Asics was born in 1949 in Kobe, Japan, under the leadership of Kihachiro Onitsuka, a former Imperial Army officer convinced that "a sound mind in a sound body" — Anima Sana In Corpore Sano, the acronym that gives the brand its name in 1977 — could rebuild post-war Japanese youth through sport. 75 years later, Asics is one of the three largest running brands in the world and the most impressive comeback in post-2020 streetwear sneaker. At MTHOR Shop, find the full Asics range — Gel-Lyte III, Gel-Kayano, Gel-NYC, Gel-Quantum, Kiko Kostadinov, Kith, JJJJound, Awake NY collabs — every pair authenticated and shipped Europe-wide in 2 to 8 business days, with 4x interest-free payment via Klarna or Scalapay.

Asics: 75 years of Japanese running turned cult streetwear

Kihachiro Onitsuka founded Onitsuka Co., Ltd. in 1949 in Kobe with a mission: to produce basketball shoes for Japanese youth. The brand became Onitsuka Tiger in 1953 (referencing the tiger, animal of agility), then distinguished itself in the 1960s during the Tokyo 1964 Olympics where it equipped the Japanese national team. In 1977, merger with GTO and JELENK: birth of the ASICS brand which became the pioneer of Japanese running. The GEL technology — silicone shock-absorbing gel patented in 1986 then integrated in the Gel-Lyte 1987, Gel-Kayano 1993, Gel-Nimbus 1999 — became Asics' iconic technical signature.

The hype renaissance kicked off in 2017 with Kiko Kostadinov signing the Gel-Sokat Infinity, then exploded in 2020-2025 with the drops Ronnie Fieg / Kith (Gel-Lyte III "Super Green" 2018, Gel-1130 "Marble" 2022, Gel-Kayano 14 "Mossbeard"), JJJJound (Gel-Kahana 8 reissue), Comme des Garçons (Gel-Lyte III, Gel-Sonoma 15-50), Awake NY (Gel-NYC), A-COLD-WALL* (Gel-Sonoma 15-50), Hidden NY (Gel-1130). In 2023, the Gel-NYC drop (hybrid silhouette mixing Gel-Kayano 14, Gel-Nimbus 9 and Gel-MC Plus) created a streetwear frenzy: weekly sold-outs, present on all the it-girls of Berlin, Tokyo, Paris.

The story of an icon: Gel-Lyte III, Gel-Kayano, Gel-NYC

Three lines define the modern Asics DNA. First, the Gel-Lyte III (1990, designed by Shigeyuki Mitsui) — silhouette with iconic split tongue (tongue divided in two), midfoot Gel sole, mesh + suede leather: the 90s running model that revived the Asics streetwear hype via Solebox 2007, Patta 2010, Ronnie Fieg 2014-2024 drops. Second, the Gel-Kayano (1993, Toshikazu Kayano) — premium stability running silhouette, platform of all retros 14, 16, 20, 30 and Kith / Kostadinov / Aura Lee drops. Third, the Gel-NYC (2023) — Frankenstein hybrid between Gel-Kayano 14 + Gel-Nimbus 9 + Gel-MC Plus, become the most resold hype sneaker on StockX certain weeks of 2024.

On the retro and 90s side, the Gel-1130 (2002, reissued 2022 via Kith), the Gel-Quantum (90, 180, 360, Kinetic), and the Gel-Nimbus 9 (2007, retro 2024) are the pillars of the retro running catalog. On the lifestyle side, the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 (1966, eternal seller) remains the permanent best-seller. On the sport side, the Gel-Resolution (tennis, signed by Novak Djokovic), the Gel-Sonoma (trail), and the Gel-Cumulus (daily running) cover sport niches.

A visual signature recognizable among all

Three elements make an Asics instantly identifiable. First, the signature Asics stripes — four parallel lateral stripes (Asics Stripe / Asics Spiral) on running models, or Onitsuka Tiger Stripes (two curves) on Tiger lifestyle models. Second, the visible GEL — on the vast majority of modern models (Gel-Kayano, Gel-Nimbus, Gel-NYC, Gel-Quantum), the silicone GEL unit is visible at heel or in mid-sole as a transparent or colored cushion. Third, the split tongue on Gel-Lyte III — the tongue is divided in two parts that open on the sides, a first in 1990 and instant identification marker.

