IRVINE, Calif. (August 10, 2010) – ASICS America Corporation, the athletic products manufacturer, announces the appointment of Kevin Wulff as Chief Operating Officer effective immediately.

Wulff will join ASICS America Corporation as COO and will add President to his title beginning on February 1, 2011 when current COO and President Rich Bourne will transition into retirement.

Wulff’s previous experience includes President and CEO of San Diego-based Pony International (2007-2010), President and CEO of American Sporting Goods (2004-2007), CEO and Chairman of the Women’s Tennis Association (2001-2003). He has also spent over 10 years at Nike Inc. at the world headquarters in Beaverton, OR and at Nike Canada in Toronto holding various management positions and 17 years at Miller Brewing Company in Milwaukee, WI.

“I am excited to take on this great opportunity. With my past experiences of working in both the North and South American regions, I look forward to building upon the current ASICS momentum and to achieve the company’s ambitious brand and business goals for the future,” states Wulff.

Bourne will stay on as acting President until his 21st anniversary date on February 1, 2011. “After 21 wonderful years with ASICS, I’m retiring to travel and spend more time with my family. But I’ll remain on hand as a consultant for ASICS,” says Bourne. “I feel very confident in bringing Kevin Wulff on board as my successor. His experience, skill set and ability to handle business on a global level will no doubt help ASICS reach our billion dollar goal."

IRVINE, Calif. (May 16, 2010) – ASICS America Corporation, the athletic footwear and apparel manufacturer headquartered in Irvine, California, continues to deliver solid numbers. ASICS Corporation, the parent company, announced today that ASICS America finished 2009 up ten percent. In addition, the US has seen double digit growth in footwear and apparel for the first quarter of 2010.

Contributing to the ASICS America growth has been the recent success of the women's apparel line and the introduction of golf footwear. One of the more successful collections within the apparel line is the women’s Abby collection, comprised of youthful performance fashion pieces, which has seen a larger distribution in sporting goods chain stores and received rave reviews from specialty running retailers. In addition, ASICS introduced in late 2009, a collection of golf shoes for men and women for the first time in the US. Currently, only being sold at golfgalaxy.com and dickssportinggoods.com, the collection will grow in size and distribution in 2011.

"Despite the economic climate, ASICS America ended 2009 on a positive note," says Rich Bourne, President and COO, ASICS America. "New product offerings that met consumer needs helped our growth last year and we will continue to expand distribution and introduce new product offerings for 2010 to build on this momentum."

According to The NPD Group, ASICS running footwear sales is currently 24% ahead of the prior year for the first quarter 2010. Consequently, this has pushed ASICS' market share higher to 15% and into the number two brand position.

Irvine, CA (May 19, 2010) – ASICS America Corporation (Irvine, Calif.) and ASICS Corporation Japan (Kobe, Japan) announced today, May 19, 2010, that they have filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court, Central District of California against Skechers U.S.A., Inc. (Manhattan Beach, Calif.) for trademark infringement, unfair competition, trademark dilution and false advertising. ASICS is seeking a permanent injunction against Skechers to prevent any future sales and distribution of shoes that bear a stripe design similar to ASICS’ famous stripe design. In addition, ASICS seeks damages, including profits and attorney fees.

This will be the second suit in three years filed by ASICS against Skechers based on Skechers’ infringement of the ASICS' Stripe Design mark. The first lawsuit was settled [ASICS Corp. et al v. Skechers U.S.A. Inc., Civil Action No. 8:07-cv-00103-AG-PJW (C.D. Cal. 2007)].

The current Complaint includes a list of numerous Skechers shoes that ASICS claims have stripes that are confusingly similar to ASICS’ globally recognized Stripe Design mark.

"ASICS has spent over 40 years building a world renowned premium brand and nurturing the goodwill represented by this mark," says Michael Zall, Vice President and General Counsel for ASICS America Corporation. "We will do what we must to protect the ASICS brand and to maintain its integrity."

Irvine, CA (May 13, 2010) - ASICS America Corporation's long time business partner and a legend in the wrestling community, William (Bill) Farrell, was inducted into The Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame. The ceremony was held in Wesley Chapel, Fla. during the 46th Annual NSGA Management Conference May 2-5.

