ASICS

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ASICS

10540 Talbert Ave.
West Bldg.
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
800/333-8404
www.asicstiger.com

All the shoes are available as of December 15, 1998, unless otherwise noted. The new early winter, '98 shoes--evaluated in our December '98 issue--are also noted by an asterisk. But not every shoe is available at every store. When weights are mentioned, they are for men's size 9. When two prices are listed, the first is the men's price. The less expensive of the prices listed is always for the women's model. Sizes listed are for men's and women's models, when applicable. When it's not, the shoe is a men's models and the sizes listed are for men.

* Signifies new early winter, '98 shoes (or updated model) that has been evaluated in the Shoe Buyer's Guide in the December, '98 issue of Runner's World.

** Signifies one of the very best shoes in a particular category.

Shoe Categories

cushioning stability trail motion control racing lightweight trainer

Shoe Categories
cushioning	stability	trail	motion control	racing	lightweight trainer

Gel-Ultra II: $60 stability Few training shoes so reasonably priced are this good. It has a well-cushioned, single-density EVA midsole (with a gel cushioning pad in the rearfoot) and though it lacks added medial support, the Ultra is adequate for runners who don't have stability problems. One of the better basic shoes on the market. Sizes (m) 6-13, 14, 15; (w) 5-11.

**Gel-130: $70 stability Over the years, the Gel-100 series of shoes has proven to be one of the best and most versatile trainers for a wide range of runners. It's well-cushioned (with a gel pad in the rearfoot), relatively stable with a two-density EVA midsole and flexible. The only significant differences between the 130 and its predecessor the 126 is a new loop lacing system and a split heel for a smoother ride. The Gel-130 is an excellent shoe for just about any type of runner with the exception of a heavy runner and/or severe overpronator. Available in two widths. Sizes: (m) 6-13, 14, 15, 16; (w) 5-11.

Gel-MC 126: $80 motion control Asics isn't known for its overpronation shoes, but the MC 126 is one of the best non-polyurethane-based control shoes. Built on an extremely straight and supportive last, the MC 126 has excellent medial support with an extended two-density EVA midsole. The midsole is also well-cushioned, especially in the rearfoot. Suitable for most overpronators, except the heavy, severe overpronators who need a more rigid shoe with a polyurethane midsole. Sizes: (m) 8-13, 14, 15, 16; (w) 6-12.

Gel-Lyte: $85 lightweight trainer Since its inception more than 10 years ago, the Gel-Lyte has defined the lightweight trainer/racer category. This latest one is an even more streamlined, ultraresponsive version. Unlike earlier Lyte series shoes, the Gel Lyte has a single-density EVA midsole (rather than two-density) with a gel pad in the rearfoot. But it has a wider base of support. Also DuoSole has been added to the forefoot to make it slightly more flexible. The Gel Lyte (weighing 11 oz.) is fine for fast-paced workouts and an especially good lightweight shoe for longer races. Sizes: (m) 6-13, 14; (w) 5-11.

Gel-Galileo II: $80 cushioning Nearly all Asics training shoes have a medial post (DuoMax) in the midsole. The Galileo does not as it is targeted for efficient runners who want a cushioned ride. Sizes: (m) 6-13, 14; (w) 5-11.

**GT-2030: $85 stability One of the best training series ever. The GT-2000 series has been a winner from day one. The GT-2030 (an update to the popular 2020) has got it all: a well-cushioned, stable ride with better-than-average outsole durability. It has gel pads under the rear and forefoot and a two-density EVA midsole. The major difference between the 2030 and 2020 is the new model has a slightly narrower forefoot fit. Still, it's an excellent shoe for just about any runner, other than the heavyweight and/or severe overpronator. It will be updated with the GT-2040 in January, 1999. Sizes: (m) 6-13, 14, 15, 16 in medium and wide width; (w) 5-11.

Gel-Roc: $85 trail Think of the Gel-Roc as the GT-2030 for the trails. It has the same well-cushioned midsole with added medial support as the 2030, making it perfectly suitable for the roads or trails. Unlike most trail shoes, the Roc also has a water resistant upper. It also has an aggressive, traction-oriented outsole. An excellent shoe. Sizes: (m) 6-13, 14.

Gel-Nandi: $95 trail When Asics makes trail shoes like Nandi and Roc, it tries to incorporates the best elements of its road shoes with a more rugged upper suitable for off-road running. With a two-density midsole and a Trusstic midfoot shank, this is a supportive, stable shoe which is fine for someone who runs on the roads and trails. Asics also offers the Gel-Trabuco ($80) which is almost the same exact shoe as the Nandi, but without the DuoSole outsole insert in the forefoot or forefoot gel. Sizes: (m) 6-13, 14. The Trabuco is offered in the same men's sizes as the Marko, but also has a women's model in sizes 6-12.

