It all started with a quest to be the best. The introduction of the ASICS GEL-KINSEI in 2005 redefined the limits of what was possible in technical athletic footwear and a true star was born. The GEL-KINSEI, Japanese for "golden star", started life as a mission to become the ultimate "smart" shoe. The GEL-KINSEI was positioned in a brand-new category, even a notch above the ASICS top-of-the-line and industry benchmark GEL-KAYANO. Praised for its extraordinary ride, the GEL-KINSEI immediately took the running community by storm and captured numerous prestigious awards. For ASICS the mission was never completed. With Kaizen in its DNA, ASICS found room to further perfect the ultimate running shoe. The development of the GEL-KINSEI took almost five years. Perfecting the masterpiece took another two years for Dr. Nishiwaki, Head of ASICS Research & Development, and his team. The future of running has arrived.