Irvine, Calif.(July 19, 2010)– In its September 2010 issue featuring a Buyer’s Guide of top walking shoes, ShopSmart magazine named the ASICS® GEL-Tech Walker Neo® “Best Overall” walking shoe. The Consumer Reports backed magazine targeted to female shoppers in their 30s and 40s presents products that independent experts have found to be the best in testing and offers unbiased reviews.

Women's

The magazine tested 13 women’s walking shoes including styles from ASICS, Nike, Saucony, New Balance, Champion, Rockport, Reebok and Skechers. Staff wear-testers considered cushioning, stability, fit, flexibility, breathability and weight. And a special machine was used to flex each shoe repeatedly to test for durability.

The ASICS® GEL-Tech Walker Neo® was voted “Best Overall”.  According to ShopSmart: “Our top walking shoes had excellent fit, breathability, and stability. Plus we really liked their unusual off-center lacing, which allows the shoes to snugly wrap around your foot.”

Men's

In addition, ShopSmart also tested 12 men’s walking shoes and found the ASICS® GEL-Tech Walker Neo® the top pick for men.

The GEL-Tech Walker Neo® features ASICS’ exclusive Asymmetrical Lacing system, part of the evolution of the ASICS Biomorphic Fit® technology, which creates a more anatomically correct lacing pattern. This fit configuration envelops the foot, allowing for a more open forefoot environment and more comfort. In addition to the lacing pattern, a stretch material is strategically placed on the upper to help reduce buckling and the potential for irritation.

Impact Guidance System (I.G.S.®) which enhances the foots natural gait and efficiency, is another key feature of the GEL-Tech Walker Neo®, as well as, 3M™ reflectivity for visibility in low light conditions, and other exclusive ASICS technologies to ensure the utmost support, stability, cushioning, shock absorption, fit and durability.

GEL-Landreth™ 6

The GEL-Landreth™ 6 is making a big technical step forward this season with the introduction of an innovative new Heel Clutching System. By removing the heel counter and securing a heel fitting sleeve to the lacing system, this version offers amazing new fit and comfort. The GEL-Landreth™ 6 also features Biomorphic Fit® for the first time, with a unique placement of the stretch panels designed specifically for the shoe. The shoe's tooling continues to employ the GT-2000™ series midsole without DuoMax®, creating a more responsive ride than most cushioning models.

The GEL-Landreth™ 6 is available in running specialty stores now.

View Men's GEL-Landreth™ 6 | View Women's GEL-Landreth™ 6

GEL-Foundation® 9

Since the introduction of the first GEL-Foundation® in 1999, the goal for the series has been to provide maximum support to runners who need more than a standard stability shoe offers. To that end, the shoe offers a wide, supportive base that is surprisingly comfortable, as well as a great fitting upper. The GEL-Foundation® 9 will maintain the platform feel and fit from the current version offering a small density adjustment to allow for a more supportive platform. The base is quite wide along the length of the shoe, particularly in the midfoot area, to ensure excellent stability. The upper pattern has been adjusted just slightly to provide an ample toe box with a snug, locked-in heel fit. Width sizing will also be adjusted to be a bit wider to ensure proper fit in the 2E and 4E range.

GEL-Foundation® 9 is available in running specialty stores now with wider distribution scheduled for June 1, 2010.

View Men's GEL-Foundation® 9 | View Women's GEL-Foundation® 9

GEL-Trail Sensor® 4

The GEL-Trail Sensor® 4 is ASICS most advanced performance trail shoe. The upper features the evolution of the innovative Inner Lock Lacing System®, made visible by an outer layer of micro mesh and enhanced by the Asymmetrical Lacing Design for a more anatomically correct fit. The upper also features a version of ASICS' Heel Clutching System designed for trail use which responds effectively to terrain changes. The shoe continues to deliver improved performance through a low profile Solyte® midsole for cushioning and an aggressive lug pattern for great traction.

The GEL-Trail Sensor® 4 is available in running specialty stores now with wider distribution scheduled for June 1, 2010.

View Men's GEL-Trail Sensor® 4 | View Women's GEL-Trail Sensor® 4

GEL-Trabuco® 13

The GEL-Trabuco® 13 will appeal to a wide range of runners looking for an aggressive trail shoe. The rugged WET GRIP® outsole and a lower-profile Solyte® midsole create a responsive, traction-oriented tooling. The new upper protects as well as it provides comfort, with rubber toe bumpers, tongue gusset, and new memory foam sockliner. The functional lacing system and improved heel environment create a superior upper fit. For 2010, the GEL-Trabuco® 13 takes another technical step forward, and will continue to satisfy the needs of a variety of trail runners.

The GEL-Trabuco® 13 is available in running specialty stores now with wider distribution scheduled for June 1, 2010.

