Natural Running FAQs

WHY IS THE SHOE CALLED ‘33’?

 

ASICS 33 collection recognizes the 33 joints in the foot.

The 33 collection is designed to work in conjunction with every one of those 33 joints, encouraging a more natural movement whilst providing comfort, cushioning and flexibility in a lightweight package.

WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT THE ASICS GEL-VOLT33?

 

The ASICS 33 collection is a new concept in athletic footwear, offering protection, flexibility, comfort and support in a lightweight, less structured package.

The 33 collection is a new interpretation of the ASICS Impact Guidance System (I.G.S.)™, the natural foot movement philosophy that ASICS pioneered over 10 years ago.

  • Weight reduction aligned with a lower, more flexible midsole offers a more natural road feel.
  • The full length Guidance Line™ works with the Propulsion Trusstic™ to achieve an even more efficient run.
  • A comfortable product is achieved through midsole decoupling and ASICS GEL™ technology.
  • Great responsiveness through a unique midsole geometry.

HOW WILL 33 SUPPORT A ‘NATURAL RUNNING EXPERIENCE’?

 

In 2000, ASICS recognized the importance of natural foot movement and running experiences, coining the phrase ‘motion enhancement, not motion control’.

With the backing of scientific research, ASICS actively deconstructed the design of their footwear, developing technology that allowed the shoe to work with the foot, not against it. In the 33 collection, this philosophy has been extended. The less constructed design, lightweight materials, Guidance Line™, decoupled outsole with deep flex grooves and lowered midsole are elements which promote natural foot movement.

WHAT IS THE EFFECT OF THE PROPULSION TRUSSTIC™?

The ASICS Propulsion Trusstic™ is the result of years of research and development, and recognises one of the most important support structures in the foot - the plantar fascia.

This very strong, fan shaped ligament helps to support the arch and is fundamental in allowing the foot to become an efficient and stable lever when the athlete enters the propulsive phase of their gait cycle. The phenomenon in which the plantar fascia tightens, raises the arch and stabilizes the foot during propulsion is called ‘Windlass Mechanics’. The Propulsion Trusstic™ system helps to support the plantar fascia and activate Windlass Mechanics.

WHERE DOES 33 SIT WITHIN THE CURRENT ASICS COLLECTION?

 

33 is a new collection of performance running footwear for ASICS which occupies its own market segment – natural running.

The 33 collection does not replace a segment or model. Since over 40% of runners use more than one pair of running shoes, the 33 collection offers an additional product to use in training schedules for greater variation and flexibility. ASICS’ research indicates that variation in both training and terrain is a key to injury prevention.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 33 AND RACING SHOES?

 

The 33 collection offers a balance between a natural running feel, responsiveness and comfort, making them suitable for a wide range of runners who have different running styles and abilities.

Racing shoes are designed for more advanced runners and have a more basic midsole contour technology. As the runner improves in style and ability, a gradual transition to racing flats will help achieve faster times. However, for the novice, biomechanically challenged or ‘weekend warrior’ runner, the 33 series is a far more appropriate choice.

DOES 33 HAVE A LOWERED HEEL, TO MAKE RUNNERS MORE LAND ON THE MID-FOOT?

 

The midsole is lowered in the 33 collection, but the heel-forefoot ratio of all models in the 33 collection is 10mm – as with regular ASICS performance running footwear.

There is much controversy over how the foot should land. Should it be the heel, the midfoot or the forefoot? Every athlete is different; every athlete runs differently; every athlete has different biomechanics; and every athlete has a different body morphology.

ASICS believes the choice rests with the athlete so rather than forcing one particular style of foot strike - one particular style of running - ASICS designs and builds footwear which give athletes the flexibility to choose and change as they evolve within their sport.

WHICH RUNNERS ARE MOST SUITED TO WEARING ASICS 33?

 

The 33 collection by ASICS is a range of technical athletic footwear that offers something for every runner.

Research is increasingly showing that mixing the loading on the body and the input signals is a very important injury prevention strategy. This is why ASICS recommend runners vary the surface, intensity and terrain of their runs. ASICS also recommends
using a variety of shoes: this is where the 33 series plays such an important role.

Suitable for everyday running as well as mixed training with other ASICS products, the 33 collection is a very versatile offering.

As with all athletic footwear, ASICS recommends that those runners with substantial biomechanical challenges should select a maximum support trainer.

IS 33 SUITABLE FOR LONG DISTANCE RUNNING, SUCH AS ½ AND FULL MARATHONS?

 

The 33 collection is designed to be a flexible, responsive and lightweight running shoe.

Its fundamental design is from ASICS’ motion enhancement philosophy. The design of the shoe recognises the benefits of introducing more natural running elements into a balanced training regime. Whilst perfectly capable of coping with the rigours of longer distance runs, it is probably more appropriate to choose one of the mainstream shoes from the ASICS range for long distance runs.