For collabs, co-branding figures on the tongue or heel: "KIKO KOSTADINOV", "KITH", "JJJJOUND", "AWAKE NY", "A-COLD-WALL*", "COMME des GARÇONS". Original Asics packaging is white with blue logo and the traditional Japanese mention "Anima Sana In Corpore Sano".

The iconic models in the collection

Our selection covers running classics, retros and all hype collabs:

• Gel-Lyte III: OG 1990, Solebox, Patta, Ronnie Fieg / Kith (Super Green, Mint Leaf, Salmon Toe, Marquee Gold), CDG.
• Gel-Kayano: 14 OG retro, 14 Kith Mossbeard, 14 Kiko Kostadinov, 16, 20, 30, Aura Lee.
• Gel-NYC: Original, Awake NY, Hidden NY, JJJJound capsule, A-COLD-WALL*.
• Gel-1130: OG, Kith Marble, Hidden NY Pink, JJJJound.
• Gel-Quantum: 90, 180, 360, Kinetic Kiko Kostadinov.
• Gel-Sonoma: 15-50 CDG, 15-50 A-COLD-WALL*, Awake NY.
• Gel-Nimbus 9: OG retro, Cecilie Bahnsen, JJJJound.
• Gel-Cumulus, Gel-Resolution, Gel-Kahana 8: various JJJJound retros.
• Onitsuka Tiger: Mexico 66, Serrano, Tiger Corsair.

Why buy your Asics at MTHOR Shop

MTHOR Shop specializes in authenticated premium sneakers. Every pair of Asics we ship goes through a strict verification protocol: UV inspection of glue and materials, microscope observation of Asics stripes and split tongue, verification of inner tag and "ASICS" copyright engraved in relief, authentication seal before packaging. Your pair arrives in its original box, with all accessories, and an MTHOR certificate.

For shipping, you receive your order in 2 to 8 business days anywhere in Europe via DHL Express or Chronopost, with mandatory signature on delivery. Customs fees are covered by MTHOR Shop for all EU shipments. You have 14 days to make a return if the pair doesn't meet your expectations. 4x interest-free payment via Klarna or Scalapay is available right at checkout without complications. Our French customer service is available Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm to support you before and after your purchase.

FAQ — Asics

1. How can I verify the authenticity of an Asics?
On an authentic pair, the Asics stripes are perfectly parallel, the GEL unit at heel is correctly molded, the inner tag shows the correct size with the official color code and date of manufacture, the "ASICS" copyright is engraved in relief on the lateral sole, and the split tongue (Gel-Lyte III) is regularly stitched. All Asics sold on MTHOR Shop are authenticated via UV lamp, microscope and reference comparison before sealed shipment.

2. What size to take for an Asics?
Most Asics fit true to your usual size. For Gel-Lyte III and Gel-Kayano, take your usual size. For Gel-NYC and Gel-1130, some users recommend half a size up for comfort. Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 fit slightly small — half a size up if you have wide feet.

3. How long does MTHOR delivery take for an Asics?
2 to 8 business days in Europe via DHL Express or Chronopost, mandatory signature on delivery. Customs fees are included for EU countries. A tracking notification is sent at every stage of the shipment.

4. Can I pay for my Asics in installments?
Yes, 4x interest-free payment via Klarna or Scalapay, available right at checkout without paperwork or complications. Validation conditions are to be checked directly with the payment partner.

5. What are the rarest Asics in 2026?
Original Kiko Kostadinov Gel-Sokat Infinity 2017 reach €1,500-2,500 on the secondary market. Kith x Asics Gel-Lyte III "Super Green" and Gel-1130 "Marble" are tier 1 collectors. JJJJound x Gel-Kahana 8 and Comme des Garçons x Gel-Lyte III remain extremely sought after. The first Gel-NYC 2023 are sold out everywhere and reach €350-500 on StockX.

6. What's the difference between Asics and Onitsuka Tiger?
Onitsuka Tiger is the historic brand founded in 1949, today dedicated to vintage lifestyle models (Mexico 66, Serrano, Corsair). Asics is the modern brand launched in 1977 (Onitsuka + GTO + JELENK merger), dedicated to running performance and premium lifestyle. Both are managed by the same entity (ASICS Corporation) but target different silhouettes and universes.

Going further

Also discover our Asics Gel-NYC, Sneakers, and Streetwear selections. To verify a pair's authenticity, see our dedicated authentication page and our how to recognize a real pair of sneakers guide.