Latest news with #ASICS
Forbes
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Move-To-Earn App STEPN Teams With Color Of The Year Creator Pantone
STEPN move to earn app is getting its own Pantone coloways. STEPN Doubling down on brand identity, move-t0-earn app STEPN is teaming up with the Pantone color company on two new official Pantone Colors: PANTONE 16-0163 STEPN Green and PANTONE 265 STEPN GO Purple. The green is described as 'a luminous shade inspired by nature, energy, and vitality' with the purple as 'a vibrant hue that reflects the curiosity, individuality, and boldness of a new digital generation.' Both colours were created to reflect the notion of movement through parks, city sidewalks and rugged trails and 'to capture the connection between physical activity, mental wellness, and environmental awareness.' The partnership is an unexpected first where both brands are concerned. Web3 based wellness and fitness app STEPN is better known for collaborations with sportswear giant adidas, Casio and ASICS while Pantone has helped define iconic shades from Tiffany Blue to Pink PP by Valentino. Most recently it collaborated with the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group on new visual identity shade, Mandarin Oriental Celadon Green. Aside from its more public facing collaborations and zeitgeisty Colour of the Year pronouncements, Pantone has created a universal language of colour that is used by more than 10 million designers and producers globally. The Pantone Colour Institute™ provides customized colour standards, brand identity and product colour consulting as well as trend forecasting. Of the color company's first Web3 partnership, Pantone Color Institute Vice-President Laurie Pressman stated that the new shades have been 'inspired by the STEPN community's commitment to wellness and environmental purpose,' dubbing it "a first of its kind collaboration where color meets movement.' According to Yawn Rong, Co-Founder of STEPN and STEPN GO parent company FSL, the collaboration is about 'creating something meaningful." The colors are set to come to life inside the STEPN and STEPN GO digital ecosystem with an upcoming Genesis Sneaker collection available via two limited edition drops on decentralized marketplace MOOAR—via a raffle mint from July 23 to July 27 and an auction. Both editions can be collected, used, or traded inside the apps. STEPN incentivises exercise through rewards which can be secured by walking, jogging, or running with STEPN GO allowing users to buy, borrow, or lend their virtual sneakers to earn rewards by staying active. While appetite for gratuitous Web3 collaborations has cooled, the purpose led wellness platform remains one of its enduring success stories with over 5.7 million registered users, and, as such, continues to command substantial interest. A strong visual identity matters for all brands and STEPN's introduction of proprietary Pantone colorways is a savvy move to differentiate itself.
The Hindu
16 hours ago
- The Hindu
ASICS GEL-Kayano 32 Review: Has Kaizen Caught Up with Indian Roads?
You know a shoe has transcended 'gear' and entered legacy status when it's worn by both your local half-marathon veteran and that one IT guy who runs in the evenings with wireless earbuds and unwavering resolve. The ASICS GEL-Kayano isn't just a shoe, but something that has become a symbol of dependable performance for runners who need support without fuss. But as India's roads continue to throw uneven tarmac, unmarked speed breakers, and surprise puddles our way, does the Kayano 32 rise to the challenge? I put this latest iteration through six 5Ks, some long walks, and a few too many Chennai humidity-filled mornings to find out how good these shoes are. The one I used is the extra-wide variant, which is quite roomy. A quick look back First launched in 1993 and named after designer Toshikazu Kayano, the GEL-Kayano line has long stood as ASICS' flagship stability shoe. Early versions were beefy, firm, and sometimes a bit brick-like—but runners loved them for their durability and pronation control. Over the years, ASICS has gradually evolved the Kayano from a rigid motion-control shoe into a more fluid, geometry-driven stability trainer. With the introduction of technologies like FlyteFoam, GEL units, and now the 4D Guidance System, each generation has nudged the Kayano closer to what we might call 'modern stability': supportive, but not stiff; structured, but not stifling. The 32nd edition continues this trend, blending heritage with innovation in a way that feels refreshingly modern without ditching what long-time fans love. Fit and feel Right out of the box, you'll notice the upgraded upper. ASICS has replaced the previous mesh with a more breathable engineered version that's a blessing during muggy morning runs in coastal cities. The tongue now features a functional pull tab and returns to a more traditional padded feel—small details, but ones that make slipping in and heading out noticeably smoother. The fit