Bethel Wrestling Shoes

Onitsuka

History of Asics Shoes

Asics is a Japanese company that officially started business on September 1, 1949 under the name Onitsuka Co., Ltd.  Its founder - Kihachiro Onitsuka - set up shop in Kobe, Japan.  Onitsuka had a mission.  He wanted to use sports to rehabilitate youth in Japan growing up in the aftermath of World War II.  Kobe, Japan had been badly destroyed by B-29 bombers on March 17, 1945.  The attack resulted in the death of 8,841 civilians and the destruction of 21 percent of the urban area.  
Onitsuka did not have any experience making shoes when he decided to start his own company but this lack of experience did not dampen his ambition.  Onitsuka Co., Ltd. was the first Japanese company to design basketball shoes.  Legend has it that the soles of these basketball shoes were inspired by the suction cups of an octopus that Onitsuka Co., Ltd. was eating in a salad.  In 1951, Onitsuka Co., Ltd. went on to develop the country’s first volleyball shoes.  Soon the shoe company was experiencing international success and even becoming a popular choice among athletes at the Olympics.  
One of the most legendary stories surrounding the Asics brand is its relationship to marathon runner Abebe Bikila.  Bikila, who was from Ethiopia, was in the habit of running marathons barefoot.  The 1960 Olympics in Rome were no exception.  Bikila won the race in world record time, becoming the first black African to receive an Olympic Gold Medal.  Four years later, before the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo, Onitsuka decided to have a word with Bikila.  He convinced the marathoner to wear a lightweight pair of Onitsuka shoes with ventilation holes to keep the soles of the feet cool.  Bikila decided to take Onitsuka up on his offer.  He won the marathon in world record time and became the first athlete to win Olympic gold in the marathon two Olympics in a row.  The relationship between Onitsuka and Bikila remained, and when Bikila passed away Onitsuka donated one million dollars to Unicef in Bikila’s memory.
It was not until 1977 that Onitsuka Co., Ltd. became Asics.  The new company name is an acronym that stands for, “anima sana in corpore sano.”  This Latin phrase translates to, "a sound mind in a sound body."  Asics continued to be a favorite among Olympic athletes throughout the 20th and into the 21st century.  Their line of running shoes is considered to be one of the best in the world.

About the Author

Jane Barron works for OddShoeFinder.com,a free online website that helps people find mismatched footwear.Get more information on deformed feet, corrective shoes or foot length difference.

Onitsuka Tiger Serrano Shoe $65 Onitsuka Tiger Serrano Shoe

Onitsuka Tiger Fencing Shoe $75 Onitsuka Tiger Fencing Shoe

Onitsuka Tiger Ultimate 81 Sneaker $44.9 Onitsuka Tiger Ultimate 81 Sneaker

Onitsuka Tiger Tai Chi Shoe $65 Onitsuka Tiger Tai Chi Shoe

Onitsuka Tiger Keirin Fashion Sneaker $95 Onitsuka Tiger Keirin Fashion Sneaker

Onitsuka Tiger Runspark LE Shoe $85 Onitsuka Tiger Runspark LE Shoe

Onitsuka Tiger Men's Fabre BL-S Sneaker $48.88 Onitsuka Tiger Men's Fabre BL-S Sneaker

Onitsuka Tiger Women's Mexico 66 Fashion Sneaker $80 Onitsuka Tiger Women's Mexico 66 Fashion Sneaker

Onitsuka Tiger Women's Tiger Quick Sneaker $52.25 Onitsuka Tiger Women's Tiger Quick Sneaker

Onitsuka Tiger Men's Colorado Eighty-Five Sneaker $41.25 Onitsuka Tiger Men's Colorado Eighty-Five Sneaker

Onitsuka Tiger Men's California 78 OG Sneaker $69.95 Onitsuka Tiger Men's California 78 OG Sneaker

Onitsuka Tiger Women's Serrano Fashion Sneaker $65 Onitsuka Tiger Women's Serrano Fashion Sneaker

Onitsuka Tiger Mexico Mid Runner Shoe $85 Onitsuka Tiger Mexico Mid Runner Shoe

Onitsuka Tiger Rotation 77 Fashion Sneaker $65 Onitsuka Tiger Rotation 77 Fashion Sneaker

Onitsuka Tiger Fabre Bl-S OG Sneaker $60 Onitsuka Tiger Fabre Bl-S OG Sneaker

Onitsuka Tiger Teikyu OG CV Shoe $60 Onitsuka Tiger Teikyu OG CV Shoe

Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 Fashion Sneaker $85 Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 Fashion Sneaker

Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 Slip-On Shoe $70 Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 Slip-On Shoe

Onitsuka Tiger Women's Mexico 66 Slip-On Shoe $70 Onitsuka Tiger Women's Mexico 66 Slip-On Shoe

Onitsuka Tiger Men's Bowling Grace Sneaker $41.25 Onitsuka Tiger Men's Bowling Grace Sneaker

Onitsuka Mexico 66 Trainers $30 - Lace up leather trainers by Onitsuka Tiger- Bold signature branding to sides- Contrasting suede toe cap, lace panel and heel tab- Textured grip sole- Branding to tongue and heel

Onitsuka Fabre Trainers $30 - Stylish leather trainers by Onitsuka Tiger- Bold panelled upper with prominent stitching- Perforated detail to sides with branding- Classic lace up panel with contrast tongue branding- Textured rubber sole with grip tread

Onitsuka Limber Up Trainers $25 - Lightweight retro style trainers by Onitsuka Tiger- Bold contrasting signature branding to sides- Paneled design with prominent stitched lace panel- Striped grip sole with branding to tongue and heel

Onitsuka California 78 Trainers $30 - Stylish trainers by Onitsuka Tiger- Classic lace up design with mesh branded tongue- Panelled design with block colour detail- Classic branding to sides with thick textured sole

Onitsuka Tiger Fabre Bl-L OG Fashion Sneaker $70 Onitsuka Tiger Fabre Bl-L OG Fashion Sneaker

Onitsuka Tiger Men's Wasen Sneaker $44 Sporty and stylish are no longer mutually exclusive when you step out in the Onitsuka Tiger Wasen Sneaker. The leather upper features subtle stitching on the sides, as well as corduroy piecing around the ankle for distinctive detail. Traditional laces and a rubber sole lend comfort and fit to the shoe, making this an all-around awesome sneaker.

