Interest

Ghost in the Shell Reebok Sneakers Offered in Japan

Next year, the character goods maker Megahouse plans to offer a limited number of Reebok sneakers inspired by the Tachikoma mecha in the Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex anime.

The Tachikoma shoes are Reebok's high-tech Pump Fury sneakers recolored in the Tachikoma's blue hue. The sneakers' signature pump buttons happen to resemble the Tachikoma's camera eyes. The sneakers also use material whose glossiness changes depending on which angle you look at it, in homage of the Tachikoma's optical camouflage — although the shoes will emphatically not disappear.

The sides of the sneakers feature red highlights similar to the red lights on the Tachikoma's pod, while the heel is embroidered with the emblem from the anime's Public Security Section 9. The insole has the Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex logo along with a stylized image of a foot's sole.

The Pump Fury sneakers use Reebok's Pump feature to inflate air into the shoe and make a custom fit to the wearer's feet. Megahouse claims that this is similar to how the Tachikoma forms a link with its pilot with a neural plug.

500 pairs will be sold worldwide for 20,000 yen (about US$260) around next June or July.

Image © Masamune Shirow, Production I.G/Kodansha, Ghost in the Shell Production Committee