A Japanese footwear manufacture since 1949, Asics have not taken long to reach the pinnacle of shoe design and become a world leader with arguably the best running shoes ever produced to their credit. Provider of high performance footwear to all of the leading fields of sport, from athletics to wrestling they live and breathe their corporate motto: ‘Anima Sana In Corpore Sano’ – A sound mind in a sound body’
Asics is nothing short of a world record breaker and the all new Asics Gel Kayano has already received 15 globally recognised honours. Most recently it secured the Runners World shoe of the year award, the second year running that the award has been given to the range and the fourth time in the last 5 years. In short, it is a rather good shoe. Whilst Runners World loves Asics, the same story is played out over and over again in various awards each year clearly demonstrating that Asics’s are truly a great of the running world.
So what makes Asics stand head and shoulders above the competition? The key is the level of details which goes into the construction of the shoes. Asics appreciate that everyone is different, and require more out of a shoe in some areas and less in others. Being able to offer a tailored fit and support system means that each shoe is custom created to the individual, providing perfect support and comfort even at marathon and endurance levels.
For flat footed runners the Maximum Support System caters to the accompanying over pronation of the foot to give the necessary support and shock absorption and to prepare for a flat footed landing.
High arches are taken care of at the opposite end of the scale where under pronation is a problem and additional support is given to correct the gait making for a comfortable. Anywhere between the two and the shoe requires the standard cushioning system. The GEL® Cushioning System in the heel and forefoot help to make these shoes incredibly comfortable for long runs.
Of course there is more to performance running than correct support alone, and in terms of technology Asics are world leaders. At their home in Kobe in Japan, their research facilities total over 45,000 square feet where movement is studied in intimate detail to help develop the most advanced shoes possible which responded perfectly to the demands of high performance sport. Over 200 people are dedicated to the development of this technology which year on year continues to inspire and impress.
Whilst a shoe may only consist of an outsole, and insole and uppers, it is surprising the level of technological wizardry which goes into each of these sections. The heel clutching system holds the shoe firmly on the foot, Propulsion Trusstic® mimics the elastic tendons in the foot to retain force and release for the next stride, Asymmetrical Lacing Design removes potential lace abrasion and irritation. Cuprothermo keeps the feet cool in summer and warm in the winter, whilst a Biomorphic Fit ® upper moulds to the feet perfectly. Those 200 people have been working incredibly hard to ensure that no matter what the length of run, your feet will be the last of your worries.