
Ueda:
Yes, I do. My sponsor, Runtrip, also arranges shoes I am interested in, which I review on their YouTube channel.
Ruy Ueda
Mountain Runner
Born on October 3, 1993, in Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture. Graduated from Saku Chosei High School, a prestigious school for ekiden, and Waseda University.
Achievements over the past 10 years: 72 domestic races with 52 wins (win rate 72.2%), 20 new tournament records, 8 international tournament victories. In 2019, he became the first Asian annual champion in the "Skyrunner World Series." In 2021, he won gold medals in the VK and COMBINED events at the "Sky Running World Championships." In October 2021, he established Mountain Frontier Co., Ltd. to create a new athlete image. In 2022, he launched the original D2C gear brand "Ruy." He achieved a Guinness World Record with "ONE STROKE" on Mount Fuji. He placed second in the COMBINED (VK+SKY) at the Sky Running World Championships.
Ruy Ueda participates in various races, from trail running to sky running. We asked him how he selects and uses different shoes based on distance, terrain, and surface conditions
ー How do you choose and use different shoes?
Ueda:
For road running, I choose shoes based on pace and track conditions. For mountain running, I consider distance and cushion, as well as slope. Steeper slopes require shoes with strong grip, while gentler trails don't need as much grip.
ー What other factors do you consider?
Ueda:
Surface conditions are important, such as whether the ground is dry, muddy, or rocky.
ー Today you brought us shoes from MERRELL and NNormal. How do you use them?
Ueda:
The MERRELL MTL SKYFIRE 2 is very light and has a delicate upper, so I use it for distances under 30km. It has Vibram MegaGrip outsoles, which provide excellent grip on grassy areas.
ー What about NNormal?
Ueda:
The NNormal Kjerag is also light and fits better for me, making it suitable for longer distances and training. It uses a combination of Vibram Litebase and MegaGrip for overall pressure grip.
ー Do you have preferences for outsole lug patterns?
Ueda:
Lugs with big gaps are better for mud release and grip. Close lugs can get clogged.
ー Are there differences in grip among manufacturers?
Ueda:
Yes, there are significant differences. Some shoes can be surprisingly slippery.
ー Do design philosophies differ by country?
Ueda:
Yes. In my case, I wanted the freedom to choose shoes suited to various trails and conditions worldwide.
ー How do you select shoes for races?
Ueda:
I pick 6–7 new models in spring, break them in, and narrow down to 3 pairs for races. Sometimes I need to buy shoes locally if conditions differ from expectations.
ー What is your impression of Vibram?
Ueda:
I trust Vibram's grip and durability. I often wish certain shoes had Vibram soles.
ー How do you choose races?
Ueda:
My main motivation is to see new and beautiful landscapes. I choose races based on scenery and competition level.
ー Are you interested in the UTMB series?
Ueda:
Yes, UTMB is a prestigious series with beautiful scenery and well-organized events. However, scheduling conflicts with the Sky Running World Championships make it challenging.
ー What do you expect from Vibram in the future?
Ueda:
Vibram contract athletes can have Vibram soles added to their favorite shoes, which I admire. UTMB series events now offer this service, which is exciting.
Ruy Ueda
Mountain Runner
Born on October 3, 1993, in Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture. Graduated from Saku Chosei High School, a prestigious school for ekiden, and Waseda University.
Achievements over the past 10 years: 72 domestic races with 52 wins (win rate 72.2%), 20 new tournament records, 8 international tournament victories. In 2019, he became the first Asian annual champion in the "Skyrunner World Series." In 2021, he won gold medals in the VK and COMBINED events at the "Sky Running World Championships." In October 2021, he established Mountain Frontier Co., Ltd. to create a new athlete image. In 2022, he launched the original D2C gear brand 'Ruy.' He achieved a Guinness World Record with "ONE STROKE" on Mount Fuji. He placed second in the COMBINED (VK+SKY) at the Sky Running World Championships.
ー How do you choose and use different shoes?
Ueda:
For road running, I choose shoes based on pace and track conditions. For mountain running, I consider distance and cushion, as well as slope. Steeper slopes require shoes with strong grip, while gentler trails don't need as much grip.
ー What other factors do you consider?
Ueda:
Surface conditions are important, such as whether the ground is dry, muddy, or rocky.
ー Today you brought us shoes from MERRELL and NNormal. How do you use them?
Ueda:
The MERRELL MTL SKYFIRE 2 is very light and has a delicate upper, so I use it for distances under 30km. It has Vibram MegaGrip outsoles, which provide excellent grip on grassy areas.
ー What about NNormal?
Ueda:
The NNormal Kjerag is also light and fits better for me, making it suitable for longer distances and training. It uses a combination of Vibram Litebase and MegaGrip for overall pressure grip.
ー Do you have preferences for outsole lug patterns?
Ueda:
Lugs with big gaps are better for mud release and grip. Close lugs can get clogged.
ー Are there differences in grip among manufacturers?
Ueda:
Yes, there are significant differences. Some shoes can be surprisingly slippery.
ー Do design philosophies differ by country?
Ueda:
Yes. In my case, I wanted the freedom to choose shoes suited to various trails and conditions worldwide.
ー How do you select shoes for races?
Ueda:
I pick 6–7 new models in spring, break them in, and narrow down to 3 pairs for races. Sometimes I need to buy shoes locally if conditions differ from expectations.
ー What is your impression of Vibram?
Ueda:
I trust Vibram's grip and durability. I often wish certain shoes had Vibram soles.
ー How do you choose races?
Ueda:
My main motivation is to see new and beautiful landscapes. I choose races based on scenery and competition level.
ー Are you interested in the UTMB series?
Ueda:
Yes, UTMB is a prestigious series with beautiful scenery and well-organized events. However, scheduling conflicts with the Sky Running World Championships make it challenging.
ー What do you expect from Vibram in the future?
Ueda:
Vibram contract athletes can have Vibram soles added to their favorite shoes, which I admire. UTMB series events now offer this service, which is exciting.
Ruy Ueda
Mountain Runner
Born on October 3, 1993, in Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture. Graduated from Saku Chosei High School, a prestigious school for ekiden, and Waseda University.
Achievements over the past 10 years: 72 domestic races with 52 wins (win rate 72.2%), 20 new tournament records, 8 international tournament victories. In 2019, he became the first Asian annual champion in the "Skyrunner World Series." In 2021, he won gold medals in the VK and COMBINED events at the "Sky Running World Championships." In October 2021, he established Mountain Frontier Co., Ltd. to create a new athlete image. In 2022, he launched the original D2C gear brand 'Ruy.' He achieved a Guinness World Record with "ONE STROKE" on Mount Fuji. He placed second in the COMBINED (VK+SKY) at the Sky Running World Championships.
