ASICS EX89 vs NEW BALANCE 550: Which Sneaker is Right for You?
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 24 июл 2024
- In this video I’m going to review and on foot the new Asics EX89 and compare it to the New Balance 550.. You might not like what I’ve got to say, so stick around to the end aaaaaand LETS GO! “And here they are, the “BOSTON CELTICS”Standard Asics box, shame as they could have done something a bit more retro.Official Name is: EX89 White/French Blue (is that another way of saying GREEN??) These are unofficially the “BOSTON CELTICS” and released in a pack alongside the Knicks and Lakers.Prior to that Kith already released a set as part of their 2022 A/W Collection!
Shoe Story
The EX89 sneaker blends the heritage influences of the GEL-EXTREME basketball shoe from 1989 with modern cushioning properties.
It was originally created by Toshikazu Kayano in the late 1980s as his first design project with ASICS. The upper leather construction is also met with spirited color blocking that matches the eras iconic NBA team uniforms.
Asics updated the cushioning system with their FF BLAST technology. Thats met with a sculpted heel shape to improve underfoot comfort during everyday scenarios.The outsoles pattern is meant to mirror the view of a city from the sky. This functional grip feature was initially inspired by the designers first business trip to the United States in 1987.
Shoe Details
Feels well made and quite weighty!
I’ve swapped out the laces to match the midsole.
Nice padded tongue. Good quality leather, that will age nicely.
The Celtic Green LINING, sets it off and just the right amount of - its got character but it's not over stated. Love the off white midsole, and why I chose this pair, and not sure what to make of the indent in the back You get very simple asics branding on the tongue, insole and heel.
So! Let's talk about the elephant in the room, they are clearly inspired by or even a knock off of the NB550! Not only do they look very similar but the back story is almost exactly the same.Teddy Santis from Aime Leon Dore, said he found a clipping of an old basketball ad that featured the 550’s from the early 80’s. So they brought them back for an ALD collaboration, which went crazy and now everyone’s wearing them.And supposedly Ronnie Fieg found the Gel-Extreme’s in the Asics Archives which they reimagined into this EX89 and launched as a Kith collab..Which defo sets off my bullshit radar!.. I think this started in a board room at Asics, with a white board with the statement, WHAT HAS nEW balance done to create this recent success… and eventually we get to this!
The similarities and glaringly obvious.The silhouette is almost identical and just the leather paneling is arranged slightly differently. The main difference is the experience on foot, I have to say the 550, feels more secure and padded, while leaving enough room for my toes.It might just be this ALD pair, but the quality of materials and build actually feels really premium.. BUT I doubt that's the case for the rest of the GR’s
I prefer the look and feel of the 550.. BUT its completely played out and on every hipster, with a MacBook drinking an oat vanilla latte.
While the EX89’s give me the same aesthetic, but not seen or even really known at this point. So if I had to pick one to wear right now - its the EX89. But I have a feeling they are going to flood the market, so I better get my steps in!!
__________________________________________________
➡ SUBSCRIBE HERE:
/ @thegellyfe
➡ INSTAGRAM:
/ thegellyfe
__________________________________________________
Welcome to The Gel Lyfe - I started this channel as I've been a "sneakerhead" most of my life and built a solid sneaker collection of around 200 pairs.. BUT feel the "scene" has lost any REAL sense of community and sick and tired of seeing the same kicks online or on feet. Namely Jordan 1 (fukin Mids!), Nike Dunk Lows and Adidas Yeezy Peezy's!
So I started a mission to sell my entire shoe collection and just focus on the best sneakers of all time... the Asics Gel Lyte 3!
I've meet some wicked people so far and if you have a passion for kicks, then Subscribe and reach out - I'm here to CONNECT!
The Information on this RUclips Channel and the resources available are for educational and entertainment purposes only.
FAIR-USE COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER * Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, commenting, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. 1) This video has no negative impact on the original works 2) This video is also for teaching purposes. 3) It is transformative in nature.
#asics #EX89 #review
Mate! Thanks for the review and little details on the EX89! I was looking at this long and hard, now I need to go to store and try it on 🤩 If between the two, EX89 is way better in my opinion, the shoe doesn't look so bricky and I just realized that they have included the FFblast in to the shoe that a big plus for me!
Do it bro - 550s are pretty dead now anyway!
Like them both, but the Asics pair might be the smarter buy in the end, especially if they get on sale eventually! That being said, tried a pair of 550’s and they’re one of the most uncomfortable sneakers I’ve ever tried on 😂
Yeah agreed get both!! 😂
I have 2 pairs of 550 and one is super comfortable, has a nice soft upper.
