FIT

At ASICS we believe that comfort and performance are inextricably linked. As such we try to build the most comfortable shoes possible in the hope that those wearing them will attain their best performance. Primarily, ASICS ensures a shoe is comfortable by producing footwear that aims to achieve the perfect fit.  For this reason, our running shoes are designed and built with componentry that allows the shoe to customise itself to the shape of the individual wearer. These technologies are mostly present in the upper of the shoe and aim to limit unwanted in-shoe movement, reduce friction and even out tension across the surface of the foot.

• Impact Guidance System – A technical design philosophy that allows the foot to perform in a more natural manner for the intended sport.
• Asymmetrical Lacing – New lacing design taken from Biomorphic upper principals. Follows the natural contours of the foot to provide improved fit & comfort during gait.
• P.H.F (Personal Heel Fit System) – Moulds and customises itself to the individual heel shape of the wearer.
• Biomorphic Fit – Radical upper technology involving flex points over areas of highest buckling for much improved fit, dramatically reduced loading and greater comfort, especially over bony prominences.
• 3M - A reflective material produced by the 3M company for night safety.
• Removable Sockliner – An EVA sockliner moulded to the shape of the foot, which can be removed to accommodate a medical orthotic.
• ComforDry Sockliner – A unique dual layer cushioning system combining the support of base foam with the slow recovery of lazy foam, for a customised insole. Also contains antimicrobial properties for a cooler, drier and healthier foot environment.
• Super Suede Heel Material – Japanese synthetic material providing higher durability with less heel slippage.

CUSHION

Impact forces acting on the body during walking and running can reach an excess of three times an individual’s bodyweight. The human body disperses these impact forces via plantar fat pads under the foot, muscle function and joint movement in the lower limb. However, with playing surfaces becoming progressively harder and a decline in ideal biomechanics ASICS developers have dedicated themselves to finding ways to use cushioning systems to help the body’s natural shock absorbers by reducing the impact forces experienced by the foot and leg.

Depending on foot type, different people have different cushioning requirements. Someone with a high arch and a rigid foot will require a different cushioning system that someone with a flat foot who requires a firmer base to remain injury free. Developers as ASCIS have taken this into consideration and designed different cushioning systems for different feet.

• Impact Guidance System – The Impact Guidance System is a technical design philosophy that allows the foot to perform in a more natural manner for the intended sport.
• Solyte – New proprietary midsole material, which is lighter than ASICS’ standard EVA and SpEVA, combined with improved cushioning and durability.
• SpEVA – Proprietary midsole material that improves bounce back characteristics and decreases midsole breakdown.
• GEL Cushioning System – The ASICS GEL System is probably the most famous of all our innovations. To bring about the highest possible shock absorbing effect, the GEL-units are strategically placed in the midsole of the shoe. For the ASICS GEL cushioning system various materials are used. Depending on its function, the GEL-unit contains a siliconebased porous foam, a silicone GEL or a semi-solid silicone substance encapsulated in polyurethane. The shape of the units are also precisely designed to the specific function and position.
• Gender Specific Cushioning – This is an injected and separate piece of Solyte that is in the forefoot of the midsole. The women’s piece is softer (48 degree durometer measure) compared to the men’s (53 degree). This allows the lighter frame of women to feel the cushioning available in the forefoot of the running shoe.

SUPPORT

Pronation during gait is important as it allows the human lower limb to absorb and transmit the shock associated with walking and running. However, ASICS recognises that not everyone is blessed with perfect biomechanics. In fact, research has suggested that between 70 to 85% of people have biomechanical inefficiencies and as such are placing undue amounts of stress on their lower limb resulting in either injury or poor performance. With this in mind the developers at ASICS strive to produce technical componentry that encourages the foot to follow a more neutral path during locomotion. This facilitates healthier biomechanics and thus results in less stress on the body.

• Trusstic System – Moulded component under the midfoot area. Provides over-pronation control in combination with extremely contoured midsoles. Also reduces the weight of running shoes.
• Slip Last – Used for lightweight/racing developments. The upper is wrapped and stitched directly to the midsole allowing for flexibility and lightweight properties.
• Space Trusstic System – The new ASICS Space Trusstic system works with the complex functions of the foot to facilitate Windlass Mechanics.
• Stability Cradle – A reinforced EVA component contoured to provide medial and lateral stability.
• 10mm Heel Gradient – Shifts body mass forward reducing strain on lower limbs.
• DuoMax – ASICS exclusive stabilising system. A dual density midsole with the harder EVA on the medial side, starting in the centre of the midsole in a diagonal course to provide smooth over-pronation control.
• Guidance Line – The Guidance Line is a physical separation of the midsole. This vertical flex groove decouples the tooling and helps reproduce consistent load transfer at propulsion. IGS Adaptive Technology at its best.

TRACTION

Traction refers to a shoes capacity to influence the relationship held between the shoe and the surface on which it must perform. From a functional perspective correct traction parameters can increase performance by giving the wearer a greater confidence in their environment. Moreover, it can reduce injury by providing an environment that minimises the risk of harm.

The ability of a shoe to provide traction is mostly influenced by the materials used in the outsole and the way in which they are constructed.  These can be altered to suit the specific tasks for which the footwear is designed. For example, the type and degree of traction required for turf sports will differ to that of required of running shoes.

• Duosole – Outsole construction offering lightweight and flexible traction.
• Ex-Grip – Special "tacky PU print" on the top of the sockliner. Prevents the foot from slipping inside the shoe.
• Multi Function Cleats – This feature provides responsiveness on turf/grass surfaces.
• AHAR – ASICS High Abrasion Rubber. Tough rubber compound used at the heavy-contact areas of the outersole. Helps cut down on excessive wear.
• AHAR Ride - New blown AHAR outsole material. Delivers enhanced cushioning, durability and ride to the forefoot.

Our full range of running shoes can also be found at our sister site, Return2Fitness > > > http://www.return2fitness.co.uk/Running/Running_Shoes<-->