Asics New Zealand 

Technology | Research & DevelopmentGo back
In May 1990 ASICS opened the Research Institute of Sports Science in Kobe. Since then many remarkable technological innovations in sports shoes and apparel have stemmed from this unique site where scientists, athletes and coaches work together.
Studying, analysing, testing
The institute in Kobe, some 200 miles west of Tokyo, covers more than 16,000 square meters of research facilities. An all-weather running track of 350m, a hall for basketball and volleyball and several test rooms are part of the complex. Studying and analysing the movements of the human body and testing all kinds of materials, are the main activities of the 200 people who work at the institute. Obviously all this work is being done with only one goal: to enable professional and recreational athletes all over the world to perform better, to reach a higher level and to enjoy themselves.
Fundamental and applied research
Observing and analysing physical movements is the basis of every single ASICS product. The researchers in Kobe have high-speed cameras, hi-tech measuring equipment and sophisticated computer software at their disposal. Several test rooms have been set up to be able to translate the findings of the fundamental research into new materials and products. Shock absorption systems, anti-overpronation features, outsoles with Wet Grip Rubber, water-resistant clothing are some of the ASICS' innovations which are put to heavy trials here. Three-dimensional measuring systems are used in Kobe to develop shoes with a perfect fit.
ASICS Ambassadors in Kobe
On a regular basis ASICS Ambassadors pay a visit to Kobe. The first goal of such a visit is of course to make sure that he or she can have shoes and apparel that are tailor-made to the exact standards his or her body requires. But there is a second purpose as well. By working with these athletes and their coaches, who represent the absolute best in several disciplines, ASICS can increase its knowledge and experience in order to make an even better product in the future. For the benefit of all athletes.

The quest to be the best
Sportspeople come in all shapes and sizes. Some of us are performance athletes, perhaps even professionals in our chosen sport. Others just participate for the pure enjoyment of the game and the many benefits, physically and mentally we can derive from being active.
But for anyone involved in sport, being the best we can be is a common goal. Chasing the elusive PB, hitting the perfect forehand, executing the play of the day or just having the stamina to enjoy the scenery along a beautiful, deserted trail. Sports may differ, but the quest does not.
It is the same for us at Asics - we already have a range of athletic footwear considered to be the technical benchmark, but how much better can we become?
Our scientists and designers have a vision and focus to develop the most sophisticated athletic footwear on the planet. No fads, no gimmicks - quality research and quality science, with a total commitment to the athlete, whatever their level of expertise.
At asics, we lead, and the others follow. The story we tell today will be told by our competitors in the years to come.

Serious footwear for serious athletes
The human body is an example of engineering excellence. It is the model for the technology we employ in asics footwear. Our desire to understand human movement and biomechanics has set the framework for many of the groundbreaking innovations in the asics footwear range. Studying the properties of human fatty tissue in the sole of the foot, and specific patterns of foot and lower limb joint motion, has played a fundamental role in the development of asics Impact Guidance System (IGS) technology. From its first incarnation in the Gel Kayano, IGS is now included in a range of technical Running, Tennis and Trail shoes. More importantly, IGS technology has been tested and refined to a level that has it established as the cushioning, stability and ride system of choice.
Not content to rest with this achievement, asics scientists have pushed on to create the first of the Windlass Mechanics shoes, long considered the "Holy Grail" of technical footwear design. Like IGS, Windlass Mechanics takes its cue from an understanding of the function of the human foot. The Windlass Mechanism is a complex interaction of the bony architecture of the foot (particularly the midfoot), with the ligamentous structures in the arch of the foot, and the muscle/tendon units that help to prevent overpronation of the foot in gait.
The Windlass Mechanism comes into play as the foot enters the transition from foot-flat to propulsion. At this time, the ligamentous structures in the arch of the foot tighten as the body weight moves forward, and the big toe flexes, allowing the joints of the foot to brace against each other and produce a more rigid, more stable structure for effective forward propulsion. This is an essential part of normal foot function. It is most important that athletic footwear does not interfere with, or interrupt the Windlass Mechanism. Moreover, any design elements that help to enhance Windlass Mechanics, will assist in take off power and may help reduce the risk of injury.
The asics Gel DS Trainer VIII is such a shoe, and is the first of the true Windlass Mechanics shoes. It is a landmark in technical athletic footwear research and design and provides a window to the future of sports footwear.

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