Where Are ASICS Made?

Overall, manufacturing locations include Vietnam, Indonesia, China, and Cambodia. If you look at the tag of any running shoe, odds are they come from one of these four countries because the cost of production is much more affordable. 

ASICS is a Japanese brand founded by Kihachiro Onitsuka in the late 1940s following the devastation of world war II. While their corporate headquarters are still stationed in Japan, the manufacturing process no longer occurs in Japan. So, where exactly are Asics shoes and sportswear made? 

The answer isn’t a simple one, and it’s hard to pinpoint one location that manufactures its ASICS running shoes. I’ve done a little digging into the ASICS manufacturing process, and the origin of your favorite running shoes varies from place to place. 

ASICS History Lesson

The ASICS corporation was born in the late 1940s by Kihachiro Onitsuka. ASICS translates to latin “anima sana in corpore sano” (you should pray for a sound mind in a sound body).

What started as simple basketball shoes has since expanded to a worldwide lineup of sports shoes and appeal that have earned their spot as a household name.

Remember the shoes that Bruce Lee wore in Game of Death?

Yeah, those were ASICS Onitsuka Tiger.

Where Are ASICS made? 

ASICS manufacturing started in Japan, but today much of the manufacturing process happens outside Japan. 

I have a pair of ASICS GEL-PULSE 12s, and the label states that they are made in Indonesia. Ok, so they’re made in Indonesia, right?

Not necessarily. 

It seems that ASICS has a few different manufacturing locations peppered throughout Asia, and certain styles of shoes are made in other places.

While my Gel-Pulse 12’s are made in Indonesia, Gel Kayano’s hail from China (or Vietnam). Gel-Cumulusand Gel-Nimbus have labels that state they are made in Indonesian and Vietnam. 

Overall, manufacturing locations include Vietnam, Indonesia, China, and Cambodia. If you look at the tag of any athletic shoe, odds are they come from one of these four countries because the cost of production is much more affordable. 

Does The Manufacturing Location Affect The Quality? 

We often equate products made in China to being of lesser quality, but that’s not necessarily true. The raw materials aren’t inferior in quality; they are just much more affordable in these countries. 

Many brands export their manufacturing to countries such as China because bulk materials are often sold cheaper, the land required is more affordable, and labor is more affordable. By exporting manufacturing to these countries, the shoes are much more affordable than if they were made in Japan. 

My GEL-PULSE 12’s are about six months old, and they are holding up quite well even though they are made in Indonesia. I can tell you first-hand that these shoes are built to last. 

ASICS Headquarters

While the manufacturing process takes place outside Japan, the corporate headquarters still stands in Kobe, Japan. New designs and product innovations are created and tested with advanced technology such as Amplifoam and its patented gel technology. 

Their top-of-the-line research lab is divided into three sections: function, material, and construction. Researchers constantly invent new materials and construction methods to provide a durable and comfortable running shoe to keep up with modern trends. 

The shoes are designed in Japan, and mass production is outsourced to more affordable countries to keep the price tag low for consumers. 

Headquarters vs. Manufacturing

While the headquarters is on the bleeding edge of innovation, the manufacturing plants do not mirror the same sentiments. Much of the profits from ASICS are pumped back into creation while costs are cut at the manufacturing plants.

At the end of the day, they create a shoe that is constantly evolving to the next level while keeping costs low for the consumers.

There will always be ethical concerns when opting for a brand that outsources manufacturing, but that decision lies solely on the consumer. 

ASICS in America

While the main headquarters of ASICS is stationed in Japan, there are two other locations found in America and Europe.

The American location is in Irvine, California, and boasts a futuristic office that breeds innovation and design. The offices in America even host a gym where top athletes and coaches can come to train and try out some of their new product designs. 

ASICS Japan Collection?

When ASICS debuted their Japan Collection, the phrasing was slightly misleading. They claim to utilize Japanese craftsmanship with regionally sourced materials, making sense to think this collection was manufactured in Japan. 

However, if you were to get your hands on a pair of sneakers from this collection, the label ultimately reads that it is made in Vietnam. 

Verdict

Are ASICS shoes manufactured in Japan, the United States, or Europe?

No.

Are they still well-made shoes that hold up well and help you become a better runner?

Yes. 

As with many manufacturing plants that are situated in countries like China, there will always be concerns. One of the reasons that many brands outsource manufacturing to China is because labor is cheap – which means that it is less than a living wage for some pretty harsh working conditions.

It makes the shoes much more affordable.