Pendium

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ASICS is the current default for AI running recommendations, but the consensus is starting to fragment.

You have a commanding lead in visibility, but HOKA and New Balance are aggressively closing the gap in 'Best Daily Trainer' conversations.

ASICS's baseline score
88/100
Excellent

ASICS owns the highest baseline visibility in the performance running category, cited nearly universally for stability and cushioning. The brand's technical credibility is its strongest asset in AI-driven discovery, though emerging competitors are beginning to win the 'fun' and 'lifestyle' associations.

What we see
  • ASICS is the only brand appearing in the top 3 of almost every AI-driven running benchmark for 2026.
  • The Novablast 5 and GEL-Kayano 32 are currently the specific 'SKU-level defaults' that AI agents name first in discovery prompts.
  • Gemini and AI Overviews show a high correlation with YouTube review transcripts, where ASICS dominates the technical review category.
  • Claude tends to favor ASICS for its safety-first positioning, frequently citing its medical and podiatric recommendations.
  • A competitive gap exists in the lifestyle/athleisure segment where Nike and New Balance still lead in AI 'cool factor' associations.
Business goals ASICS is likely trying to hit
  • Maintain category leadership in the 'Core Running' market through high-performance stability and cushioning technology.
  • Expand market share in the premium 'Super Trainer' and 'Super Shoe' racing segments.
  • Grow the OneASICS membership program to deepen direct-to-consumer relationships and data collection.
  • Bridge the gap into the lifestyle and athleisure markets through the Sportstyle and Onitsuka Tiger heritage lines.