The sneakers Asics from the French Days

From Onitsuka Tiger to Asics: a story born in Kobe

The story of Asics begins in 1949 in Kobe, where Kihachiro Onitsuka founded Onitsuka Tiger, first known for its basketball shoes and then for its running shoes. In 1977, the merger with two other Japanese manufacturers gave birth to Asics, an acronym for the Latin phrase “Anima Sana In Corpore Sano,” meaning a healthy mind in a healthy body. The crossed stripes that adorn the sides, called Asics Stripes, appeared in the 1960s and remain the visual signature of the brand, from the athletics track to the pavement. The French Days in spring and autumn are the perfect opportunity to treat yourself to one of these historically rich silhouettes.

The other brands

The French Days sneakers also include:

• Saucony, another heir of retro running.
• Mizuno, technical Japanese sneakers.
• Puma.
• Victoria, Spanish canvas tennis shoes.
• Steve Madden, fashion sneakers.
• Hoff, colourful Spanish sneakers.

All the brands are gathered on the sneakers page.

Gel-NYC, Gel-1130, Gel-Kayano, Gel-Lyte: which silhouette

Each silhouette tells a story. The Gel-Lyte with its split tongue, designed in 1990 by Shigeyuki Mitsui, fits the foot thanks to this two-part tongue. The Gel-Kayano, named after its designer Toshikazu Kayano, was born in 1993 as a stability shoe; its retro versions keep a generous volume and a sturdy sole. The Gel-1130 adopts the silver and technical aesthetic of the early 2000s. The Gel-NYC, the most recent model, combines the upper of an older Gel-Nimbus with details from other in-house models and a more modern sole. Fans of sleek lines will choose the Gel-Lyte, while those who prefer volume will opt for the Kayano or NYC.

The GEL cushioning, a running technology

The GEL is a silicone-based gel housed in the midsole, at the heel and sometimes under the forefoot, which absorbs some of the shock on impact. Asics introduced it in 1986 in its running shoes, and it has become so central that almost all the brand's models carry the Gel prefix in their names. On lifestyle sneakers, it often remains visible at the heel, a direct reminder of their sporting origins. Paired with lighter foams, it provides walking comfort that’s appreciated for long days in the city, although it doesn’t match the performance of today’s running shoes, whose foams have evolved significantly.

Sizing and fit of Asics sneakers

Asics sneakers from running have a rather snug fit, with a padded collar that hugs the ankle. Most people take their usual size; those with a wide foot or a high instep may benefit from going up half a size, especially on the more enveloping models. The label shows sizes in European, American, and centimetres: the latter measurement, compared to the actual length of the foot, is the most reliable. For care, mesh can be cleaned with a soft brush and soapy water, suede with a dry brush, and it’s best to avoid putting them in the washing machine, as it can distort the sole and weaken the bonding.

Frequently asked questions

Which Asics should I choose for running?

Lifestyle sneakers like the Gel-NYC or Gel-1130 take on the style of running without its current technology: they are made for the city. For running, you should choose a recent running model, cushioned for long runs or stability if your foot collapses.

Are Asics suitable for flat feet?

For running, a flat foot that collapses inwards finds better support in a stability shoe, the original purpose of the Gel-Kayano. In lifestyle sneakers, this support remains limited: you can insert an orthopaedic insole prescribed by a podiatrist.

Are Asics sneakers suitable for daily walking?

Yes, Gel silhouettes combine cushioning at the heel and a wide sole, making them a good compromise for walking all day. It's best to choose a mesh upper, which is more breathable, and stick to your usual size to prevent your foot from slipping.

Why are Asics sneakers so sought after?

The return of running silhouettes from the 2000s has brought the Gel models back into the spotlight, valued for their comfort and technical material overlays. Collaborations with designers and boutiques have also revived archive models like the Gel-Kayano.

What is the difference between Asics and Onitsuka Tiger?

Onitsuka Tiger is the original brand, which became Asics in 1977. Its name was relaunched separately in the early 2000s for retro models with a Japanese style, while Asics carries the running and Gel cushioned sneakers.