IRVINE, Calif., June 13, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Onitsuka Tiger has been in the sports shoe scene since Kihachiro Onitsuka opened his atelier in Kobe, Japan in 1949. The brand, known for blending modern Japanese craftsmanship with an imaginative aesthetic, continues to pioneer urban style with unique new shoes and tributes to its classic footwear. The revamped CALIFORNIA 78® sneaker, set for re-release fall 2013, is one of those timeless styles.
The CALIFORNIA 78®, originally named CALIFORNIA, was introduced in 1978, following the "jogging boom" in the United States that had begun to gain popularity worldwide. The sneaker launched in the same year as Space Invaders, just as John Travolta shot to fame in Grease and Saturday Night Fever debuted. The shoe was named after the state that started this fitness trend and was quickly taking off in Japan. The CALIFORNIA 78® has a form-fitting insole and unique flared sole, which is wider and longer than its upper to cover more ground space while running. The shoe was made more specifically for jogging; designed to maintain the arch of the foot and give support to the toes.
The CALIFORNIA 78® revolutionized running with its reflective panel and disk on the heel, an innovation inspired by the rising popularity of evening jogging in Japan. In 1978, this material was specifically included on the heel of the shoe as many businessmen who picked up running as a hobby could only hit the road after work in the evening hours. The modern recreation of the CALIFORNIA 78® still has the 3M reflective material on the back heel, originally used to keep night runners visible to 300 meters away.
"The CALIFORNIA 78® is one of the hallmark shoes in the Onitsuka Tiger family. Our Japanese heritage and our roots in sports inspire us," said Colin Brickley, Onitsuka Tiger Sales & Marketing Manager. "We are especially proud to pay homage to this classic style and excited to rerelease the shoe to our passionate fan base this year."
The CALIFORNIA 78® is available beginning June 2013 at select retailers for $85.00. You can also experience Onitsuka Tiger on social media through their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/OnitsukaTigerUS) and on Twitter (https://twitter.com/OnitsukaTigerUS) for the latest brand and product updates.
Onitsuka Tiger shoes are available at select retailers nationwide. Visit http://www.onitsukatiger.com/en-us for more information.
A photo accompanying this release is available at: http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=19305
