ASICS
ASICS is a Japanese sports brand from Kobe, known for running shoes with GEL cushioning. In recent years the brand has also become popular outside sport, mainly thanks to 2000s retro runners that have been reissued as lifestyle sneakers. ASICS sneakers combine a technical look with plenty of comfort, for women and men.
The history of ASICS
The story begins in 1949, when Kihachiro Onitsuka founded his own shoe company in Kobe. His first shoes were basketball shoes, soon followed by models for runners and other athletes. Under the name Onitsuka Tiger, the company grew into a well-known name in athletics.
In 1977 Onitsuka merged with two other Japanese sports companies. The new company was named ASICS, an acronym of the Latin phrase ‘Anima Sana In Corpore Sano’: a sound mind in a sound body. Onitsuka Tiger still exists as a separate label within the company.
What is ASICS known for?
The best-known feature of ASICS is GEL, a silicone-based cushioning the brand introduced in the 1980s. GEL sits mainly in the heel and sometimes in the forefoot, absorbing the shock of landing. Many models also use the TRUSSTIC system, a rigid element under the midfoot that keeps the shoe stable. The same technologies return in the ASICS SportStyle lifestyle line, so the retro runners wear as comfortably as they look.
ASICS built its name with stability and cushioning shoes for runners, such as the Gel-Kayano and the Gel-Nimbus. Around 2020 the fashion world discovered the older versions of those shoes. Collaborations with designers such as Kiko Kostadinov and labels such as JJJJound and Kith gave the retro runners a place in streetwear and fashion.
Popular ASICS models
- ASICS Gel-Kayano: the line has existed since 1993; the 2008 Gel-Kayano 14 in particular is popular as a lifestyle sneaker, with metallic overlays and a layered sole.
- ASICS Gel-1130: a 2008 runner and simpler sibling of the Kayano 14, available again since 2021 and loved for its slim shape and silver details.
- ASICS Gel-NYC: a new 2023 design that brings together elements of the Gel-Nimbus 3, the Gel-MC Plus V and the Gel-Cumulus 16, with a rounder toe and a thick sole.
- ASICS GT-2160: a 2011 stability runner that returned in 2023, recognisable by the wavy lines across the forefoot.
How do ASICS sneakers fit?
ASICS retro runners generally run small. For the Gel-Kayano, Gel-1130, Gel-NYC and GT-2160: choose half a size up if in doubt. This is partly down to the many overlays and the firm heel counter, which make the shoe close snugly around the foot. If you have wide feet, that extra half size is definitely recommended.
When ordering, go by your EU size rather than your US size from another brand, as that conversion differs between brands. Models with (W) in the name follow the ASICS women’s size chart.
Buy ASICS at WOOVIN
At WOOVIN the ASICS range centres on the retro runners: the Gel-Kayano 14, Gel-1130, Gel-NYC and GT-2160, for women and men. If you want a slim, technical look, choose the Gel-1130 or the GT-2160; for more cushioning and a sturdier shape, the Gel-Kayano 14 and the Gel-NYC are a better fit. Filter by model and size to quickly see which colours are there for you.
