EXERCISE IS MEDICINE

At ASICS we are committed to encouraging greater levels of exercise among people of all ages.
Walking is a safe and cost effective way to keep fit and healthy.

There is a need for specific walking shoes because the walking gait is different to the running gait. ASICS walking shoes are built on specific walking midsoles and outsoles that facilitate the walking gait cycle.

There is no cross over at the contact phase in walking as there can be with running, and so the touchdown position for that initial ground contact is totally different. In running it is more lateral but in walking it is more centered towards the heel, hence we change the bevel at the heel to accommodate this. At the time of propulsion, the walker needs extra flexibility to allow the heel to easily lift through the gait cycle, so a very flexible forefoot is vital for walking shoes.  The positioning of the GEL cushioning also needs to be different in order to give better cushioning for the walking gait.

The feel and upper comfort of the walking shoes also need to be varied so as to enable the consumer to find the feel/fit that would best suit them.

We have three distinct walking categories in the ASICS walking range: Health, Fitness and Comfort. The shoes in each category are built on lasts that are suitable only for those categories.

The ‘FITNESS’ category provides the serious walker with a choice of purpose-built technical footwear. While the GEL-Kayano Walker remains the state-of-the-art walking shoe with IGS Adaptive Technology, the GEL-2130 Walker and GEL-1130 Walker complete the FITNESS category with a shoe for every level of fitness walker.

We are committed to raising the awareness of walking as a category. The health benefits fast paced walking has to offer can not be understated. It’s something you can do at your own pace and leisure, without having the stress and strain often related to running.

Exercise is medicine and walking is one of the safest forms of exercise.

We have put all our resources behind the development of the two shoes in our ‘HEALTH’ category of walking shoes. These are the GEL-Assist and GEL-Cardio, two completely new walking shoes, purpose-built to meet the needs of people with diabetes. They contain a patented Nano Bamboo Fibre vamp lining material, which is breathable and has excellent moisture absorbing and insulating characteristics. The soft, supple garment leather upper is brilliantly engineered with minimal stitching, no exposed stitching inside the shoe, a gusseted tongue, elongated vamp, extra-high toe box and stomp-proof soft SpEVA heel counter.

We have made the GEL-Cardio and GEL-Assist the most functional shoes available for early diagnosed diabetics and also general consumers who see walking as an exercise that can maintain good health.

The ‘COMFORT’ category includes the proven GEL-Odyssey, GEL-Discovery and the GEL-Explore. The GEL-Odyssey WR features a high level of technology for superior comfort, safety and protection against the elements, while the GEL-Discovery is a rugged choice that delivers a lightweight cushioned ride wherever you may trek. The GEL-Explore has a wider toe box and water resistant synthetic leather upper.

 For the off-road terrain walker, the GEL-Arata Gore-Tex is built with the same biomechanical characteristics as the IGS trail running shoes. Features include a full waterproof upper utilizing the brilliance of Gore-Tex lining, Solyte midsole and lasting, ComforDry Sockliner and much, much more. The GEL-Arata Gore-Tex is a tough but super comfortable shoe built for the serious walking enthusiast.