Who made the officially designated sports shoes for the 1988 Seoul Olympics?
The origins of
Prospecs trace back to Gukje Rubber Industrial Company, a rubber shoe manufacturer founded in Busan in 1949.
Later renamed Gukje Corporation, the company expanded rapidly by beginning OEM production for Nike, while Busan grew into the hub of Korea’s footwear industry.
In the 1980s, Prospecs stood shoulder to shoulder with brands like Nike and Adidas.
At the time, Prospecs was a homegrown brand that people of all generations aspired to wear.
While many brands abroad boast histories spanning over a hundred years,
there are only a handful of brands in Korea that have remained alive for nearly four decades.
A brand few would dispute if called a national representative.
PRO-SPECS
= Professional Specification
Products built to meet the standards of professional athletes.
In its very name, Prospecs already signals quality footwear.
Much has changed over time, but the 40 years of technical expertise have remained constant.
By reviving its original logo he iconic “F” the brand was preparing for a new leap forward.
RAWROW wanted to create shoes of exceptional quality,
and Prospecs was drawn to RAWROW’s design philosophy, rooted in a focus on the very essence of footwear.
10 years of design experience,
RAWROW40 years of manufacturing expertise,
Prospecs
1. Three designs, distilled to only what’s essential
DAY TRIP for short outings around the city
LOCAL TRIP for quick getaways because all we plan to do is head out and have some fun
ROUND TRIP for longer journeys you truly commit to
Once you step outside, everything becomes a journey.
We reflected the user’s travel distance and habits in the design.
DAY TRIP
A reissue of Prospecs’ original sports shoes from the brand’s early days.
The heel, which first meets the ground when you walk, is made soft,
while the midfoot responsible for supporting the arch and controlling movement—is kept firm.
Using multiple levels of hardness in the outsole is essential to creating comfort and stability while walking.
We wanted this to be an easy, no-fuss pair you can throw on and head out in.
That’s why it comes in three colors that are effortless to style.
LOCAL TRIP
A design that applies Prospecs’ heritage to RAWROW’s R SHOE.
Features the Vibram® Fast Trail outsole from Vibram, the Italian outsole brand founded in 1937.
The heel is segmented to distribute weight more evenly,
and the outsole is engineered to provide stable traction without slipping easily across a variety of surfaces.
We used shamude material, which compensates for the weaknesses of natural leather lightweight yet highly durable.
Thousands of micro perforations allow for excellent breathability while resisting water absorption.
ROUND TRIP
The optimal shoe for long-distance, long-duration walking, powered by a uniquely advanced outsole.
It features Vibram®’s Rollin Gait System, known for its distinctive curved sole design.
Like a wheel rolling forward, it allows for comfortable walking with minimal effort.
The mesh upper ensures excellent airflow, keeping the shoe breathable and comfortable even during extended wear.
2. Comfort perfected through 40 years of expertise
Because every foot is different, finding the “average” fit is never easy.
But Prospecs has devoted 40 years solely to the footwear industry.
By collecting tens of thousands of data points, they developed a foot last optimized for Korean feet.
Our shoes are built on this foundation.
Shoes are science.
We study the different walking habits of each person,
carve grooves into the sole so it bends naturally,
and add protection where the toes need it most.
We packed in a lot of thoughtful functions but honestly, you don’t have to notice them.
“All I know is, I want to wear these every day.”
“My feet feel comfortable all day long.”
That’s more than enough.
“Prospecs has spent 40 years studying the feet of Korean people.
We believe this may well be the most comfortable shoe for Koreans.”
From an interview with a researcher at the Prospecs R&D Center