Gear meets Technology: Why are Asics shoes so awesome?
In my short seven years of running, I’ve been a dedicated Asics advocate. To really understand which shoe worked best for me, I had to date around. I spent time with Nike, Newbalance, Saucony, and now I occasionally head out for a quick trip around the block with Newtons. All this time with other shoes gives me perspective on my favorite brand, Asics. When I slip on my Kayanos, my feet start moving automatically, and I feel as though I’m hardly working.
I know that Asics and my feet are a great match, but why? With running popularity increasing, more and more people are demanding high tech shoes to motivate them to get outside, and to carry them across the finish line. In 2008, almost 40 thousand shoes were sold to runners who spent 2.31 billion dollars (according to Running USA). This is an increase of about 15 thousand shoes, and 1,323,000,000 dollars over the past decade. The US has 713 running specialty stores carrying all sorts of running products and with an increase in popularity, Asics has to keep up with the innovative pressure of other companies like Newtons.
Given all of this new shoe technology pared with my recent respect for the Newtons, why do I keep coming back to my Asics? Sure, part of it is probably brand loyalty. It’s a struggle to find the right shoe for your foot, a struggle that involves a lot of risks. Once a runner finds the right shoe, chances of divination are slim in order to avoid the risks that come with a mid season switch (injury, speed and distance sacrifices, blisters, black toenails, etc.).
Brand and style are definitely the most important factors of choosing a running shoe, but there’s obvioulsy more to it. Someone has to build the shoe right? That means someone has to design it? In Japan, the Asics designers flex their creativity to create some of the best selling shoes in the world:
And the technology behind it? (Be sure the watch the egg part in combo with the expression on the girl’s face – priceless!)
I recommend reading Born to Run by Christopher McDougall, the second video shows someone hitting the glass barefoot with his heel, we don’t run striking our heel when we are barefoot, only in shoes.
Those are the shoes I have, too. I tried them at the store and loved how they felt as well – even better than my Mizunos. However, after reading Born to Run, I am feeling like I just wasted over $170, with the Superfeet Insoles included. I would give anything to get my money back. I could buy two pairs of Vibram Five Fingers with same money!
While I like how shiny my Asics look, I know they are not allowing my arch to flex like it should, and it’s quite difficult to strike with my forefoot first in my strides while wearing such large, clunky, and padded shods.
I suggest you at least work some barefoot running in to your workouts a couple of times a week so your feet will get some exercise. It’s amazing how all the muscles in your feet will respond given the room to actually do their job. I’m afraid Asics, like most all running shoes are more like wearing a cast.
Wish you luck
Clynton
Hey Kathy! Those were really cool videos to see, especially love the Discovery Channel how do you do it one! It’s easy to forget what a process making a good shoe is! While I haven’t worn the other brands to run in, other than Saucony, I have tried them on and the Asics is such a sweet fit on my foot.
There was a guy at last night’s race wearing the Vibram Five Fingers. I was wondering how his feet felt after running on the pavement. I think they would be fun to try too. There were some really slick looking racing flats out there too!
Fun post!
I am a newbie to your blog. I have found you via runblogger.com Great post. Like you, I am loyal to Saucony. It seemed that my feet and the Sauconys are match made in heaven. I have tried different brands. Each runners are different and tailored to their needs. I have tried Gel Kayanos and they are still terrific.
I had a pair of Asics when I ran back in high school and loved them. I’m kind of sad I have not ran in Asics for so long now. I’m hoping that once my current New Balances wear our, my next pair will be Asics. I can totally see why they are always your go-to shoes!
I also loved this shoe both design and quality but I am more avid user of Nike shoes