Asics Running: The History Of "Anima Sana In Corpore Sano"

ASICS RUNNING: GLOBAL RUNNING PERFORMANCE

Take a step back to Japan in 1949 when Mr. Kihachiro Onitsuka began his athletic footwear company by manufacturing basketball shoes out of his living room in Kobe, Japan.

He chose the name ASICS for his company in 1977, based on a famous Latin phrase "Anima Sana In Corpore Sano", which when translated expresses the ancient ideal of "A Sound Mind in a Sound Body."

Taking the acronym of this phrase, ASICS was founded on the belief that the best way to create a healthy and happy lifestyle is to promote total health and fitness.

WELCOME TO THE US, ASICS

ASICS products were introduced to the United States in 1977 and brought with them an incredible story of athletic performance and technical advancements, a philosophy which still holds true today.

ASICS: ALWAYS LOOKING FORWARD

Committed to new technology, ASICS opened up an entire research center in Kobe, Japan in 1990. The Research Institute of Sports Science is a unique spot where scientist, athletes and coaches work together in a location that can only be described as heaven for any athlete.

Imagine a 45,000 research facility with a all weather 350m running track, basketball and volleyball halls, test rooms and the technology to study and analyze human kinetics. The goal is to create the best gear to enable both professional and regular athletes perform to the best of their abilities.
[caption id="attachment_29743" align="aligncenter" width="600"] The Classic ASICS Cortez, a running shoe developed for the US market.[/caption]

ASICS RUNNING SHOES: THE CLASSICS AND THE NEW

ASICS is now one of the top performance running footwear brands in the industry, and not without merit. For the past two decades the key ASICS runnings shoes have firmly planted their feet (pun intended!) in the US runner’s market.

Awards for ASICS shoes come fast and furious. Their GEL system has pioneered a whole family of shoes that reduce shock making every step for a runner a comfortable and supported one.
Fast forward to the 2020s and ASICS introduced extreme performance shoes the Metaride and the Metaracer designed for efficiency and saving energy and this summer the Metaspeed sky coming soon.

ASICS GEL KAYANO & KAYANO LITE

Now 28, the GEL Kayano has been the go-to shoe for a generation of runners and today’s modern version offers stability and comfort with a heel-clutch making it one of the most stable high-mileage shoes available. Think of the GEL Kayano as a luxury SUV; that’s a good thing for any runner. A bevy of awards reiterates that the Kayano is a classic shoe that continues to stand the test of time.
The ASICS Gel-Kayano Lite is a dreamy, maximally cushioned version of the Kayano that’s lighter, more energetic, faster and more eco-friendly than the original.

ASICS GEL CUMULUS

The GEL Cumulus has a strong 10mm drop and the classic GEL system. Add to that now, the ASICS proprietary Flyte Foam makes this a light and reliable shoe. Remember Goldilocks looking for her perfect bowl of porridge?
The Cumulus has cushion, but not too much cushion that you feel you’re losing energy. A perfect combo for a runner looking for both mileage and comfort

ASICS GEL NIMBUS & NIMBUS LITE

A quintessential cushioned shoe with an updated roomier forefoot. With such a loyal fan base, the GEL Nimbus has been a solid part of the running market for over twenty years. Soft but stiff enough to support the mileage and the legs of the runners who wear them.
The GEL Nimbus Lite

ASICS GT 2000

For runners needing moderate support and cushioning in an everyday running shoe with a solid price point, the GT 2000 is a no-nonsense shoe that delivers what it promises at great value. But, don’t let the dependability fool you!
The GT 2000 is packed with technology and will keep you running mile after mile.