Asics Onitsuka Tiger Ultimate 81

by Debbie
(Bloomington, Indiana)

I first saw the earlier versions of this Asics Onitsuka Tiger Ultimate 81 in the movie "Disturbia", worn by Shia LaBeouf. My brother pointed them out to me and said they were Asics' version of minimalist running shoes and he was going to have one of those. But it seems even if they were Asics, Amazon still didn't have them at that time.

At last, the day came when I saw my brother wearing a pair, but it's called Asics Onitsuka Tiger Saiko Runners. My brother was so thrilled because he saw Jasper Hale wearing the same style and color in the "Twilight" movie. Now I was getting green with envy. How could Asics come up with something so cool and fashionable in running shoes and not have a version for women? Actually, if I had done more research, I would have found out that Amazons carried it under the name Ultimate 81 Asics that's why I couldn't find them. Thankfully, Zappos had the good sense to name it as Asics Ultimate Tiger casual sneakers.

Today I'm into my second pair of this Asics Onitsuka Tiger Ultimate 81 because I'm so in love with the color palettes, each one having a distinct character of its own. My first pair is the one shown above, but soon I've seen too many of them jogging around the park. With the wide selection of colors to choose from, I bought myself the brown/beige/pink combination.

For the first time I'm loving a pair of light running shoes for its aesthetic quality. I've set aside my need for specially fitted and specially structured running shoes. I use my candy-colored Asics Onitsuka Tiger Ultimate 81 for light trainings or treadmill runs while the newer brown/beige/pink is reserved for the nice weather only.

Take note on how I give more emphasis on aesthetics because these running shoes aren't the types you'd wear for serious running. It has a low arch support and you bet you'll hurt your tendons if you will use them while continuously landing on your heels for heavy running. But they are cool to the fit for short runs because the materials are very light and breathable. The slim-fit is quite a fresh alternative to the roomy toe box and rubber platforms.

But seriously, aren't they promoting barefoot running now? As they said, the foot and knee problems stem from wearing running shoes that are too constricted and too constructed for our own good. They've got a good point there but as far as serious running is concerned, I still stick to my other Asics Gel Kayano where there is enough midsole and arch support as well as inline cushioning. I've somehow made a connection with those shoes and they do serve me well for long distance running. I recommend Asics Onitsuka Tiger Ultimate 81 for interval trainings or short runs when you don't have to be too serious with your training and be fashionable at the same time.

What's nice about these minimalist running shoes is that I didn't have to break-them in. I just slipped on my pair of candy-colored Asics Onitsuka Tiger Ultimate 81 and went to the gym to show them-off by doing some treadmill running. Naturally, they attracted a lot of attention and soon most of my friends wanted a pair, more so when I asked. ?Jasper Hale was wearing one in Twilight, didn?t you notice??

That did the trick; every one of my girl friends started pining for an Asics Onitsuka Tiger Ultimate 81 and kept asking me what colors were available.