TOKYO: Asics launched on Wednesday its latest innovation in its wide range of shoes, Metaride which aims to help all runners around the world conquer long, marathon-like distances with the tagline ‘Win the Long Run’. It was made available across etail and retail stores in India on Thursday.
Developed over two years by a team of scientists and designers at the ASICS Institute of Sport Science (ISS) in Kobe, Japan, Metaride is precision engineered to minimise movement in the area where most energy is expended; the ankle joint.
Scientifically proven to offer a total reduction of energy loss at the ankle joint by almost 20%, the difference could be seismic for long distance runners who want to achieve their full potential. The key to creating the most efficient run possible was the discovery of the new revolutionary ‘Guidesole’ technology; a precision-shaped curved sole that works by shifting the body weight forward and propelling runners on to give the feeling of effortless motion.
ISS Senior GM and CEO Kenichi Harano stated: “The Metaride concept and new Guidesole technology are fundamentally different to any other shoe we’ve ever made or that’s on the market today. We looked at run efficiency in a uniquely Asics way to provide a new ‘feel’ whilst maintaining our promise of performance and protection.”
Representing the pinnacle of ASICS innovation, the Metaride is the first in Asics’ new energy-saving franchise, which will make the same concept and technologies available to more runners at different price points. A takedown model is planned for release this autumn.
ASICS President and COO Yasuhito Hirota added: “We believe this new technology has the potential to disrupt the world of long-distance running. Our athletes and runners have told us that Metaride is already transforming how they train, race, run and recover. This is just the beginning of a new era for Asics as we bring the best innovations to our fans while attracting a new generation of runners.”
Runners can put the new shoe to the test with the ‘Win the Long Run’ program on the Runkeeper app. The feature includes a series of five guided runs to help runners incorporate more variety in their training, improve endurance and run more efficiently. The experience is designed to inspire participants to go beyond the finish line to meet their next milestone.
