Whats New....Asics Fall 2008: Triathlon Forum: Slowtwitch Forums

What�s New Asics Fall 2008

First off I will detail the �new� models then discuss color updates etc.. All the color updates and new models are a June 1 release other than Nimbus and Cumulus which �officially� are a June 1 also, however we and other Gold accts can have them May 1. I do not have images yet but will post them when I get them.

Nimbus 10 $120 msrp still available in medium and wide widths and adding a third width option per gender 4E for mens and 2A for women. Similar in fit to Nimbus 9 but features the new version of Solyte which so far is going over well and �feels� more cushioned. Has a deeper forefoot flex groove and a four piece outsole in forefoot to increase flexibility. Rearfoot segment of discrete gel unit is slightly more decoupled than previous version which should soften heel strike a little more and an even larger rearfoot gel unit is being used. Midfoot is torsionally a little more supportive. New asymmetrical lacing follows the shape of the foot more accurately. Kind of an aggressive looking shoe from an aesthetics staindpoint, almost going out on a limb a little IMO. 3 colors from the start with only 1 of the colors available in widths.

Cumulus 10 Price increase to $95 msrp 2 colors 3 widths (I just got my weartest pair in yesterday! Nice fitting shoe is first impression) The cumulus is becoming a little more technical of a shoe from a design standpoint. Advancing to the multi piece midsole construction (previously were always a single piece midsole) allowing for more independent rear vs forefoot function. Increased forefoot flex by adding internal forefoot flex grooves. Larger gel unit and new Solyte formula, also re-engineered midfoot support system providing better torsional support. Should be similar in fit to C9 but has a new elastic addition to forefoot upper to keep material from stretching over time. New memory foam insert instead of eva one as in past.

Stratus 2.1 $80 not much change other than a new more open air mesh upper. Pretty good value in this shoe, very basic non-techy neutral shoe

Speedstar 3 SSWWWEEEEEEET shoe! Msrp $85 will retain same fit as the 2. Little overall changes occurring to the shoe, midsole remains same, tooling remains same. New outsole is a blown rubber instead of the old PU duosole for increased durability. Reduced overlays on the upper allow a more open feel.

Evolution 4 msrp $110 should be most supportive evolution yet. To give a more thorough description of the changes in support I will copy in the info from Asics� fall primer:

Changes and updates
Probably the best example of this effort is manifested in the form of ASICS� new Maximum Support Space Trusstic. This innovation to Space Trusstic� technology actually extends the trusstic unit back to the heel, where it literally encircles the entire medial rear-foot pod. In essence, the environment created is a maximum support interpretation of the discreet image of the GEL Kinsei�, which allows the medial rear-foot pod to move independently of the other heel sections. To further stabilize the medial heel area, the outsole wraps the sidewall of the midsole. This outsole construction, when combined with the new trusstic unit and DuoMax� posting, creates an environment so stable that ASICS testing found it to be unmatched by any previous maximum support shoe in the line.

In addition to this change, a new dual density gel unit is being used in the rearfoot with a larger gel pad. Also has a new two density memory foam liner and internal flex grooves in forefoot for better flexibility.

Foundation 8 (now going on an 18 month cycle instead of 12 months) still $90 msrp, new last and upper The shoe will be beefier than before and have a wider platform with the medial side of midfoot support area being filled in more medially than previously. The upper is a higher and wider toe box and includes a �bunion� window. The midsole was able to be softened a little since all the other components made it so much more stable. A 6mm thick memory foam liner should assure soft try on feel.

Fortitude 3 a GOLD acct only shoe this shoe is staying at $90 msrp the midsole will be changed as detailed in the foundation 8 but without the medial posting. Upper is also similar in design to the foundation but softer materials

Trail Sensor 2 WR msrp $110 VERY cool new inner lock lacing system! Really should secure the foot into the shoe to prevent slipping on really rough terrain. Again to keep from trying to explain this I will defer to the Primer for details: Like all great design, the Inner Lock Lacing System is quite simple. The process begins with two inner sleeves that are sewn inside the upper. As the laces tighten, the inner sleeves - shaped like wings- effectively wrap around the top of the foot. As the laces continue to be pulled taut, the outer portions of the upper simultaneously lock down, creating an unsurpassed fitting environment that transforms the shoe into an extension of the foot. In fact, the fit of the Inner Lock Lacing System is so effective that the shoe feels wrapped around the instep like a glove, creating an exceptionally secure upper environment.

In addition the upper is a water resistant material with overlays designed for rigors of trail running and a toe cap otherwise not a lot of changes. Is still essentially a Kinsei version trail shoe with discrete gel rearfoot units and new solyte midsole.

Trabuco 10 now available in WP (waterproof) $100 and WR (water resistant) $90 versions Other than the separate versions the shoe isn�t much changed from previous versions but does now include a � length nylex plate for rock protection. Good looking trail shoes

Almost everything else in the line is getting color updates, 3000, Kinsei 2, Kayano 14, 2130, 1130

ok, this took awhile to put together so here you go! :)
Mens Nimbus 10 blue (width color)