And the other is horrible, the upper is stif and uncomfortable 😂
So I guess you need the right pair
550 has a solid midsole if that's what it's called. Overtime your feet leave an impression in it and it becomes really comfortable.
I agree though at first it was not great
Nice video. I thought it was the other way around, the 550 is a ripoff of the original gel extreme since it released after. Overall, I don't think it matters anyway but I'm glad there are more options. I was surprised to find out they include FF blast in the shoe since I thought it was just a flat chunky sneaker, kind of like a japan S 2.0 but not gel ptg level. Also, the price is pretty good, only $110 here in the US and you can get 50% if you qualify for discount.
I think at the end of the day they were all competing with the Nike dunk then and brought them back to compete now!
I think the EX89 is more Air Force 1 than New Balance 550 as far as shape but I bet your point for sure they were totally inspired by NB and if you think about it, their consumer bases are similar
"French Blue....which must be another word for green..." I really like the Asics, despite that type of shoe not really being my favourite. They've deffo been inspired by the NB, but hey - genius steals right? I really like the Fieg pack as well. Another wicked video, keep it up!
😂 cheers brother.. I guess ASICS were French Blue with envy!
@@thegellyfefrench blue is referred to the stripes colour 😉
Today i ordered asic EX89 today after seen may reviews from Asics online portal.
From Delhi INDIA❤🇮🇳
BIG MOVES!!
I grew up in the 80s and 90s. I'm fairly certain the overall design was more of a result of the existing materials and technology available at the time. Lots of shoes looked dam similar back in the day.
👌
I'm really digging the easthetics of the EX89. I spotted them at a sneaker store yesterday but they didn't have my size, so I'll just order them I guess...
Usually I'm not a huge fan of the Asics easthetic, I only buy Asics running shoes normally. Also, I never see anyone wearing Asics really... Maybe these sneakers will make Asics more mainstream but I hope to have found a more unique pair of sneakers that I actually really like.
That’s good to hear bro!
Honestly I like both pair! I have mid/high top versions of the 550s and like them. I’m thinking of getting some forums and EX89s too
Get the all!! 😂
@@thegellyfe Aye man trying to be like Thanos with my own gauntlet 😂
nice vid bro 👍
Thank you
I like both to be fair. The 550s are basically my everyday beaters and I can see these being a good alternative to them
Yeah true - and for the money they make a perfect beater!
Finally a review for ex89!!!
Hope it helps!
@@thegellyfe Yes it is, I'm thinking of copping the ex89 ballaholic collab.
I like the indent, gives them a nice details the competitors don’t have…and if it’s ff blast plus, then that’s a legit running cushion so they won’t feel like bricks on feet
Yeah its growing on me to be fair, and the soles do feel pretty soft!
I have the ALD 550s and just ordered the Kith EX89 Knicks colorway. Hoping they fit TTS
Good shout and they should be TTS 👌
got my pair coming in soon. where’d you get those cream/sail laces? got a link?
I forget bro but just look on Amazon tbf
I came across the Asics EX89 and was immediately taken by the aesthetic and more so by the quality. This is a great shoe. The 550 is a nice shoe but I prefer the Asics as they come off as slightly more athletic-looking.
Couldn't agree more!
How long are the stock laces on the EX89? Great video!
TOO LONG! and THANKS!
Nice video but I have to disagree. I like both shoes but they are quite different to me. To me, 550s looks waaaaay more bulky and "brick like". And it gets worse if you look at them from the top when you are wearing them. I will get the EX for sure
Hahaha I have to agree on the 550s take, I tried it in NB store and when I saw the shoe from the top view, i just took them off 🤣
Fair play - each to their own, it’s the overall design and shillouette for me tho.
I agreed with u. The top view of the 550 is unacceptable
New Balance are awful overall. Sneakerheads have just twined their own minds to add some variety to Jordans, Nikes and Adidas. NB are ugly brick Dad shoes made from awful materials. Watch Rose Anvil cut apart a NB to see just how terrible the material quality is. Dead tings. ASICS are the true alternatives with models like Gel Lyte III.
@@stefan2serb 550s yes but 990 series in NB is dope and 574s. You don’t like it that’s fair but don’t sound like a hater
Can anyone confirm that there was no ex89 low-top version back in the day and they only recently introduced one?
Hey bro! I really appreciate your vid’s, always spot on. Would you say they fit the same as the 550?? And if you were to compare sizing to other ASICS models, would you say it fits closer to a Gel Lyte III/V or more like a saga? My dilemma is I wear a 12 in Gel Lyte III’s and V’s, but I wear an 11.5 is Gel Saga and Gel Sight. Thanks man!
