OrthoLite Furthers Longstanding Partnership with ASICS

AMHERST, Mass. (Jan 8, 2014)– Today OrthoLite announced its continued relationship with ASICS, a leading designer and manufacturer of performance athletic shoes, apparel, and accessories. The Natural33™ collection includes two new premier running shoes: The GEL-Excel33™ 3 and the

“The Natural33 collection shoes create an added level of performance cushioning by using OrthoLite in both the sockliner and the strobel lasting under the insole. This technology brings the OrthoLite comfort deeper into the shoe for an enhanced level of performance in cushioning, breathability, and moisture management.”

GEL-Electro33™ that will feature the long-standing comfort of OrthoLite insoles and will be available in stores and online in February 2014. This announcement furthers over a decade-long partnership between OrthoLite, the leader of open-cell foam insoles, and ASICS America. To celebrate the partnership, OrthoLite and ASICS are teaming up to give away free pairs of the shoes through a Twitter sweepstakes running from January 8 through January 15.

“ASICS has been our trusted partner for more than a decade because they understand the importance of performance and comfort when it comes to running and fitness,” said Pamela Gelsomini, OrthoLite president. “The Natural33 collection shoes create an added level of performance cushioning by using OrthoLite in both the sockliner and the strobel lasting under the insole. This technology brings the OrthoLite comfort deeper into the shoe for an enhanced level of performance in cushioning, breathability, and moisture management.”

The uniqueness of the Natural33 collection creates an experience that mimics the movement of the foot, while providing necessary levels of protection. There are two shoes in this collection that feature OrthoLite insoles, boasting supreme comfort and support. They include:

• GEL-Excel33 3: This shoe is in its third generation and weighs an ounce lighter than the previous model. It has an ergonomically shaped upper constructed with engineered mesh and a lightweight heel for mild underpronators to neutral runners.
  GEL-Electro33: This shoe debuts as the newest addition to the Natural33 collection for the mild to moderate overpronator, featuring engineered mesh and seamless construction for a slipper-like feel.

“As an innovator of performance running shoes, we look for partners that match our business principles,” said Jim Monahan, Vice President, Footwear of ASICS America. “OrthoLite makes a premier product available for both sockliners and strobel material and the partnership is a natural fit driven by collaboration. We will continue to work together to innovate and provide the best solutions for our customers.”

Beginning January 8 through January 15, ASICS and OrthoLite will host a Twitter sweepstakes for a chance to win a pair of the new Natural33 ASICS shoes with OrthoLite insoles. To enter, participants must craft a tweet including both @ASICSamerica and @OrthoLite Twitter handles explaining why they want to try a pair of ASICS shoes with OrthoLite insoles. Two winners will be randomly selected and OrthoLite will notify winners with a Twitter direct message requesting address and shoe size. Product will be shipped to the winners in February 2014. Sweepstakes is limited to consumers who live in the U.S. and Canada, age 18 or older.

OrthoLite insoles will be in ASICS men’s and women’s GEL-Excel33 3 and GEL-Electro33 series within the collection for a suggested retail price of $120 and $110, respectively. These shoes will be available beginning February 2014 online at www.asicsamerica.com and at select retailers

About OrthoLite: OrthoLite, headquartered in Amherst, Mass., is the world’s leading supplier of open cell foam insoles found in more than 140 million shoes each year, including ASICS, Carhartt, New Balance, Merrell, Nike, Puma, Vans, and Timberland. OrthoLite combines polyurethane and recycled rubber to provide superior cushioning, comfort, breathability and durability. OrthoLite insoles can now be purchased through a partnership with Amazon. For every pair of insoles sold, OrthoLite will donate $1 to the Level Field Fund, a grant-giving program that strives to bridge gaps in funding to uniquely talented athletes.

About ASICS: Anima Sana In Corpore Sano, meaning “A Sound Mind in a Sound Body,” is an old Latin phrase from which ASICS is derived and the fundamental platform on which the brand still stands. The company was founded more than 60 years ago by Kihachiro Onitsuka and is now a leading designer and manufacturer of performance athletic shoes, apparel, and accessories. For more information, visit www.asics.com.