A couple months back, the ASICS team graced the Bandit squad with a heap of boxes containing two of their newest innovations in performance running footwear (just released last week) to their already stellar lineup: the Sonicblast and Megablast.
Having already fell in with the rest of their platforms, from the Nimbus up to the MetaSpeed, we were all curious how these two new entrants would fit into our training and racing quivers. The answer became unanimously clear after a couple of Fall Marathon speed and long runs. The mix of comfort and speed. The optimal levels of propulsion. The jacquard mesh upper on the SonicBlast, chef's kiss.
After months of whispers and hype in the footwear world - both are now available for with our exclusive Bandit member benefit through Marathon Sports here.
To celebrate the release, we interviewed longtime Asics footwear designer, Yoshiyasu Ando, who led the design charge for these new releases.
*This article features exclusive imagery of the early sketches and design inspiration for both new pieces of footwear.
Tell us about yourself. Who are you, where are you from, where do you live now, what should the world know about you?
My name is Yoshiyasu Ando and I was born in Tokyo in the early 80s. I joined ASICS in 2004 and moved to Kobe, where the company's headquarters are located. I have been working at ASICS for over 20 years and currently, I am the Manager of the Energetic Design Team in the Performance Run Division Design Department. I oversee some of the newer products, such as NovaBlast and SuperBlast series.
When did your love of design begin? Who were your biggest inspirations growing up? Who are your biggest inspirations now?
My childhood love of art and sports was the starting point. In elementary school, I loved art classes and drawing, so I began studing painting under a Japanese art teacher. In junior high school, I was also fascinated by the NBA and the Japanese sneaker boom of the 1990s. All of these experiences inspired me to become a shoe designer. The sense of excitement and anticipation I felt back then still serves as my source of inspiration today. While I don't have a specific individual in mind, I continue to be inspired by people who can create moments of excitement, those who possess the power to move hearts and influence others.
The TOKYO Collection draws inspiration from the “timeless traditions and contemporary energy of Tokyo.” What was your favorite tradition growing up? What is your idea of a perfect day spent in Tokyo? What are some sights and sounds that come to mind when you think of Tokyo
→One of the most memorable moments from my childhood is the traditional summer festival. I remember wearing a yukata, participating in bon odori dances and lottery games, and feeling the excitement and energy of the event.
A perfect day in Tokyo would be a walk through its historic neighborhoods, surrounded by the sounds of bustling life and the sights of modern architecture blending with tradition. I think “duality old and new” is one of Japanese / Tokyo uniqueness and originality.
What are your favorite elements of the MEGABLAST? What sets the shoe apart in your mind? What design/technical elements are you proudest of?
The greatest feature of the MEGABLAST™ is its responsiveness and the energy you feel underfoot. Especially with this shoe, the propulsion and explosive power generated by the new FF Turbo Squared foam inspired me to imagine supernatural forces, dimensions beyond, and even outer space. Based on those motifs, I created the jet-like gradation spray on the midsole and the diagonally long-stroke mesh design that visually expresses propulsion cutting through the universe. For me, all these elements are highly appealing.
Who did you have in mind when designing these models? Was it elite runners, everyday athletes, or both?
As a premium model above the SUPERBLAST™, MEGABLAST™ was designed for a wide range of runners. Whether for tempo runs, training, or racing, I believe the energy this shoe delivers can offer a special experience to everyone.
You’ve been with ASICS since 2004. What has kept you there for 20 years? What have been your favorite developments/achievements/
I’ve spent 20 years simply focusing on creating each design with dedication. I think I enjoyed the process of trial and error, sometimes struggling, but always striving to create beautiful things. As shoe manufacturing technology has evolved, so have my designs. My favorite projects recently include SUPERBLAST™ and NIMBUS MIRAI, while GEL-KAYANO 20 remains a deeply memorable creation.
What do you think is in store for ASICS in the next 20 years? What do you hope to see in the next two decades?
This brand has a longer history than my 20 years of working here, and I believe it has value that deserves greater recognition, which I would like to share with more people. With the recent advances in AI, I think the market will be flooded with shoes that utilize AI to achieve high design quality, but ultimately, it will be difficult to differentiate oneself in the market based solely on appearance. To maintain its presence in this environment, ASICS must, of course, continue to prioritize functionality and research, but it is also crucial to integrate the authentic story built on its long history into its designs and communicate that message. Over the next 20 years, I aim to further elevate the value of ASICS' brand and design and share that message with the world.
The Tokyo Collection also draws inspiration from the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 2025. This year will mark the 20th edition of the event, happening September 13th - 21st. What does this event mean to the city of Tokyo? What does it mean to ASICS to sponsor the event?
The World Athletics Championships will be the first large-scale international competition held at the National Stadium since the COVID-19 pandemic, following the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, which was held without spectators. The fact that this event will be held with spectators is very significant. This is an important opportunity for Tokyo to once again attract attention as a stage for international sporting events, and by participating as a sponsor, we believe that ASICS can transform the excitement and energy of the competition into the power of the ASICS brand.
What are your go-to ASICS? What do you run in? What do you wear to work? What do you wear walking around the city for a day?
→My favorite is NIMBUS MIRAI. This sustainable pair of shoes embodies ASICS' Sound Mind, Sound Body philosophy, and I am hooked on its versatility and excellent comfort as everyday shoes. I have washed and worn this pair many times, and it is my first experience washing and wearing shoes so many times.
