Asics

Asics – From Octopus Salad to Global Sports Icon

Every great brand has its origin story, but few are as delightfully unexpected as the tale of Kihachiro Onitsuka, the mastermind behind what would become an international sports phenomenon. Picture this: post-war Kobe, Japan, a humble dinner table, and a plate of octopus salad. As Onitsuka pondered his next move, inspiration struck—he envisioned shoe soles that mimicked the sticky grip of octopus tentacles. The result? The very first "Onitsuka Tiger" basketball shoes. That quirky spark of genius didn’t just kick off a new sneaker; it ignited a legacy of relentless innovation and catapulted the Onitsuka Tiger label onto the world stage.

The late 1940s in Japan were all about rebuilding and hope, and Onitsuka had one mission in mind: inspire young people through the power of athletics. With just two employees at the start, Onitsuka Co. set out to craft high-performance athletic footwear designed to compete with the best on earth. Word spread fast—especially once their shoes started making appearances at professional sporting events. That small operation laid the cornerstones for what would grow into one of the world’s leading sports brands.

Asics Corporation – Philosophy, Legacy, and Evolution

By 1977, big changes were afoot. Onitsuka Co. merged with GTO Co. and Jelenk Co., giving rise to Asics Corporation. The name "Asics" isn’t just a catchy moniker—it’s actually an acronym for the Latin phrase “Anima Sana In Corpore Sano,” meaning “a sound mind in a sound body.” This motto became the heart and soul of the company, shaping every decision and guiding the Asics company toward its ongoing mission: promoting wellness and holistic health through sport.

At every turn, Asics has been fueled by its founder’s firm belief that staying active leads to a fuller, better life. Onitsuka summed up his approach simply: “If you fail, keep going until you succeed.” That spirit still pulses through the brand today—making asics shoes for everyone, from weekend joggers to Olympic champions, remains central to everything they do.

Relentless Innovation – Asics Gel™ Technology and Beyond

Asics lives and breathes continuous improvement—or, as the Japanese call it, Kaizen. Right from the beginning, innovation was baked into their DNA: think basketball shoes with octopus-inspired suction soles, or featherweight marathon models like the legendary Marathon TABI. These early breakthroughs paved the way for icons like the Mexico 66—famously worn by Bruce Lee—and introduced those instantly recognizable Tiger Stripes, now synonymous with Asics around the globe.

The 1980s brought another game changer: Gel™ technology. Debuting in 1986, this silicone-based cushioning system completely redefined comfort and shock absorption for runners everywhere. It quickly became a hallmark of models such as the Gel-Kayano 26, Asics Gel-Lyte, and more—cementing Asics’ reputation among sneaker royalty. And let’s not forget the groundbreaking ASICS Research Institute of Sports Science, launched in 1990, which put biomechanics and real-world athlete testing front and center in their design process.

The Asics Brand – Heritage Meets Modern Performance

Kihachiro Onitsuka’s legacy lives on in every pair—whether it’s classic styles from the Onitsuka Tiger shoes heritage line or cutting-edge performance kicks under the main Asics label. The brand hasn’t stood still: they’ve expanded into lifestyle territory with sub-brands like Asics Tiger, drawing on retro vibes from the ’70s through ’90s. High-profile collaborations—with tennis superstars like Novak Djokovic and Gael Monfils, for example—underscore Asics’ knack for blending sports culture with fashion-forward thinking.

Asics collaborations, designer partnerships, and limited-edition capsule collections keep Asics firmly planted at the crossroads of athletics and street style. Their iconic asics logo, those beloved Gel silhouettes, and unmistakable design flourishes have earned them cult status—not just with runners but also with sneakerheads and style aficionados everywhere.

Diversity in Product Range – Asics Shoes for Every Athlete

The Asics lineup is nothing if not versatile, offering something for just about every activity and taste under the sun:

• Running shoes: Built for peak performance with advanced shock absorption, plush cushioning, and lightweight materials to keep you moving mile after mile.
• Athletic footwear: Includes specialized designs for basketball, wrestling (wrestling fans know Asics dominates this arena), tennis (a favorite among top pros), and more.
• Sneakers Men’s Asics: Where vintage-inspired looks from the Onitsuka Tiger range meet state-of-the-art comfort tech—for those who want style with substance.
• Sports fashion brands: Apparel lines that complement their footwear—think functional pieces that look just as sharp on city streets as they do at the gym.

The sheer breadth of what Asics offers is impressive: inclusive sizing (from EU 35.5 all the way up to 48) means there’s a fit for nearly every foot out there. Their unisex options blur traditional gender lines, while a rainbow of colorways—from minimalist neutrals to eye-popping brights—means everyone can find their match, whether you’re a purist or a trend chaser.

Shoe Features, Silhouettes, and Technological Excellence

Asics shoe models stand out thanks to their signature details—those famous Tiger Stripes, seen on icons like the Gel-Kayano or Mexico 66, plus technical features such as breathable mesh uppers or outsoles engineered for maximum grip. Each release is backed by decades of biomechanical research—proof positive that athlete-focused design is always top of mind at Asics.

No matter if you’re chasing a marathon personal best or just want sneakers that bring together sport and street style, Asics sits right where tradition meets innovation and flair. Their global presence is matched only by their passion for empowering movement—proving that with every step you take, you’re part of something bigger.