Running Shoes Series: ASICS Flytefoam Infographic

ASICS Flytefoam Technology

Written by: Adam Bible

Illustrated by: Allie Surdovel


Founded in Japan in 1949 ASICS, a now iconic running shoe manufacturer, originally created basketball shoes. It wasn't until the late 1960s that the company broke into running shoe fame with what is now called the Mexico 66, a style of flat runner worn by the Japanese team at the 1968 Mexico City Olympic Games. Fast-forward nearly 50 years and ASICS, which stands for anima sana in corpore sano, or "a sound mind in a sound body" in Latin, has debuted their latest innovation: Flytefoam™.


Developed in the ASICS Institute of Sports Science after more than three years and 300 prototypes, ASICS came up with a midsole foam that is approximately 55 percent lighter than the industry average and will immediately bounce back to its original shape after each pounding stride you take.


To make the new Flytefoam™, ASICS mixed in organic "super fibers," creating a soft and airy midsole that can adapt on the fly to changing factors when you run. This gives you a more responsive and smoother feel. Unlike many shoe companies that infuse their foam with air to make them lighter, ASICS uses kevlar fibers in Flytefoam™. These not only reinforce the foam so that runners get more cushioning, but they don't compromise durability like air does. Translation? Foam that performs better for longer.


With a lighter, more reactive shoe, running becomes easier on your body, allowing you to move faster, for greater distances. It's impact protection for your body without the weight.


Remarkably Lighter

ASICS created the new Flytefoam™ to be a resilient cushioning system that will provide consistent support mile after mile, but with a noticeable and welcome weight savings.


Impact Protection

Just because Flytefoam™ is super light doesn't mean it folds under pressure. Kevlar fibers embedded in the foam give the airy structure protection from pounding pavement and help it spring quickly back to its original shape.


Energy Return

The featherweight foam doesn't just make you quicker on your feet. The engineered structure was also designed to give you a reactive ride—as you run, most of the impact is absorbed but extra energy is returned as your foot leaves the ground, giving you a bit of a bounce.