Farrell, the previous chief administrator for the ASICS wrestling division, retired in 2009 after an illustrious career with the brand spanning 50 full years. Farrell joined ASICS in 1958 as an importer and distributor of the first "Tiger" wrestling shoes in the United States. In 1959, with Onitsuka Tiger and RESILITE, Farrell started his first company, Olympic RESILITE, which continued to distribute ASICS products as well as a variety of wrestling products. Almost 30 years later, 1988, he created TW Promotions, Inc. which is currently the wrestling marketing arm of the ASICS America Corporation.

Born in 1929 in Long Island, N.Y., Farrell has become a legend within the wrestling community as well as the ASICS family. He spent his earlier years playing football, and at the ripe age of 26 he picked up the sport of wrestling. He went on to become an "All American" and win numerous local, regional and national titles.

In addition to competing, Farrell took on the responsibility of coaching the New York Athletic Club wrestling team who he led to 11 National Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) titles and garnered several USA Wrestling National team titles. He then coached the U.S.A. Freestyle Wrestling team, and led the U.S. Olympic team to six medals at the Munich, Germany games in 1972.

Throughout his illustrious career, Farrell has been recognized as a leader in the wrestling world.  He was inducted into the Wrestling Hall of Fame in Stillwater, Oklahoma in 1985 as a "Distinguished Member" for his outstanding contributions and achievements in the sport. Then in 2007, the U.S. Olympic Committee and U.S.A. Wrestling presented Farrell with the prestigious "Lifetime Achievement Award," in which they stated that no other person has had a more positive effect on the Olympic sport of wrestling.

Irvine, Calif. (April 9, 2010) – ASICS elite Olympic marathoners Ryan Hall and Deena Kastor have announced the fall stops on their 2010 World Marathon Majors circuit. Hall will run the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on October 10, 2010, and Kastor will run the ING New York City Marathon on November 7, 2010. Hall and Kastor will each run two of the five World Marathon Majors (Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York) this year. Hall will also run the Boston Marathon on April 19, and Kastor will run the Virgin London Marathon on April 25.

This will be Hall’s first effort at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Known for its flat, fast course, he will attempt to lower the 2:05:38 American record set by Khalid Khannouchi in 2002. Hall currently holds the record for the fastest Olympic Men’s Marathon Trial (2:09:02) in 2008 and the second-fastest marathon time ever by an American (2:06.17) with his fifth place finish at the 2008 London Marathon. For this year’s Bank of America Chicago Marathon, Hall will also expand his Hall Steps Foundation running team to 100 runners. The team will run to raise funds for the non-profit organization he co-founded with his wife with the goal of ending poverty.

This will be 2004 Olympic marathon bronze medalist Kastor’s fourth appearance at the ING New York City Marathon. Considered one of the United States’ top female long distance runners of the past decade, she competed at her first ING New York City Marathon in 2001 where she set the then American debut record of 2:26:58. She set a personal best and a new American record winning the 2006 Flora London Marathon in 2:19:36, and hopes to continue her success. In its 41 years, the ING New York City Marathon continues to be the leader among marathons around the world.

Fans can learn more and follow blogs from both Hall and Kastor.

IRVINE, Calif. (March 3, 2010) – ASICS America officially announced it has expanded its footwear offering by introducing a golf collection. The two new styles, the GEL-Ace™ for men and the Lady GEL-Ace™ for women, will be available in the United States beginning in mid-November at Golf Galaxy retail stores nationwide and online at golfgalaxy.com and dickssportinggoods.com.

Buzz about the collection began in April 2009, when Japanese golf sensation Shingo Katayama, who placed fourth at the Masters, received considerable media coverage while wearing a prototype of the GEL-Ace™ shoes. Combining a fashion forward aesthetic with ASICS’ proprietary technology, the shoes are a true innovation for all golfers from professional to recreational.

"I am proud to wear ASICS golf shoes, and believe the shoes make me a better player,” says Shingo Katayama, professional golfer. “They have great fit and style and I’m less tired after several rounds.”

