Evangelion Launches New Official Performance Running Shoe Collab Collection

Image by James Richardson

Evangelion has launched a new official performance running collection that transforms the colors and visual identity of its iconic EVA units into gear designed for high level training.

The “TIGORA × Evangelion Running Collection” spans eight different products, including three versions of the FT5/36 running shoe alongside jackets, shirts, shorts, a cap and socks inspired primarily by Evangelion Unit-01, Unit-00 and Unit-02.

Neon Genesis Evangelion first aired in 1995 and is currently celebrating its 30th anniversary through an extensive series of exhibitions, events, merchandise releases and collaborations continuing throughout 2026.

TIGORA is the private sportswear brand of Japanese retailer Alpen, with its wider lineup covering running, fitness, outdoor activities and other sports through products developed with performance and affordability in mind.

That functional approach carries throughout the Evangelion collection, with moisture-wicking materials, reflective graphics and practical storage incorporated alongside familiar colors and imagery from the anime.

A reflective NERV logo serves as a recurring detail across the apparel, improving visibility during darker runs while keeping the designs connected to the series.

Let’s take a closer look at all eight releases!

• “FT5/36 Evangelion” – ¥16,500 (approximately $104/£79)

The collection’s main footwear release is available in purple, yellow and red versions based on Unit-01, Unit-00 and Unit-02, using mechanical-looking mesh and more organic detailing around the side markings to reference the appearance of the Evas without printing character artwork directly across the shoes.

The insoles feature marathon-themed messages rendered in Evangelion-style typography, while each pair comes in special packaging covered with Eva artwork and scenes from the anime.

TIGORA’s FT5/36 name itself references the average 5-hour-36-minute completion time for a runner attempting their first full marathon, with the model designed to support athletes working toward that distance.

Sizes run from 23 cm through 29 cm, with the 27 cm version weighing approximately 315 g per shoe.

• “Evangelion Wind Jacket” – ¥7,260 (approximately $46/£35)

The unisex jacket uses Unit-01’s purple and green color scheme with large “EVANGELION TEST TYPE-01” lettering across the back and reflective printed details for improved visibility.

• “Evangelion Moisture-Wicking Quick-Dry Long-Sleeve T-Shirt” – ¥4,950 (approximately $31/£24)

Available in purple and black, the long-sleeve shirt places a marathon-themed motivational message across the back using typography inspired by the series and adds aurora-style reflective printing that catches the light during evening runs.

• “Evangelion Moisture-Wicking Quick-Dry Short-Sleeve T-Shirt” – ¥4,400 (approximately $28/£21)

Purple, black and red versions draw from Unit-01, Unit-00 and Unit-02, with large Eva graphics across the back alongside a message encouraging the wearer to run at full speed.

• “Evangelion Moisture-Wicking Quick-Dry Sleeveless Top” – ¥3,850 (approximately $24/£18)

The sleeveless design features Shinji, Rei and Asuka across the back with the Evangelion logo and additional series graphics, while aurora reflective printing adds extra visibility.

• “Evangelion Multi-Pocket Shorts” – ¥4,400 (approximately $28/£21)

Unit-01’s purple and green colors cover the running shorts, which include multiple pockets for carrying items such as a smartphone, keys, coins, energy gels and bars while training.

• “Evangelion Moisture-Wicking Quick-Dry Cap” – ¥3,850 (approximately $24/£18)

The cap comes in purple and black, with the Unit-01-inspired version using purple and green across the exterior and another Evangelion-style marathon message hidden beneath the brim.

• “Evangelion Running Socks” – ¥2,200 (approximately $14/£11)

The socks use a purple-to-green-to-orange gradient inspired by Unit-01 alongside prominent EVANGELION branding and are available in three size ranges from 23 cm through 29 cm.

Evangelion has already crossed into real-world performance sport several times, with the official Evangelion Racing project competing in Japan throughout 2026 across categories including motorcycle endurance racing.

One of its biggest appearances this year saw the AutoRace Ube Racing Team Eva RT Unit-01 BMW compete in the Suzuka 8 Hours using a BMW M1000RR finished in the familiar purple and green colors of Shinji’s Eva.

The franchise has also previously worked with FILA on athletic footwear, with the most recent RADIO EVA sneaker collaboration adapting the brand’s 1990s VENOM running shoe into separate designs based on Unit-00, Unit-01 and Unit-02.

Evangelion’s wider fashion lineup has continued to expand throughout its anniversary year, including new collections from its official EVANGELION:95 label and recent collaborations with brands such as AVIREX that reinterpret imagery from the series through everyday clothing.

Image by James Richardson

The full “TIGORA × Evangelion Running Collection” launched in Japan on October 9, 2026 and is available through participating Sports Depo and Alpen stores, ALPEN RUN MEIJI PARK and the official Alpen Online store.

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