Shoes are important for all our day-to-day activities. Nike Air and Asics Gel are both popular brands.
It has been ruling for many years. Some people prefer Nike Air more than Asics Gel and Vice Versa.
Each has its own features and comfort levels.
Key Takeaways
- Nike Air uses air cushioning to absorb shock, while Asics Gel uses gel cushioning for the same purpose.
- Nike Air is used in basketball and running shoes, while Asics Gel is primarily used in running shoes.
- Nike Air’s cushioning is focused on the heel and forefoot, while Asics Gel’s cushioning is distributed throughout the entire footbed.
Nike Air vs Asics Gel
Nike Air is a comfortable sneaker with airbag cushioning technology for optimum performance and comfort. Nike Air is great for athletes focused on style and running short distances. Asics gel is a sneaker designed with an EVA foam and gel technology for cross-training, volleyball and long runs. It has less emphasis on style and is focused on high performance.
Nike Air targets both performance and style-conscious athletes. Nike Air uses cushioning techs such as Air, Zoom, Lunar, Free, and some upper construction technology, including Fluknit and Flywire.
Nike Air makes shoes for almost all kinds of sports. Nike is a well-funded company.
They are more on marketing. They have a broader appeal in the industry.
Asics Gel focuses more on strict performance athletes who don’t care about the designs and colors. Asics Gel uses regular EVA foam and Gel Technology.
Asics mostly makes running, cross-training, and volleyball shoes. They focus more on durability and cushion technology for runners who run many kilometres.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Nike Air | Asics Gel |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Nike Air is more experimental and more driven by style. It has an image of an athletic lifestyle. | Asics Gel is more conservative in its approach. They are famous for their gel technology and cushion support. |
| Popular models | Asics Gel Torrance Running, Asics Gel Phoenix 8 Running, and Asics Gel Content 4 Running. | Nike Flex Running, Nike Free Run, and Nike Air Precision. |
| Interior | It consists of pressurized air inside a flexible bag called the Nike Air Sole unit. | It consists of soft elastomer kept in a solid construction for stability and durability. |
| First Model | Tailwind | Gel-Lyte |
| Company | Nike | Asics |
What is Nike Air?
Nike Air is one of the popular shoe brands. It was founded in 1979 and has been continuously evolving as the best brand in the industry.
Many people use Nike Air for a variety of activities. It is mainly used for sports-related activities.
It is very flexible for running. The sole consists of elasticity which supports you and gives grip while you run.
One of the popular shoes produced by Nike Air was Nike Air Max. It was first released in 1987.
The reason for its popularity is it has midsoles and cushions to provide comfort.
In the mid-1990s Air Max model received a huge surge of popularity in Japan that led to “Air Max Hunting”. It became so popular that the shoes were stolen, and some other grand fake models like Air Max.
Even though they were in demand, but fakes led to a serious problem.
It has many models such as Air Max 1, Air Max Light, Air Max 90, Air Max 180, Air Max 93, Air Max 95, Air Max 97, Air Max Plus Tuned, Air Max 360, Air VaporMax, Air Max 270, and Air Max 720. Among these models, the 1997 model was the first to produce a full-length Air bag.
What is Asics Gel?
Asics is a Japanese Multinational Corporation. It was founded in 1992.
ASICS stands for Anima Sana In Coprore Sano. It is an acronym for Latin expression.
Its meaning is “Healthy Soul for a Healthy Body”. It provides sports shoes and other sports-related equipment.
Their Products include Footwear, Clothing, and Accessories.
Asics Gel is a technology that impacts both the rearfoot and forefoot. The rearfoot technology reduces impact during heel strike, giving you a smooth transition.
On the other hand, the forefoot technology has shock reduction during forwarding movement.
The gel technology is created to increase cushion performance while playing. You will never feel any discomfort, no matter how long you wear it.
It will support it in the long run. Gel has been used in most of the Asics sneakers and remains the brand’s core component.
If you are participating in running activities, then Asics Gel Nimbus and Asics Gel Kayano are perfect. Asics Gel Venture and Asics Gel Craze Trainer are perfect for training and gym.
Asics Gel Rocket and Asics Gel Upcourt are perfect for Basketball.
One of the popular, well-known models from Asics Gel is Gel Nimbus. It provides excellent shock absorption and gel cushioning.
It is ideal for arch and rearfoot support.
Main Differences between Nike Air and Asics Gel
- Asics Gel appears more conservative and rigid, while Nike Air is more stylish and softer.
- Both brands have a variety of shoes for all sports-related activities and provide good support to short as well as long-distance racing.
- Asics provides exceptional support, while Nike lacks that feature.
- The basic difference is the sole cushioning. Nike Air uses Technology, while Asics uses Gel. If you want comfort while running, then Asics Gel would be best for you.
- Nike comes in many colors and is popular among youngsters. They prefer Nike for sneakers and Asics for sports. In contrast, Asics provide limited colors and have good support for sports activities.
Last Updated : 13 July, 2023
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