Asics sneakers are worn all over the world, by athletes ranging from runners to basketball players. They are known for coming in bright colors and streamlined shapes, with options like Asics Gel Lyte. What makes these shoes so special? The brand has made it its mission to support athletics since its very start, and it continues to evolve.
Japanese Origins
The Asics brand was founded in Japan by Kihachiro Onitsuka in 1949. “Asics” is an acronym that stands for a Latin phrase, “Anima Sana In Corpore Sano,” which translates to, “a sound mind in a sound body.” The brand didn’t settle on this name until 1977. When it first started, the brand had only four employees. At first, the company focused on basketball shoes with a rubber toe. Soon, the brand branched out to a marathon shoe with a split-toe resembling traditional Japanese footwear. By 1964, the brand was started to develop shoes for sports of all kinds, from wrestling to soccer. It was on its way to becoming an international company, a fact reflected by their former slogan, “Sport: the universal language.”
Innovations in Shoe Materials
Asics was an early adopter of many shoe trends that are now widespread, including flared soles and reflective tape for safety. They also used innovative gel insoles starting in 1986, which provided an excellent cushion for running. Shoes like Asics Gel Kayano mens still use gel for comfort and better performance. In recent years, Asics has also established its own cushioning foam. FlyteFoam and FlyteFoam Lyte are both designed to optimize performance in runners by cushioning the foot and reducing the impact on the body, from the ankle up. These foams are meant to replace EVA since they are more durable and also lighter. According to Asics, this lets runners save energy and run for longer distances.
Shoe Structure
Despite starting out in basketball, Asics is now best known for its running shoes. When it comes to running shoes, the structure is everything. Asics focuses on the shape and material of soles, to reduce the impact on the body and encourage forward motion. Asics Gel Lyte shoes use lightweight gel for the soles, to absorb shock and keep feet as light as possible. Heel gradient and midsole height are two construction feature the company uses to create effective sneakers. The heel gradient is the difference in sole height from the front of the shoe to the back of the shoe. A smaller gradient is desirable and helps runners go faster. Asics womens shoes are colorful and designed to cradle smaller feet perfectly, so women runners and athletes can rely on their shoes as a helpful tool.
Style and Shape
Asics shoes feature a fluid, smooth shape that comes across as futuristic. They’re perfect for athletic use, but as running shoes become popular in fashion, they’re also the perfect way to finish off an outfit. The company sometimes does collaborations with brands or releases special new colors and styles. Recently, it has released monochrome shoes, shoes with metallic silver highlights and more. Vibrant colors such as pinks and greens are available alongside muted pastels and neutrals.
With so many color options, shapes and quality materials to choose from, you’re sure to find an Asics shoe that will help you optimize both your performance and your style.
Good information on the history and how they are made. I’ll have to check these out.