We’re here to create resiliency.”

The ASICS sustainability program puts an earth-first approach to supporting runners

Matthew Xu is the Sustainability Lead at ASICS and he says that carbon emissions and recycled materials are at the core of his running shoe brand. “It’s about people and the planet,” says Xu, when explaining his company’s approach to manufacturing sporting goods. Being a wellness brand, says Xu, makes his company acutely in touch with the environment. “ASICS wasn’t created to make money—it was started to provide physical fitness to Japanese children after the Second World War.” iRun recently caught up with Xu, from his perch in Southern California, to get a sense of the initiatives ASICS is following in their quest to not only make good shoes and sportswear, but to do so in a way that benefits both the runner, and the world in a way that benefits runners and the planet.

We’re committed to reducing carbon emissions through using recycled materials.

Minimally worn ASICS shoes sold at select ASICS outlet stores.

Sustainability is integrated into our business, products and culture. It’s our competitive advantage in today’s world.

ASICS takes a circular business approach.

Circularity means going back to where you started.

Create items that use fewer resources.

We’re committed to bringing the benefits of movement to the world we love to run in.

Using less materials, making products last longer in a cleaner way, and increased reuse and recycling.

We want future generations to live on a healthier planet—by achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

ASICS has partnered with One Tree Planted to launch the Run for Reforestation Challenge.

Carbon neutral by 2050 is our goal.

By 2030, 100% recycled polyester commitment.

By reducing our CO2 emissions and embracing recycled materials, we are aiming to contribute to limiting global temperature rise to 1.5˚C.

What we put into our shoes, we put into our world.

Headquarters is run entirely on solar power.

100% renewable energy across business facilities by 2030.

ASICS will plant 25,000 trees once we reach our goal of 25,000 Challenge completions.

63% CO2 reduction across direct operations and supply chain since 2015.

Increasing Endurance, by Rackets & Runners

What’s a good approach to increasing your endurance and moving up in the distance that you race?

Gradually progress your volume, stay consistent and don’t neglect your rest and recovery. Gradually increasing your mileage over time takes a lot of patience, but allows your body to adapt to the increased workload and helps build a stronger aerobic base. Aim to be consistent with your training schedule, make adjustments as needed based on your progress and include a variety of different training sessions (long runs, tempos, intervals, and recovery runs). Your rest days are equally