When runners, athletes and active people look for precision, comfort and performance, one name often comes to mind: Asics. The Japanese brand is synonymous with technological innovation, biomechanical precision and a loyal community.
But how did Asics become the king of Japanese functionality? Let's delve into the brand's history - OnSize style.
Beginnings: The sports tool for shaping youth
The history of Asics began in 1949 in Japan, after World War II. Kihachiro Onitsuka founded Onitsuka Co., Ltd. with the goal of giving Japanese youth a positive future through sports.
His first product was a basketball shoe – simple yet innovative, with a suction cup pattern on the sole, inspired by an octopus.
Onitsuka Tiger – The Birth of an Icon
In the 1950s and 1960s, the brand became known as Onitsuka Tiger and quickly became popular among both Japanese and international athletes.
At the 1972 Munich Olympics, many athletes competed in Onitsuka shoes.
The most famous early model is the Mexico 66, which is still produced today, and the striped side stripe – the basis of Asics' iconic look – first appeared on this model.
Brand change: From Onitsuka to ASICS
In 1977, Onitsuka Co. merged with two other sports companies to form ASICS Corporation.
The brand name is an abbreviation of the following Latin motto:
" Anima Sana In Corpore Sano " – meaning: A sound soul in a sound body.
This became the brand's philosophy: to support not only physical, but also mental well-being through sport.
Asics has become one of the most advanced running shoe technology brands in the world. Asics products are developed based on years of biomechanical research at the Kobe Research Institute.
Asics and lifestyle: not just sports
Although Asics primarily designs for performance, its lifestyle line is also growing stronger:
- The GEL-LYTE III or Kayano 14 models have achieved cult status in sneaker culture.
- Collaborations: Awake NY, Kiko Kostadinov, Vivienne Westwood – premium streetwear fusions.
- The classic Onitsuka Tiger brand continues retro Japanese design as a separate fashion trend.
This Japanese brand is the number one choice for many runners, for whom foot support, cushioning and durability are not a matter of compromise.
From sneakers to iconic models
Asics' first big break was basketball shoes in the 1950s, but they soon moved on to running shoes, where Japanese engineering care and technological innovations earned them worldwide recognition.
Most popular models:
- Asics GEL-Kayano – maximum cushioning for long-term use
- Asics GEL-Lyte III – iconic split tongue that is now a streetwear staple
- Asics Nimbus, GT, GEL-1090 – retro running style reimagined
Streetwear Rebirth: The Rebirth of the GEL-Lyte
Although Asics has always been a running specialist, it has also made a significant impact in the fashion world in recent years. The GEL-Lyte III and its ilk have become hype pieces again thanks to the new retro running trends.
Why is it popular now?
- Along with style, comfort has also become cool
- Streetwear communities also appreciate technical design
- Collaborations helped repositioning
Technology never goes out of style.
Asics is still famous for the fact that behind its fashionable appearance lies serious technical developments:
- GEL technology: shock absorption and cushioning at a master level
- FlyteFoam™: ultra-light foam for dynamic movement
- AHAR+ sole: long life and extra grip
These innovations are important not only for runners, but also for those who want to move around the city in style and comfort all day long.
image sources: corp.asics.com , footasylum.com , captaincreps.com , graduatestore.fr
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