Gel-DS Trainer: $100 stability The DS-Trainer continues to exemplify the top of the Asics line: a well-cushioned, breezy, responsive stability trainer which is perfectly suitable for daily training, fast-paced workouts and/racing. Quite simply, it's an excellent shoe for those runners who need some degree of support and stability, but still want a lighter shoe (approximately 10.5 oz.) for races or training. The fourth version has a more flexible forefoot and a midfoot support strap to snug up the arch. Sizes: (m) 6-13, 14; (w) 6-11.

Gel-MC Plus: $100 motion control The MC has undergone a complete redesign and it's a much better shoe than earlier versions. The medial post has been extended for better stability and a midfoot Trusstic support device has been added for better midfoot and arch support. And there's a more spacious forefoot. Asics introduced a women's version in October, 1998. A very good shoe for overpronators and/or bigger runners. Sizes: (m) 8-13, 14, 15, 16.

Gel-Marko: $110 cushioning The Marko is a blend of the plush, ultra-stable Kayano and the cushioned, single-density Galileo. The Marko is a well-cushioned trainer that offers plenty of support due to its wide base and the midfoot Trusstic support device. Suitable for efficient runners who don't added medial support. Sizes: (m) 6-13, 14; (w) 5-11.

**Gel-Kayano: $125 motion control The Kayano, an excellent shoe which is very similar to the GT-2030, also offers good stability and a great ride. It has the same two-density EVA midsole as the 2030 with gel pads in the rear and forefoot for enhanced cushioning. The difference between the Kayano and the 2030 is essentially in the upper. The Kayano has a plusher, more supportive mesh upper. The Kayano also has a small DuoSole pad in the forefoot for flexibility. Unlike most of the pricier, motion-control shoes, the Kayano is not for the heavyweight and/or severe overpronator but is best suited for the mild to moderate overpronator or the runner who just wants a solid blend of stability, support and cushioning. An updated version will be introduced in January, 1999. (m) 6-13, 14; (w) 5-11.

*Gel-DS Racer: $85 racing One of the very best road-racing shoes for the recreational racer, the DS Racer is relatively stable (it has a medially posted two-density EVA midsole), well-cushioned (with a gel pad in the rearfoot) and wide enough in the forefoot to be comfortable. Plus, the DS Racer is light enough (8 oz.) to get a real weight savings. The new version has improved upper cosmetics and better stability. All in all, a great shoe. Sizes: 5-13.

Gel-Magic Racer: $95 racing Somewhat similar to the Gel-DS Racer, the Magic Racer is also light and well-cushioned. It also has a two-density midsole, but it has a lighter, flashier upper than the DS Racer. It's also slightly lighter, weighing in at 7.5 oz. Sizes: 6-13.

Gel- XL-R8: $65 racing The XL-R8 is light and flexible and has adequate cushioning. Although it has a dual-density midsole, the second density is fairly small. It has DuoSole in the forefoot for flexibility and lightness. It weighs 8.5 oz. Sizes: 5-13.