Onitsuka Tiger Men's Serrano Sneaker $61.7 Show your old-school stripes in Onitsuka Tiger's Serrano sneaker, a perennial classic that just keeps getting cooler. The lace-up closure offers a snug fit to the leather/synthetic upper in bold contrasts for premium style, while the grippy low-profile sole keeps you in touch with the streets.

Onitsuka Tiger Women's Serrano Sneaker $64.95 The Onitsuka Tiger pulls ahead once again in style circles as the go-to shoe for lovers of the casual fashion sneaker. Originally designed as an athletic shoe, the Serrano has cemented its standing as a retro shoe, whose look enjoys a permanent place at the podium. Featuring a fabric and suede upper with a padded collar, the Serrano maximizes comfort and flexibility with a grippy sole that's fit for olympians and shoe-lovers alike.

Onitsuka Tiger by Asics - Kohaku (Gargoyle/Gargoyle) - Footwear $49.99 6pm.com is proud to offer the Onitsuka Tiger by Asics - Kohaku (Gargoyle/Gargoyle) - Footwear: Inspired by the basketball shoe silhouette, the Kohaku by Onitsuka Tiger by Asics livens up your kicks with some sporty style. ; Soft-suede leather upper. ; Lightly padded collar and tongue. ; Textile linings with a cushioned footbed for all day comfort. ; Rubber outsole for traction. ; Weight: 11 oz ; Product measurements were taken using size Men's 9, Women's 10.5. Please note that measurements may vary by size.

Onitsuka Tiger Men's Monte Pokhara Sd Sneaker $52.25 Transform your sneaker casual the Monte Pokhara from Onitsuka Tiger. An iconic silhouette turns this laid-back look into a major statement. The thick rubber sole is cushioned and flexible and the polished eyelets work with the outdoor-inspired laces for a hint of rugged sensibility.

Onitsuka Tiger Men's Mexico 66 Sue Sneaker $44 Viva la Mexico 66! This sleek sneak from Onitsuka Tiger brings retro style and laid-back comfort to the fore with its clean overlays and crisp accent stitching. Its flexible rubber sole delivers a smooth, even stride making this a hit-the-streets kind of style.

Onitsuka Tiger Men's California 78 Sneaker $66.45 We're California dreaming in this sweet sneak from Onitsuka Tiger. Hip, retro and imminently comfy, this is a bold statement piece that's at once iconic and timeless. The flexible rubber sole keeps you cushioned and smooth with every step so hit the streets in comfort and style.

Onitsuka Tiger Fabre Bl-S LE Shoe $70 Kick it old school with this fashion sneak from Onitsuka Tiger. The Fabre BI-S LE wows with a leather and synthetic upper with a lace up vamp for a perfect fit every time. A high-walled rubber sole delivers grip and traction wherever you roam this season.

Onitsuka Tiger Unisex Mexico 66 Sneaker $79.95 Award yourself a gold medal in the retro-cool sneaker competition wearing the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66. Introduced in 1966, this was the first shoe with the famous tiger stripes and worn at the Olympic games in Mexico in 1968. History lessons aside, this is one sweet sneak with a tonal leather and suede upper, soft lining and traction-loving outsole.

Onitsuka Tiger Women's Mexico 66 Sneaker $44 The classic Onitsuka design lives on in comfort and style with the Mexico '66. Featuring a suede upper, the Mexico was a flexible, fashionable addition to the asics line back in the day. Now it's a shoe that still holds a treasured place in the fashion-forward wardrobes of today.

Onitsuka Tiger by Asics - Serrano (Lead/Dust) - Footwear $39.99 6pm.com is proud to offer the Onitsuka Tiger by Asics - Serrano (Lead/Dust) - Footwear: Get into a festive mood during the holidays with the colorful Serrano sneaker from Onitsuka Tiger by ASICS. ; Features a classic throwback shoe with nylon uppers and leather accents. ; Lightly-padded collar and tongue provides a snug, comfy fit. ; Leather linings with cushioned footbed for added comfort. ; Low-profile EVA midsole. ; Nubby rubber outsole. ; Weight: 9 oz ; Product measurements were taken using size Men's 10.5, Women's 12. Please note that measurements may vary by size.

Onitsuka Tiger by Asics - Serrano (White/Blue) - Footwear $39.99 6pm.com is proud to offer the Onitsuka Tiger by Asics - Serrano (White/Blue) - Footwear: Give the heels a break and slip into something more forgiving, more comfy, yet stylish - like these women's Serrano sneakers from Onitsuka Tiger by ASICS. ; Features a classic throwback shoe with nylon and suede leather uppers. ; Lightly-padded collar and tongue provides a snug, comfy fit. ; Leather linings with cushioned footbed, for added comfort. ; Low-profile EVA midsole. ; Nubby rubber outsole for traction. ; Weight: 7 oz ; Product measurements were taken using size 8.5. Please note that measurements may vary by size.