Founded in 1949 by Kihachiro Onitsuka, ASICS have established itself as a leader in athletic footwear and apparel, embodying the Japanese philosophy of Anima Sana In Corpore Sano (a sound mind in a sound body). The brand's commitment to innovation and performance is reflected in its groundbreaking technologies, such as GEL cushioning and FlyteFoam. They were already popular in Japan when Phil Knight (Nike co-founder) came along and brokered a deal to sell them into the American market. From there, ASICS' extensive range of high quality running shoes took them through the U.S. and into the rest of the world. Known for supreme comfort through their GEL technology and sizeable sportstyle offering, ASICS are a formidable lifestyle and athletic brand.