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Gel-Ultra II: $60	stability	Few training shoes so reasonably priced are this good. It has a well-cushioned, single-density EVA midsole (with a gel cushioning pad in the rearfoot) and though it lacks added medial support, the Ultra is adequate for runners who don't have stability problems. One of the better basic shoes on the market. Sizes (m) 6-13, 14, 15; (w) 5-11.
**Gel-130: $70	stability	Over the years, the Gel-100 series of shoes has proven to be one of the best and most versatile trainers for a wide range of runners. It's well-cushioned (with a gel pad in the rearfoot), relatively stable with a two-density EVA midsole and flexible. The only significant differences between the 130 and its predecessor the 126 is a new loop lacing system and a split heel for a smoother ride. The Gel-130 is an excellent shoe for just about any type of runner with the exception of a heavy runner and/or severe overpronator. Available in two widths. Sizes: (m) 6-13, 14, 15, 16; (w) 5-11.
Gel-MC 126: $80	motion control	Asics isn't known for its overpronation shoes, but the MC 126 is one of the best non-polyurethane-based control shoes. Built on an extremely straight and supportive last, the MC 126 has excellent medial support with an extended two-density EVA midsole. The midsole is also well-cushioned, especially in the rearfoot. Suitable for most overpronators, except the heavy, severe overpronators who need a more rigid shoe with a polyurethane midsole. Sizes: (m) 8-13, 14, 15, 16; (w) 6-12.
Gel-Lyte: $85	lightweight trainer	Since its inception more than 10 years ago, the Gel-Lyte has defined the lightweight trainer/racer category. This latest one is an even more streamlined, ultraresponsive version. Unlike earlier Lyte series shoes, the Gel Lyte has a single-density EVA midsole (rather than two-density) with a gel pad in the rearfoot. But it has a wider base of support. Also DuoSole has been added to the forefoot to make it slightly more flexible. The Gel Lyte (weighing 11 oz.) is fine for fast-paced workouts and an especially good lightweight shoe for longer races. Sizes: (m) 6-13, 14; (w) 5-11.
Gel-Galileo II: $80	cushioning	Nearly all Asics training shoes have a medial post (DuoMax) in the midsole. The Galileo does not as it is targeted for efficient runners who want a cushioned ride. Sizes: (m) 6-13, 14; (w) 5-11.
**GT-2030: $85	stability	One of the best training series ever. The GT-2000 series has been a winner from day one. The GT-2030 (an update to the popular 2020) has got it all: a well-cushioned, stable ride with better-than-average outsole durability. It has gel pads under the rear and forefoot and a two-density EVA midsole. The major difference between the 2030 and 2020 is the new model has a slightly narrower forefoot fit. Still, it's an excellent shoe for just about any runner, other than the heavyweight and/or severe overpronator. It will be updated with the GT-2040 in January, 1999. Sizes: (m) 6-13, 14, 15, 16 in medium and wide width; (w) 5-11.
Gel-Roc: $85	trail	Think of the Gel-Roc as the GT-2030 for the trails. It has the same well-cushioned midsole with added medial support as the 2030, making it perfectly suitable for the roads or trails. Unlike most trail shoes, the Roc also has a water resistant upper. It also has an aggressive, traction-oriented outsole. An excellent shoe. Sizes: (m) 6-13, 14.
Gel-Nandi: $95	trail	When Asics makes trail shoes like Nandi and Roc, it tries to incorporates the best elements of its road shoes with a more rugged upper suitable for off-road running. With a two-density midsole and a Trusstic midfoot shank, this is a supportive, stable shoe which is fine for someone who runs on the roads and trails. Asics also offers the Gel-Trabuco ($80) which is almost the same exact shoe as the Nandi, but without the DuoSole outsole insert in the forefoot or forefoot gel. Sizes: (m) 6-13, 14. The Trabuco is offered in the same men's sizes as the Marko, but also has a women's model in sizes 6-12.
Gel-DS Trainer: $100	stability	The DS-Trainer continues to exemplify the top of the Asics line: a well-cushioned, breezy, responsive stability trainer which is perfectly suitable for daily training, fast-paced workouts and/racing. Quite simply, it's an excellent shoe for those runners who need some degree of support and stability, but still want a lighter shoe (approximately 10.5 oz.) for races or training. The fourth version has a more flexible forefoot and a midfoot support strap to snug up the arch. Sizes: (m) 6-13, 14; (w) 6-11.
Gel-MC Plus: $100	motion control	The MC has undergone a complete redesign and it's a much better shoe than earlier versions. The medial post has been extended for better stability and a midfoot Trusstic support device has been added for better midfoot and arch support. And there's a more spacious forefoot. Asics introduced a women's version in October, 1998. A very good shoe for overpronators and/or bigger runners. Sizes: (m) 8-13, 14, 15, 16.
Gel-Marko: $110	cushioning	The Marko is a blend of the plush, ultra-stable Kayano and the cushioned, single-density Galileo. The Marko is a well-cushioned trainer that offers plenty of support due to its wide base and the midfoot Trusstic support device. Suitable for efficient runners who don't added medial support. Sizes: (m) 6-13, 14; (w) 5-11.
**Gel-Kayano: $125	motion control	The Kayano, an excellent shoe which is very similar to the GT-2030, also offers good stability and a great ride. It has the same two-density EVA midsole as the 2030 with gel pads in the rear and forefoot for enhanced cushioning. The difference between the Kayano and the 2030 is essentially in the upper. The Kayano has a plusher, more supportive mesh upper. The Kayano also has a small DuoSole pad in the forefoot for flexibility. Unlike most of the pricier, motion-control shoes, the Kayano is not for the heavyweight and/or severe overpronator but is best suited for the mild to moderate overpronator or the runner who just wants a solid blend of stability, support and cushioning. An updated version will be introduced in January, 1999. (m) 6-13, 14; (w) 5-11.
*Gel-DS Racer: $85	racing	One of the very best road-racing shoes for the recreational racer, the DS Racer is relatively stable (it has a medially posted two-density EVA midsole), well-cushioned (with a gel pad in the rearfoot) and wide enough in the forefoot to be comfortable. Plus, the DS Racer is light enough (8 oz.) to get a real weight savings. The new version has improved upper cosmetics and better stability. All in all, a great shoe. Sizes: 5-13.
Gel-Magic Racer: $95	racing	Somewhat similar to the Gel-DS Racer, the Magic Racer is also light and well-cushioned. It also has a two-density midsole, but it has a lighter, flashier upper than the DS Racer. It's also slightly lighter, weighing in at 7.5 oz. Sizes: 6-13.
Gel- XL-R8: $65	racing	The XL-R8 is light and flexible and has adequate cushioning. Although it has a dual-density midsole, the second density is fairly small. It has DuoSole in the forefoot for flexibility and lightness. It weighs 8.5 oz. Sizes: 5-13.