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ASICS Sneakers
Founded in Japan in the 1940s, ASICS is a name you may recognise from athletic footwear and clothing. Known for their technological innovation and performance-driven designs, ASICS focus on offering support and comfort to athletes of all levels.
Few businesses can claim to have made so many performance improvements over the course of their existence. The Onitsuka brand eventually realised that selling shoes alone was insufficient and, in 1976, formed a partnership with the maker of sports stars GTO and the knitting business Jelenk. The following year, the businesses joined forces to launch the "ASICS" brand. "A healthy soul in a healthy body" is what the acronym, Anima Sana In Corpore Sano, stands for in Latin.
Many more athletes affiliated themselves with the brand over time. Kenji Kimihara, Derek Crayton, Lasse Viren, and many others are among them. Onitsuka played prominent roles in a number of motion pictures and racing triumphs. One famous person who will always be connected to the brand is the legendary Bruce Lee.
History
In 1949, businessman Kihachiro Onitsuka of Japan established the Onitsuka Co. ltd. company, which today goes by the name ASICS. The initial Japanese basketball shoe was introduced to consumers by Onitsuka. Due to the fact that Japan at the time lacked any sports shoe experts, this was a very unusual situation. Although the first shoe resembled a sandal made of reeds more than a basketball shoe, Onitsuka persevered in his efforts to create a quality basketball shoe. He watched the game and the players' movements as they played on the court.
When designing shoes in 1951, the suction cups of an octopus tentacle served as an inspiration. He claimed that Onitsuka held 50% of the Japanese shoe market after the release of his first authentic basketball shoe because it became so well-known. The Tiger brand was eventually purchased by Onitsuka in 1958. Onitsuka recognised his chance the moment he saw Ethiopian Abebe Bikila win the gold medal in the 1960 Olympic Marathon while competing in only his bare feet. During the Mainichi marathon, he suggested wearing Bikila apparel. He won.
The company initially made basketball shoes with the goal of using sports to improve the health and well-being of young people. Running shoes, training shoes, and other athletic gear were added to ASICS's product line over time. ASICS quickly became popular and earned the respect of athletes all over the world.
Sneaker Design
Asics sneakers are known for their technical features and performance-oriented designs. During high-impact activities, the brand's GEL cushioning system reduces injury risk. Breathable materials and seamless construction ensure a comfortable fit, while biomechanics promote natural foot movement and stability. ASICS is among the top five best athletic shoe companies, with more legendary colorways from models like the ASICS Gel-Lyte 3, ASICS Gel-Nimbus, ASICS Novablast, and ASICS Gel-Kayano expected to be released in the near future.
In recent years, ASICS has introduced new technologies and updates to its existing models, such as FlyteFoam technology for lightweight cushioning and energy return, and knit uppers for a seamless, adaptive, and breathable fit. They use eco-friendly materials and manufacturing practices in their products. Using recycled materials and implementing energy-efficient production methods have helped them reduce their environmental impact.
With a strong presence in the running community and sponsorship of elite athletes and events, ASICS remains popular among athletes and fitness enthusiasts. They collaborate with renowned designers and brands like Kiko Kostadinov and Vivienne Westwood.
Do ASICS sneakers fit true to size?
Generally, ASICS women's sneakers fit true to size, but ASICS men's sneakers can fall on the small side, so it is recommended to take half a size larger.