Asics

Ever wonder where ASICS® got its name? Kihachiro Onitsuka established his athletic footwear company in 1949, making basketball shoes in his Kobe, Japan home. It wasn't until 1977—the year in which his athletic shoes were introduced to the U.S.—that he came upon the acronym ASICS from a 2nd century B.C. Latin phrase: "Anima Sana In Corpore Sano," which translates as "A sound mind in a sound body." The ASICS® mission is to create a healthy, happy lifestyle by promoting total health and fitness.

ASICS' Research Institute of Sports Science in Kobe meticulously studies and analyzes the movements of the human body and tests materials that go into the technology of ASICS running shoes, ASICS sneakers, ASICS walking shoes, ASICS trainers, apparel and accessories for men, women and children. Three-dimensional measuring systems are employed to design shoes with a perfect fit. Professional ASICS athletes who excel in a variety of disciplines are also studied to continually improve ASICS athletic gear.

Some of the features particularly studied include shock-absorption systems, anti-overpronation features, outsoles with Wet Grip® Rubber and water-resistant clothing.

One of ASICS' best inventions is the GEL® cushioning system, which is an exclusive, silicone-based technology that places responsive gel inserts at high impact areas in a shoe's midsole to enhance shock absorption. The most popular ASICS GEL® technology styles include the ASICS GEL Kayano, ASICS Nimbus, and ASICS Cumulus.

ASICS footwear offers a wide range of styles designed for different runner's needs. ASICS running shoes with structured cushioning are designed for neutral runners with normal arch flexibility and moderate pronation. They offer a well-balanced blend of cushioning and support. ASICS GT running shoes offer a stable platform with a cushioned ride and the exceptional fit that runners love.

Cushioning ASICS shoes are for high-arched runners who have a supinating, or under-pronating, gait, meaning the foot doesn't have enough motion. Cushioning shoes offer additional shock absorption that the foot is lacking.

Lyte shoes were developed for more performance-oriented runners who are looking for the ultimate in lightweight ASICS road running shoes for faster-paced training.

Motion control shoes are intended for runners whose feet over-pronate, meaning they roll too far inward. These ASICS runners offer exceptional support and stability, and also work well for runners who use prescription or over-the-counter orthotics.

ASICS trail shoes are particularly suited for runners who train on a variety of on- and off-road surfaces, incorporating ASICS GEL® cushioning and other support technologies with an emphasis on flexibility, traction and durability.

Track and field athletes need shoes that are built to compete: ASICS spikes, racing flats and cross-country shoes for decathlon events such as hurdles, the javelin and more.

Another popular category of products is the retro ASICS Onitsuka Tiger, named after the company's founder who began manufacturing baseketball shoes in his hometown of Kobe, Japan in the 1940s.