Asics has long been one of the go-to brands for sneakerheads, who bought their store collabs like hot cakes. Everyone wanted to buy Asics. The collaboration with Ronnie Fieg in particular bore fruit and produced many hyped styles that are still considered classics today and are still bought.
Asics was founded in Japan in 1949 and is best known for running shoes, although the first shoe they developed was a basketball sneaker. At the beginning the brand was called Onitsuka Tiger, named after its founder Kihachiro Onitsuka. The current name only came about in 1977, when it merged with another sports company. Asics is an acronym for the Latin phrase “anima sana in corpore sano” – healthy soul in healthy body.
In case you are thinking about buying a pair of Asics, here you have the choice between the different shapes and styles, depending on the intended use. Particularly popular in the lifestyle sector are the retro models from the Gel-Lyte line. The Gel refers to the in-house cushioning technology, which Asics sent into the race to compete against Nike’s “Air” system and inspire runners from all over the world. Today, styles like the Asics Gel-Lyte III and Gel-Lyte V are popular everyday silhouettes that continue to be purchased for their timeless running design and comfort.
With the return of the dad shoe trend, Asics immediately delivered a shape from their own archives that expertly played on the theme. The Gel-Kayano 5 returned in 2018 and is still well received today.
Collaborations with stores are as much a part of the brand’s DNA as running. Atmos, Kith, Ronnie Fieg and Foot Patrol are just a few of the names that have to be dropped here. Through these releases, Asics Tiger managed to stay on the radar of more pointed target groups. Lately, the Japanese brand has expanded its partners to include designers like Kiko Kostadinov, Vivienne Westwood or fashion brand GmbH. Kiko, in particular, has provided moments of brilliance. The sneakers that emerged from the creative exchange with the Bulgarian were partly gone before anyone had them on their radar. Collectors and especially fashion lovers have bought the Asics Gel-Delva 2 and rocked it in their own way.
We’re excited to see what’s coming from Asics in the future. Until then, you can check out which Asics are currently available here.