Brand Story
ASICS Corporation (Japanese: 株式会社アシックス, Hepburn: Kabushiki gaisha Ashikkusu), commonly known as simply Asics (, or ), is a Japanese multinational corporation that produces sportswear. Asics is best known for its sneakers, but also produces other footwear such as sandals, as well as clothing (T-shirts, jackets, hoodies, swimwear, compression garments, leggings, socks) and accessories (bags, backpacks, caps). The name is an acronym for the Latin phrase anima sana in corpore sano (translated by the company as "a sound mind, in a sound body"). It is headquartered in Kobe, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan.
Timeline
- 1949
Founded as Onitsuka Co.
Kihachiro Onitsuka founds the company in Kobe to make basketball shoes for Japanese youth post-war.
- 1977
Asics name adopted
Onitsuka Tiger merges with two other companies; new name from Latin "Anima Sana In Corpore Sano" (Healthy Soul in a Healthy Body).
- 1986
GEL cushioning introduced
Silicone-based GEL becomes the cornerstone of Asics' performance running line for decades.
- 2008
GEL-Lyte III enters fashion
Split-tongue silhouette becomes a sneakerhead favorite, repeatedly collaborated with Patta, Ronnie Fieg, Solebox.
- 2024
Y2K runner revival peak
GT-2160 and GEL-Kayano 14 become cultural phenomena worn by Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner, gorpcore set.
