The soul of the sole

MANILA, Philippines - In running, perhaps more than any other sport, the fit of a shoe can literally make or break your stride.

No one knows this more than the folks behind Asics, one of the leaders in today’s sports footwear industry. The brand was named after the Latin phase “anima sana in corpore sano,” which means “sound mind, sound body.” Since it was created in 1977, Asics has been continuously paving the way for better performance for runners. And with Manila going crazy for running, it’s only natural that Asics is becoming more popular as more and more people take to the sport.

Asics knows that beyond fancy designs and the latest technology, a shoe’s performance starts from the most basic thing: proper fitting.

“Having the right shoe size will protect you from injury,” says Tomoya Koshimura of Asics Japan. “Sizing is very important because even going up or down one size will make a difference (in performance).”

If you’re a runner, you’ve probably taken the “wet test” that determines your foot type, where you get your feet wet and stand on a piece of paper and see the marks your feet make to determine your arch. Asics goes one step further, developing a machine that scans a person’s feet, taking its measurements and noting special conditions such as excess width or length based on a person’s age group to come up with a personal foot analysis. The foot scan was unveiled during the Asics Expo, which also showcased the brand’s latest designs.

“Through the foot scan, we can get your foot size, length and width. Based on the results, we can give you advice on your correct shoe size. We believe that this will help you find your best shoe,” Koshimura says.

The foot scanning process is easy. All you have to do is take your shoes and socks off and stand in the designated marker. Above your feet is the sensor, which will tell you all you need to know about your shoe size. You are asked for your birthday, which is inputted into a computer linked to the sensor. Then all you have to do is stare straight ahead and relax. After two seconds, you get a printout with your feet’s specs. A trained specialist interprets the information for you and helps you decide on your shoe. The whole thing takes about two minutes, including taking your shoes and socks off. It’s a high-tech version of the old-fashioned try-on-a-shoe-until-it-fits method, one that takes less time, and makes for a surer, more comfortable fit and performance.

Asics has also introduced three new running shoe models, which, aside from the best in Asics technology such as the GEL Cushioning System, which uses strategically placed silicone gel pads for maximum shock absorption, also focus on features that will appeal to different running personalities. There is the GEL-Kayano 16, which improves comfort and fit while enhancing support and stability; the GT-2150, a souped-up version of its previous model and the GEL-Nimbus which uses strategically placed stretch material in order to reduce buckling and the possibility of irritation.

They’ve also introduced gender-specific shoes that address the concerns of women runners such as Solyte forefoot cushioning, which gives runners more bounce and added cushioning. Plus 3 is a feature that prevents achilles tendonitis, one of the most frequent injuries among female runners, by raising the heel gradient, which releases much of the tension that could affect the heel. And lastly, the Space Trussic system was developed to provide the female foot with the right levels of flexibility and support in relation to arch height changes brought on by her monthly estrogen cycle.

“We do a lot of analysis and experimentation in our institute in Kobe,” Koshimura says. “There are many brands in the world but we believe that we have the best facilities to analyze shoes and material, human feet and movement.”

Asics doesn’t just produce running shoes. They’ve also developed a wide range of footwear designed to help athletes achieve their best performance in activities like walking, tennis, cross training, and in team sports like basketball.

It doesn’t take a lot to figure out the soul of your sole. All you need is a couple of minutes and your on your way to becoming anima sana in corpore sano.

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The foot scan and the new models will be available in the Asics flagship store, which opens in Greenbelt 3 on the first week of May. Until then, folks can purchase Asics footwear at Planet Sports, The Athlete Foot, Toby’s, The Runner, Olympic Village, 2nd Wind, The Outlet Depot and selected SM Department Stores nationwide.