Thanks bro! I’d say they fit about 0.5 down from the 550, so I reckon an 11.5 will be spot on for you! 👌
Dude YES. Ima bout to grab the ballahollic collab, they still have a 11.5. Preciate ya brotha! 🔥
I already wear a 0.5 down in 550’s.. wear a 9 in jordan 1’s and an 8.5 in 550’s.. so, would I need an 8 in the Asics? 🤔
Yo man I just got the Ballaholic collab in and not only are they super fire, the 11.5 is perfect. Really appreciate you steering me proper, nothing sucks more than getting a sneaker that doesn’t fit. Keep doing your thing ma man 👊💯
@@patrickholloway9085 so, would you say they fit half a size down?
How’s the sizing of the EX89 compared to 550’s? It gets the same tight feel or not exactly
They’re about the same, but yeah the 550s are a tiny bite tighter
I prefer these to the 550s. The leather Ronnie Fiegs in the Knicks CW are amazing. The cream/sail toe rand just elevates the shoe above the suede versions and the 550. I love when the toe rand is done in a contrasting colour.
Yeah true - what do you think about the EX89 Ballaholics? Probably my favourite so far?
B
@The Gel Lyfe I like them also but the Ronnie Fieg Knicks CW is my favourite EX89.
I wish the Ballaholic's had a bit more colour contrasting. Maybe some grey around the toe with a grey logo on the medial/lateral. Like them but think theyre too monotone.
Btw, I love the comfort of the ALD 550, but I copped a pair of GR 550, and had to return them they were SO uncomfortable and tight on my little toe I had to return em.
Sorry to hear - I have to go 0.5 size up in Nee Balance!
I like the Asics best for the simple fact of the Gel technology they use. The Asics out perform every other shoe on the market except maybe Nike Air soles. I used to like New Balance but they have just the EVA foam sole which aint good enough in the long run.
Fair play bro! Good shout
@@thegellyfe Are you able to do a performance review of the EX89s? I would like to know how they do in real active activities. The retro shoes Ive encountered may look like the old sports shoes of the day but they perform poorly. The ASICS are the only ones that seem to be able to actually perform. I tried the Nike Air Pegasus and the ASICS GT IIs and I think they are about the best they get in a retro shoe that could actually perform on the track or the gym.
The low ink boxes are a good thing for a gr, whether we like it or not its a good thing. particularly on grs there's no argument for a worse for the environment box its just packaging on a gr.
The chunkier tennis shoe / cross trainer / low basket ball shoe isn't anything new. I wouldn't rush out for either. the ex89 have potential if the colourways improved to my tastes. ATM if I had to cop something similar id prob have a look at diadora rebound ace's there's some made in Italy versions and there seems to be more interesting colourways out in the wild that are obtainable....
Fair point bro and loving the Rebound Ace (I want the On/Off Packer one!!)
Hows the sizing? I went half size down with my nb 550 and im planning to buy the ex89 but im afraid if it will not fit well if i buy my true size.
I’d say go 0.5 up bro
@@thegellyfe just what I was looking for
@@thegellyfe so go 0.5 larger than your 550 size? So TTS?
I went half a size down on my 550s too.. and I’m wondering if I should do the same with the ex89 or go TTS?
I would like to ad that, in the early 90s, I had a pair of Asics sneakers (i do not remember the name of the model) that was almost exactly like the EXs but with a blue tongue, so I am not really sure that they have copied the 550s with this one.
Need to know which pair bro?
Damn. I was looking to get the ASICS. I have the ALD 550’s and actually find them really uncomfortable so it’s concerning that you find them more comfy than the ASICS lol
😂 probably our different foot shaped!?
actually, the EX looks like a sand court tennis shoe from the late 80s, even if it wants to represent a cut-off basketball ball model.
But the orange Kith EX has something, nice pig skin suede 😍
I’ll have to check it out! Cheers 🍻
Any ideas on how the EX89 would fit for wide feet?
I’d just go 0.5 up if that’s the case
Are ex 89 comfortable for summer?
20°-25°C
I do t see why not mate 🤷♂️
My friend, always talk sizing in your videos, helps the viewer out big time! Cheers
Will do bro - I forgot! 😅
@@thegellyfe How do you feel about the sizing now? Would you say true to size for the ex89?
Do they fit the same as 550 should I size up or down or same size as 550
I’d just go true to size bro! (Not up 0.5 like NB)
EX89 was based of the 1989 GEL Extreme High Top basketball shoe.
Indeed it was
just got mine EX89 knicks and lakers colorway just 49 canadian dollars each in footluckers😃😊
That’s a steal!!
Is it ok to go 0.5 size up in these?
Yes
is it ok to go .5 up in asics ex89?
Yep
How is the sizing compared to the bb550?