The men’s GEL-Ace™ will be available in three colorways: white/green, white/silver and black/silver in sizes 7-12,13,14. The women’s Lady GEL-Ace™ will be available in two options: white/hot pink and white/champagne gold in sizes 6-12. Women's style will retail for $125 and the men's style will retail at $170.

Best known for performance oriented running shoes, ASICS has translated key technical features and craftsmanship into a golf shoe that enhances athletic performance. Most notably, an extended trusstic that contours the heel and provides a solid base of support under the heel and arch, leading to a reduction in fatigue while also enhancing foot stability during the golf swing.

Additional features include; waterproof inner lining that keeps the foot dry while maintaining breathability, a sockliner that is reinforced for additional arch support, hidden lacing system that allows for a snugger fit and slimmer profile, and replaceable  Champ Scorpion Stinger Spikes.

“We are thrilled to enter the golf category and bring ASICS technology to today's golfer,” says Matt Donnelly, Footwear Manager for ASICS America Corporation. “Based on the excitement and interest Katayama generated wearing the shoes at the Masters, we feel confident consumers are interested in a functional yet stylish golf shoe.”

Golf Product Manager Matt Donnelly was interviewed by Tee It Up Radio on April 25, 2010, regarding ASICS entry into the golf category. Listen to the audio.

Click here to play

UPDATED FIT INFORMATION (May 27, 2010):

We have been receiving questions regarding the fit of our golf shoes compared to our running shoes, as well as where to find them.  Here is some additional information to help answer those questions:

Shoe Fit:  Our golf shoes run about a 1/4 size longer than our running shoes.  If you have a wider foot, staying in the same size you have in a running shoe may provide the best fit.  A narrow foot may require you to look at a half size smaller golf shoe than your normal running shoe size.  Standard width wearers may stay in the same size as their running shoe.  As always, trying on the shoe prior to purchase will confirm your best size.  If you are purchasing online through Dick's or Golf Galaxy, their customer service department may be able to provide you with additional fit information based on previous purchaser’s feedback.

Availability:  The shoes are currently carried at Dick's Sporting Goods and Golf Galaxy.  Beginning October 2010, you may begin to see the product in other retailers as well.  Updates on availability will be posted on this blog.

Spikes:  The Champ Scorpion Stinger Spikes are the replaceable spikes which can be used on this shoe.  Look specifically for spike No. 75640.

IRVINE, Calif. (February 5, 2010) - ASICS America Corporation, the athletic footwear and apparel manufacturer headquartered in Irvine, California, continues to deliver solid numbers and growth despite economic conditions.  As recently reported by parent company, ASICS Corporation, ASICS America ended the third quarter up more than seven percent.  Other key successes include the opening of the first U.S. flagship retail store in New York City and the announcement of a distribution center expansion in 2011.

The ASICS flagship store, opened in New York City in October 2009, achieved sales results far superior than expected. Pacing at more than 74 percent higher than the projected goal, 60 percent of sales were in footwear and 40 percent were in apparel and accessories sales, demonstrating ASICS’ strength beyond the footwear category. The 1,100-square-foot store is centrally located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, near Bryant Park and stocks running-specific merchandise.

"We are up a little more than expected for 2009 and are preparing for continued growth," says Rich Bourne, President and COO, ASICS America.  "We have set the stage and are investing for a future billion dollar company."

With this growth strategy in mind, it was announced in December that a new distribution center is in development near the existing facility in Southaven, Mississippi. Scheduled to open in April 2011 in Marshall County, Mississippi, the facility will nearly triple ASICS’ distribution capabilities.

As of year end 2009, ASICS has gained nearly three market share points in the running footwear category, solidifying the number two position, according to The NPD Group, the leading global provider of consumer retail market research. This was the result of a 21 percent increase in dollars at point of sale compared to 2008. ASICS was the only one of the top four running brands to show an increase, and compared quite favorably to the modest two percent growth by the category.

"It is these small, but significant, steps that make a big impact when the economy is tough," says Jim Monahan, Vice President of Footwear, ASICS America. "We are seeing growth in the performance running, Onitsuka Tiger and kids categories, and we are continuing to diversify our offerings for future expansion."