Asics in private sale
The private sale Asics features shoes and clothing from the Kobe brand: neutral or stability running models like the Gel-Nimbus and Gel-Kayano, bouncy Novablast shoes, indoor shoes for volleyball and handball, Gel-Resolution tennis shoes, and retro-inspired sneakers like the Gel-NYC.
Japanese craftsmanship, at a reduced price for the duration of the event.
From Onitsuka Tiger to Asics, a story born in Kobe
The story of Asics starts in 1949 in Kobe, when Kihachiro Onitsuka founded a sports shoe company, initially for basketball, convinced that sports would help rebuild Japanese youth after the war. His brand Onitsuka Tiger then provided footwear for long-distance runners. In 1977, the merger of Onitsuka with GTO and JELENK gave birth to Asics, an acronym for the Latin motto Anima Sana In Corpore Sano, a healthy mind in a healthy body. The headquarters remain in Kobe, where the brand opened its sports science institute in 1985, a laboratory for its cushioning and soles.
The other brands
The private sales of brands are also available:
All the brands are gathered on the brands page.
Neutral stride or need for stability: which Asics to run
The right Asics for running depends first on how the foot lands. A neutral stride points towards the Gel-Nimbus, very cushioned for long outings, or the Gel-Cumulus, more versatile for everyday use. A foot that rolls inwards upon landing, known as pronation, finds guidance in the Gel-Kayano that limits this movement without excessive stiffness. To vary paces, the Novablast, with its very bouncy foam, makes interval sessions more enjoyable. A stride analysis at a club or with a podiatrist helps decide when you’re torn between two families.
Volley, handball, tennis: Asics in the gym and on the courts
Asics has made its mark on indoor courts, where lateral movements and repeated jumps quickly wear out an ordinary shoe. Its models for volley and handball, like the Metarise or the Sky Elite, feature a non-marking rubber sole, a well-held heel and cushioning designed for landing from jumps. On tennis courts, the Gel-Resolution stands out for its stability during lateral movements and reinforced areas on the forefoot, where the shoe brushes the ground. Its soles are available for clay or all surfaces, a choice based on the club where you play.
Gel-NYC and archive sneakers: running turned style
The sneakers Asics draw from the brand's running archives. The Gel-NYC mixes elements from several running shoes from the 2000s into an urban silhouette with layered mesh and synthetic leather. Other reissues faithfully replicate the period's technical lines, with thick soles and silver colourways. These models are chosen in standard city sizes, without the extra half-size often recommended for running, and they are cleaned with a soft brush and soapy water rather than in the washing machine. Their cushioned sole, inherited from running, makes long days of walking in the city comfortable.
Frequently asked questions
Which Asics for a half-marathon?
For a half, a cushioned but dynamic shoe like the Novablast is suitable for most runners. Those aiming for a time will choose a lighter competition model, while those running to finish will stick with a comfortable shoe like the Gel-Nimbus.
Do Asics fit large or small?
Asics generally fits true to size. For running, it’s best to leave about an inch of space in front of the toes, which leads many runners to opt for a half size larger than their city shoes.
How many kilometres does an Asics shoe last?
A running shoe typically lasts between six hundred and eight hundred kilometres, depending on the runner's weight, terrain, and model. When the foam compresses or the sole wears smooth, the cushioning decreases and it's time to replace it.
Which Asics for a heavy runner?
A heavy runner should prioritize a thick sole and a wide base of support, like the Gel-Nimbus, or a stability model such as the Gel-Kayano if their foot rolls inwards. Very lightweight racing shoes wear out too quickly under the load.
Are Asics and Onitsuka Tiger the same brand?
Onitsuka Tiger is the former name of the brand, before the merger in 1977. Asics relaunched it as a distinct fashion line, with its own shops and retro models, while Asics retains the focus on sports and running-inspired sneakers.