I go 0.5 down from NB to Asics
for those who enjoy this sneaker vibe, there is also the Fila Teratach
ohhh - ill have a look!
The Teratach is a good looking shoe. I really like Fila but I don’t think the build quality is at the same level
You suggested that ASICS sort of copied the 550. I just think basketball shoes around the late eighties have a similar look and silhouette. The NB 550 to me has strong similarities to the Adidas Forum. Both have to compete marketwise against the Nike Dunk and the reissued Adidas Forum. I have to credit Nike in the Dunk, the Jordan 1 and the AF1 for keeping the retro basketball shoe craze alive that inspired to return the NB550 to the market in the first place, and Asics move with the EX89 isn't aimed at New Balance but Nike. For this reason so did Adidas with the Forum.
very fair points man!.. your right, ultamaltey they are all trying to get a slice of the dunk market.
They both look similar to the Fila teratech 600, Puma slipstream lo, Adidas forum lo
Yeah I think there all out to catch some of the dunk market
Just got a pair of the ballaholic ex89 and they are more comfortable than the 550’s imo
Fair play and those are the best so far by a long shot!! 🔥
Asics also launched the BALLAHOLIC X EX89😊😊
Yeah - love them!! Best Colourway so far!
The colourway looks like nb 500 sea salt cream black
What about size of asics ex89, my bro? True size or not?
I’d say TTS and maybe 0.5 down if anything! 👌
@@thegellyfe thank you so much
550 is tts and ex89 is .5 down?
A lot of people went 0.5 down in 550’s ( myself included).. So, I guess just go with your 550 or AF1 sizing? 🤔
The Knicks colorway looks like the Pistons...which to me makes more sense because the Pistons were more dominant in the 80s and the Knicks were...well, the Knicks.
Fair play bro - I’m just a skinny white kid from the UK! 😂
without watching the video i love the asics ex89 model espacilly the grand shark one and ballaholics
totally underrated
100!
You’re funny 😆! I don’t think ASICS copied New Balance since ASICS copied its own design and added modern cushioning. However, I think ASICS and New Balance sat in their board rooms and asked themselves “how can we compete and copy Jordan and Nike?” Those are the big players in the game.
I have a pair of EX89 and they feel like regular court shoes, but your feet feel like they are being propelled and that must be the FF Blast cushioning. I wish the ASICS had better materials but I hear that is where the 550 excel in.
all fair points! and yeah they are all looking at Nike / Jordan / Dunks and trying to take market share!
Bro Lacoste l005 or Asics ex89
ASICS all day bro
I have both and the ex89 is more confortable and is more versatile
I'll go with that!
I have both, only gripe I have with the 550 is the sizing. It’s way too long. The EX89, especially the new black and white colorway is a great alternative to the Panda dunks. I would even say it’s better.
So the ex89 fit TTS? I got my 550s in half a size down from my Jordan 1s
That’s a big statement I FULLY support!! 👍
@@thegellyfe so that’s a yes to TTS? Or half down?
Help to answer. Go TTS 👌🏻
@@adrianpragiwaksana4245 thanks, yes.. went TTS & they fit perfectly
The Asics look better! And good job not falling for the hype and picking the Asics as they are not as common as the NBs.
cheers bra!
Do your research, Fieg and Santis have been friends and collaborated together.
😂 what’s that got to do with anything fam?
the 550s look good but stiff imo. ex89 was so comfortable from the first fit
👌
raaaaaaah!.. Asics all day!
you know that!
Throw dem ex89s on wit some JNCOs
RAAAAAH!! JNCO's need a come back!
Legggoooo
Booyay!
The Asics is definitely a call and response to New Balance, the timing is too suspect. However, i really like the Asics design. As a anti-hyper, i would definitely wear the Asics.
💯 agreed!
With shoes stuff is done so far in advance of the release I dunno if it’s true
Yeah I hear that, but only by about 18 months and the 550’s have been around for time at this point.
Undefeated has the Asics for $66 right now.
God dam!
Both the shoes are similar in different way..
Facts!
@@thegellyfe I would wear ex89 everybody 550
True size????
Yessir
The EX89 is way more comfortable than 550, especially for wider feet.
yeah you right1
if asics copied then they copied adidas forum 84. just take a look the front of the sneaker, they look nothing like 550! also asics are not as round as 550. on feet 550 are narrower and longer but asics look bulkier. not a good comparison.
This video is so uninformed lmao. These shoes are from the 80s and if you don’t remember seeing Magic ball in these it just shows your age young buck
😂 you’re off your rocker mate!
Absolutely nothing about the fit and feel or anything . Not a good review
Thanks mate! Pleased didn’t like
Asics green for women?
I dont think they did a womens yet..? (but not checked)