itself is more performance-oriented than previous models, which could sometimes feel a bit too roomy. I run in a UK size 10 and have broader feet, and I was pleasantly surprised by the comfort—even during a full nine-hour day of walking and errands. The shoe hugs your foot without suffocating it, and the lockdown feels precise without needing to reef on the laces. Whether you're jogging, walking, or hopping across uneven paver blocks, the Kayano 32 keeps you confidently grounded. The Run Here's where the GEL-Kayano 32 truly flexes its evolution. The transition from heel to toe is noticeably smoother than its predecessors—none of that old-school clunk you might remember from earlier stability shoes. That's largely thanks to two innovations: the revised heel geometry and the updated 4D Guidance System. Rather than relying on traditional medial posts (aka firm blocks under the arch), the 4D Guidance System adapts to your stride. It offers gentle support during overpronation but otherwise stays out of the way. It's like having a coach who knows exactly when to step in and when to let you do your thing. The midsole features FF BLAST PLUS ECO foam, which strikes a lovely balance between cushioned protection and responsive energy return. On rough concrete roads, it absorbs shock well. But when I picked up the pace, it didn't feel sluggish—something older Kayanos often struggled with. Durability This is the one area that gives me pause. While I personally haven't seen any alarming wear after two weeks, one user had reported noticeable outsole abrasion by the 100-mile (~160 km) mark—especially on the exposed midsole foam in key impact zones. And on Indian roads, which are rarely gentle, this could become a real issue. When you're paying a premium for a daily trainer, you expect durability to match the ride quality. That may not be a dealbreaker for everyone, but if you're a heel-striker or run on highly abrasive terrain, it's something to keep an eye on. Verdict The ASICS GEL-Kayano 32 is a textbook example of kaizen—the Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement. It refines the strengths of its predecessors, delivers a much smoother and more modern ride, and brings noticeable improvements in fit, comfort, and breathability. Who is this for? Runners in India looking for a high-mileage, reliable stability shoe for daily training. If you suffer from fatigue on long runs or tend to over-pronate, the guidance system here is stellar. It's particularly well-suited for those with wider feet who want a plush yet secure feel. Should you upgrade? If you're coming from the Kayano 29 or earlier, absolutely—it's a night-and-day difference. If you're on the Kayano 31, the upper tweaks and marginally improved transition may not be game-changers, but they are nice-to-haves. The only catch? Outsole longevity. If you're a scuffer, that may tip the scales. For me, though, the ride is good enough that I'm willing to roll with it—especially when my feet thank me after every run.
Hypebeast
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hypebeast
ASICS and Kiko Kostadinov Unveil the GEL Kinetic Fluent US6-S in Three New Colorways
Name:ASICS GEL-Kinetic Fluent US6-SColorway:Black/Vanilla, Cayenne/Copperhead, Glacier Grey/Soft SkySKU:1203A748-001, 1203A748-700, 1203A748-020MSRP:$170 USDRelease Date:July 25, 2025Where to Buy:ASICS ASICSis back with a fresh trio of colorways for the US6-SGEL Kinetic Fluent, a modern sportstyle silhouette with curated style byKiko Kostadinov Studio. Set to drop in late July, the release builds on the brand's archival lineage, blending retro design elements with technical upgrades and a directional aesthetic. The version nods to the concept of 'Insulated Grottos,' realized through layered mesh, curved leather panels, welded eyelets, and fluid linework inspired by artistEdith Dekynd. A hallmark of the Kiko x ASICS language — the off-centered pull tab — makes its return on the tongue. The shoe's upper swaps the traditional mesh toe for a full leather construction that extends toward the heel, housing the eyelets along its seamless, sculpted body. ASICS branding is stripped down to subtle TPU quarter paneling, layered above a breathable two-tone mesh base and sprayed with gradient detailing that adds a subtle visual depth. Beneath, the pair is equipped with Scutoid GEL technology for optimal cushioning and support, while FF blast plus eco foam delivers energy return with a lighter, more responsive ride. Stability is further reinforced through the TRUSSTIC support system, grounding the kinetic-forward feel with functional performance. Sustainability also plays a role — with over 20% of the synthetic leather on the upper made from recycled materials. Each pair delivers its own aesthetic — from neutral to bolder tones — all while maintaining the refined utilitarian tone it is known for. With its flowing lines, curved construction and archival nods, the GEL-Kinetic Fluent finds the sweet spot between streetwear and performance innovation.
