by Larry Eder
ASICS INTRODUCES REVOLUTIONARY NEW FLUIDAXIS TECHNOLOGY TO AWARD-WINNING ASICS 33 COLLECTION
The ASICS 33 Collection continues to “Stop at Never” with the introduction of FluidAxis, a new ground breaking technology that for the first time ever recognizes and responds to a runner’s exact load and positional change from first impact to toe-off. For Spring 2013, FluidAxis will be debuted in the GEL-Excel33 2 and the GEL-Lyte33 2 models.
The ASICS 33 collection is built with the 33 joints of the foot in mind. The FluidAxis focuses specifically on the subtalar joint in the foot that is responsible for pronation and supination. Deep flex grooves have been added to the rearfoot of the shoe and align to the axes of the subtalar joint allowing the shoe to adjust to the foot’s natural movement, while improving fit, function and flexibility.
For the first time, the new GEL-Excel33 2 featuring FluidAxis responds with a new lightweight, flexible ride for the runner. The multi-density construction of the midsole aids re-supination at toe-off, with a softer SpEVA layer providing bouncy underfoot comfort atop a firmer and more responsive Solyte base. An updated Propulsion Trusstic and integrated Guidance Line improve efficiency for a springy toe-off.
“Our goal with the introduction of FluidAxis is to redefine what the perfect ride feels like in a running shoe. We want runners of all abilities to have that ‘wow’ feeling from their first few steps throughout their run and to enable them to run more efficiently with less energy expenditure,” said Jim Monahan, ASICS Vice President of Footwear.
The GEL-Excel33 2 will also feature a new modified mono-sock upper, with slipper-like feel and seamless overlay construction to create a secure, lightweight and comfortable upper.
The weight has been reduced to 98 ounces in the men’s version and 7.9 ounces in the women’s. The updated GEL-Excel will retail for $125 and be available at specialty retail stores on December 1, 2012 and nationwide in January 2013.
The new GEL-Lyte33 2 is light on weight, but heavy on innovation and also features the new ground-breaking FluidAxis technology, along with an integrated upper built to give runners the ultimate running experience. The GEL-Lyte33 2 is ASICS’ lightest model weighing in at 8.5 ounces for the men’s version and 7.0 ounces for the women’s.
The GEL-Lyte33 2 features four F.A.S.T (Featherweight ASICS Speed Technology) innovations to improve speed.
· F.A.S.T.Drop, a 6mm heel-to-toe height differential, which encourages faster running.
· F.A.S.T. Heel, comfortably hugs the heel to provide a secure fit while minimizing structural weight.
· F.A.S.T. Sole, the use of less rubber on the outsole helps increase speed by reducing weight, while providing durability in key locations.
· F.A.S.T. Ride enhances platform feel and increases responsiveness with a slightly firmer midsole built for speed.
