The Asics GEL has come full circle. While the shock absorbing technology was developed in the late 1980s, it has only been in the late 2000s that the GEL technology has come into prominence, thanks to the resurgence of the Gel Lyte models.
As its name implies, GEL is made of a semi-viscous, space age silicone that has the ability to absorb shock by dissipating vertical impact and dispersing into a horizontal plane. In Asics footwear, GEL is placed in the forefoot and the rear foot at points of maximum impact to provide optimum shock absorption.
So the next time you wonder why Gel Lyte IIIs cost an arm and a leg, remember that while it doesn’t help that some of the most exclusive models are released by folks like Solebox, Alife, Patta & Kith NYC (Ronnie Fieg), you’re also paying for the GEL technology that has come a long way.