Saudi Gazette
5 days ago
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
ASICS and Saudi Sports for All launch startup pitch to boost sports innovation in Saudi Arabia
RIYADH — ASICS, the global athletic footwear and apparel brand, has teamed up with the Saudi Sports for All Federation (SFA) to launch the ASICS Innovation Pitch 2025 — a nationwide startup competition aimed at accelerating digital innovation in health and fitness across the Kingdom. The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to advance Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals of fostering a healthier, more active society. The program invites Saudi-based startups to submit digital-first ideas that inspire movement and improve well-being. Applications are open until July 31, 2025, with six finalists selected to pitch their solutions live in Riyadh on November 2. Eligible startups must be at least two years old, primarily based or registered in Saudi Arabia, and offer a product or service that is either market-ready or approaching launch. Finalists will receive mentorship and the opportunity to collaborate with ASICS's global innovation, R&D, and marketing teams. Travel and accommodation for up to two team members per startup will be provided. The top three finalists will also be considered for future collaboration opportunities with ASICS, including investment prospects through ASICS Ventures, the company's innovation-focused investment arm. This marks ASICS's first open innovation program in the Kingdom and reflects the brand's increasing regional footprint following the opening of its first Riyadh store in 2023. The SFA, led by Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed, continues to leverage partnerships and technology to build a nationwide culture of physical activity. Startups can apply via the official ASICS Innovation Pitch website before the July 31 deadline. — SG
Entrepreneur
5 days ago
- Business
- Entrepreneur
ASICS and Saudi Sports for All Federation Launch Startup Competition in Saudi to Boost Digital Sports Ecosystem
Targeting startups that combine technology with fitness, the program invites Saudi-based innovators to propose digital solutions that inspire movement and enhance wellbeing. You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Global sportswear brand ASICS and the Saudi Sports for All Federation (SFA) announced the launch of its inaugural startup pitch competition in Saudi Arabia, a strategic initiative designed to foster digital innovation in sports and physical wellbeing. The program is being implemented as part of the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to promote active lifestyles in line with Vision 2030. Targeting startups that combine technology with fitness, the program invites Saudi-based innovators to propose digital solutions that inspire movement and enhance wellbeing. Applications are open from June 16 to July 31, 2025, with finalists set to pitch their ideas live in Riyadh on November 2. To be eligible, startups must be at least two years old, offer a market-ready product or service, and be registered or based primarily in Saudi Arabia. ASICS and SFA will select six finalists, who will receive mentorship and strategic exposure to global ASICS teams in research, development, and marketing. Travel and accommodation for pitch day will be provided for two delegates per team. The top three startups will be awarded collaboration opportunities with ASICS, with the winner potentially receiving investment and long-term partnership support through ASICS Ventures. This marks the first time ASICS has hosted an open innovation platform in the Kingdom, underscoring its growing presence in the region. The company opened its first retail store in Riyadh in 2023, and has since partnered with national running events, including the Riyadh Marathon. Global investor and Saudi Prince, Khaled bin Alwaleed, is the President of the SFA. "This program aims to unlock new digital solutions that empower more people in Saudi Arabia to move for their health and happiness," ASICS stated on the competition website. "It reflects our philosophy: A Sound Mind in a Sound Body." The initiative supports Vision 2030's goal to increase weekly physical activity by leveraging innovation to build a more active and health-conscious society. Startups can apply via the official ASICS Innovation Pitch website before the July 31 deadline.
