Asics Gel Lyte III - The history

Asics flagship model the Gel Lyte III has seen various colours and collaborative partners over its 30+ year history, however you cant go far wrong with the OG Citrus colourway. Transitioning from a performance runner to an updated lifestyle trainer.

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Asics Gel Lyte III

Brainchild of Shigeyuki Mitsui the Gel Lyte III is packed full of running tech, the third iteration in the Gel Lyte series introduced in 1987. Lets take a look at how it evolved.

GEL - Research began at Asics as early as 1984 in search for a more effective cushioning material, looking to update the sponge/foams of many running shoes. The Alpha gel, as it became know, was used in everything. Ballpoint pens to rockets, but this was the first time we had seen it deployed to performance footwear. A semi-fluid Silicon based gel is encapsulated in pods which were placed in the heel and forefoot. Designed to disperse vertical impact and provide shock absorbing protection. Its semi liquid state prevents it setting and deteriorating over time.

1986 the GT2 and Freak Alpha were introduced showcasing the Alpha gel technology for the first time, this coincided with the running boom worldwide.

1987 We saw the release of the Gel lyte I with its triple density EVA midsole and Alpha gel pods, designed to transfer heal strike through to toe push off.

1989 The Gel Lyte II was announced. This update we saw the ATSS (Anti-torque stability system) introduced to lock down the heel and prevent slipping, alongside the Gel and triple density midsole. After feedback from runners Asics looked to resolve the tongue slipping during a run.

1990 Asics announced the Gel Lyte III this saw the introduction of the iconic split tongue, designed to remove the annoying tongue slip that plagued past models. The Gel Lyte III again featured an encapsulated gel pad in the heel and fore foot whilst only weighing 10oz. Other advances saw AHAR (Asics High Abrasion Rubber) introduced, a tough rubber compound used at the point of heavy contact, helping to cut down on excessive wear.

The Asics tiger stripes; whilst adding branding to the shoe also are vital performance piece. Offering medial and lateral support to the foot.

On the rear of the shoe we find a tough plastic cage, this delivers a stable base for the foot helping to tie the EVA foams with the synthetic uppers.

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