View Men's GEL-Trabuco® 13 | View Women's GEL-Trabuco® 13

The GEL-Nimbus® 12 carries on the series’ tradition of a cushioned ride and comfortable upper fit. The new version has been updated with several new features, including Guidance Line™ to encourage a more efficient gait. Discrete Eyelet Construction, full-length Solyte® 45 lasting, and new memory foam ComforDry™ sockliner from Ortholite takes the shoe to a new level of upper fit and comfort. The GEL- Nimbus®12 has also added a new Gender Specific component, Plus-3™, to enhance the two carry-over women's-only technologies, Gender Specific Space Trusstic® System and Gender Specific Forefoot Cushioning.

The GEL-Nimbus® 12 is available in running specialty stores now with wider distribution scheduled for June 1, 2010.

View Online Video Campaign for The GEL-Nimbus® 12
View Men's
View Women's

The updated GEL-Cumulus® 12 features the softest road feel among ASICS® Performance Running line. The ride is remarkably stable and the transition from heel strike to toe-off is quite smooth. This shoe features a decoupled heel and forefoot tooling that helps establish the smoother ride. Cushioning is improved as well, resulting from the addition of Gender-Specific Forefoot Cushioning, a larger rearfoot GEL® Cushioning System, and full-length Solyte® 45 lasting material. The upper features dual PHF® in the rearfoot and lower collar heights for improved heel fit. The vamp area remains basically unstructured, but is given a bit more lateral support with a lateral welder across the side of the vamp.

The GEL-Cumulus® 12 is available now in running specialty stores, with wider distribution scheduled for June 1, 2010. For more product information, visit GEL-Cumulus® 12 Men's and GEL-Cumulus® 12 Women's.

IRVINE, Calif. (March 3, 2010) – ASICS America officially announced it has expanded its footwear offering by introducing a golf collection. The two new styles, the GEL-Ace™ for men and the Lady GEL-Ace™ for women, will be available in the United States beginning in mid-November at Golf Galaxy retail stores nationwide and online at golfgalaxy.com and dickssportinggoods.com.

Buzz about the collection began in April 2009, when Japanese golf sensation Shingo Katayama, who placed fourth at the Masters, received considerable media coverage while wearing a prototype of the GEL-Ace™ shoes. Combining a fashion forward aesthetic with ASICS’ proprietary technology, the shoes are a true innovation for all golfers from professional to recreational.

"I am proud to wear ASICS golf shoes, and believe the shoes make me a better player,” says Shingo Katayama, professional golfer. “They have great fit and style and I’m less tired after several rounds.”

The men’s GEL-Ace™ will be available in three colorways: white/green, white/silver and black/silver in sizes 7-12,13,14. The women’s Lady GEL-Ace™ will be available in two options: white/hot pink and white/champagne gold in sizes 6-12. Women's style will retail for $125 and the men's style will retail at $170.

Best known for performance oriented running shoes, ASICS has translated key technical features and craftsmanship into a golf shoe that enhances athletic performance. Most notably, an extended trusstic that contours the heel and provides a solid base of support under the heel and arch, leading to a reduction in fatigue while also enhancing foot stability during the golf swing.

Additional features include; waterproof inner lining that keeps the foot dry while maintaining breathability, a sockliner that is reinforced for additional arch support, hidden lacing system that allows for a snugger fit and slimmer profile, and replaceable  Champ Scorpion Stinger Spikes.

“We are thrilled to enter the golf category and bring ASICS technology to today's golfer,” says Matt Donnelly, Footwear Manager for ASICS America Corporation. “Based on the excitement and interest Katayama generated wearing the shoes at the Masters, we feel confident consumers are interested in a functional yet stylish golf shoe.”

Golf Product Manager Matt Donnelly was interviewed by Tee It Up Radio on April 25, 2010, regarding ASICS entry into the golf category. Listen to the audio.

Click here to play

UPDATED FIT INFORMATION (May 27, 2010):

We have been receiving questions regarding the fit of our golf shoes compared to our running shoes, as well as where to find them.  Here is some additional information to help answer those questions:

Shoe Fit:  Our golf shoes run about a 1/4 size longer than our running shoes.  If you have a wider foot, staying in the same size you have in a running shoe may provide the best fit.  A narrow foot may require you to look at a half size smaller golf shoe than your normal running shoe size.  Standard width wearers may stay in the same size as their running shoe.  As always, trying on the shoe prior to purchase will confirm your best size.  If you are purchasing online through Dick's or Golf Galaxy, their customer service department may be able to provide you with additional fit information based on previous purchaser’s feedback.

Availability:  The shoes are currently carried at Dick's Sporting Goods and Golf Galaxy.  Beginning October 2010, you may begin to see the product in other retailers as well.  Updates on availability will be posted on this blog.

Spikes:  The Champ Scorpion Stinger Spikes are the replaceable spikes which can be used on this shoe.  Look specifically for spike No. 75640.