The history of Asics running shoes got its start in a living room in Kobe, Japan in 1949. Back then, the company was known as the Onitsuka Co., Ltd. Mr. Kihachiro Onitsuka started his company of athletic basketball shoes not knowing how successful they would soon become. What he did know was the importance of having a good quality shoe for the best athletic performance.
The Name Asics
The Latin phrase “Anima Sana In Corpore Sano” was at the heart of his beliefs. Translated, this phrase means “A Sound Mind In A Sound Body.” These words support the belief that having a healthy lifestyle will help you live a happy life. Onitsuka believed these words so deeply that in 1977, the year he introduced the U.S. to his shoes, he changed the company’s name. Taking the first letters of the famous Latin saying, he created the name Asics. Since then, Asics have continued to grow and create top-quality athletic shoes for many different sports.
Changing Technology
As Asics has continued to grow, they have developed better technologies and designs to improve the performance of their shoes and improve their customers’ satisfaction. When the company first started, their shoes were designed with one special feature: a recessed sole that somewhat imitated the suction cup of an octopus. As the years progressed, Asics running shoes have gone through several changes in design and features.
Asics in the 1980s and 1990s
The Asics Gel Cushioning System was the next innovation, introduced in the 1980s. This technology placed cushions in the fronts and backs of the shoes to absorb and disperse shock. These pads were placed at the points of the foot that took the most shock. The shoe was improved for the rigors of running. This technology is still used in their shoes today.
The 1990s brought several new inventions for the running shoe. To improve the way the shoe moves with the runner, the Duosole was created. Not only was flexibility improved, but also traction and durability. The improvement even created a lightweight feel to the shoes, creating better movement and fluency in the runner. With the invention of the AHAR Heel Plug, a new type of rubber was developed that lasted longer than before. Areas of the shoe that received the most damage became more resilient to the normal day-to-day wear and tear.
The Technologies at Asics Today
While these past innovations were amazing, much more has been developed to improve Asics running shoes. Along with better traction for running on wet surfaces and better balance, Asics has created SpEva, a unique midsole material that provides “bounce back” while you run, giving more support to your feet and improving performance. The I.G.S. System is also an impressive feature. I.G.S. stands for Impact Guidance System, a new design that helps your feet move in a more natural way.
So, when you are out shopping for shoes, keep innovative Asics running shoes in mind. The company has always had the well-being and happiness of runners in mind as they continue to create better running shoes to keep you a step above the rest.
By Tamara C. Jude