ASICS Opens New Sandton City Store, Bringing Performance Running and SportStyle to Johannesburg
The new store launches with the sunrise-inspired RISE & SHINE™ Collection, featuring the SONICBLAST™ 2, alongside the Sensory Bloom SportStyle Collection.
ASICS is expanding its retail presence in South Africa with a new Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) store at Sandton City, bringing its performance running, sportswear and SportStyle collections into one dedicated space in the heart of Johannesburg.
Officially opened on 29 October 2026, the store offers shoppers direct access to ASICS’ latest footwear and apparel innovations, including products across running, tennis, padel and other core performance sports. It also gives the brand a stronger connection to South Africa’s growing running and movement culture.
Running in South Africa has become about more than race-day performance. From competitive athletes and recreational runners to social running clubs and everyday fitness communities, more people are finding their own reasons to move. ASICS is looking to connect with that wider audience through a retail experience that brings together technical performance and everyday style.
For Sean Van Wyk, General Manager at ASICS South Africa, the opening is about building stronger relationships with local consumers.
“We’re focused on building meaningful connections with South African consumers and ensuring that ASICS is part of their journey, whether they’re experienced athletes, discovering running and other sports for the first time or engaging with the brand through SportStyle.”
A Morning of Movement Above Sandton City
ASICS marked the opening with a morning event on the Sandton City rooftop, featuring a taiso session — a Japanese group exercise routine traditionally practised at the start of the day.
The sunrise-inspired experience set the tone for the launch, bringing guests together around movement before they explored the new store and its latest collections.
Inside the New ASICS Sandton City Store
The new retail space brings together three key parts of the ASICS offering: performance running, core performance sports and SportStyle.
For runners, the store features footwear designed for different training needs, from everyday mileage to more advanced performance. Tennis and padel products extend the offering beyond running, while SportStyle collections connect the brand’s sporting heritage with contemporary everyday wear.
The opening also reflects the changing role of running in South African culture. Major events continue to attract significant interest, with the Two Oceans Marathon 2027 receiving more than 100,000 ballot applications, according to the supplied event figures.
Amanda Standley, Marketing Manager at ASICS South Africa, says the growth of running communities is creating new opportunities for the brand.
“Running has always had a strong foundation in South Africa, but what’s exciting is how the culture around it continues to evolve. We’re seeing people enter the sport for different reasons, whether that’s improving their fitness, finding a sense of community, working towards their first major race or bringing clarity to their minds.”
Martin Koch, Retail Marketing Manager at ASICS South Africa, adds that having a dedicated retail space allows the brand to introduce consumers to the technology behind its products and help them find footwear suited to their individual needs.
RISE & SHINE™: Starting the Day with New Running Energy
One of the highlights of the store launch is the RISE & SHINE™ Collection, a sunrise-inspired range built around the energy and optimism of early morning movement.
The collection features the new SONICBLAST™ 2, alongside seven ASICS running silhouettes:
- MEGABLAST™
- SUPERBLAST™ 3
- NOVABLAST™ 6
- GEL-NIMBUS™ 28
- GEL-CUMULUS™ 28
- GEL-KAYANO™ 33
- GT-2000™ 15
Each silhouette arrives in colourways inspired by the changing tones of sunrise.
At the centre of the collection, the SONICBLAST™ 2 is designed to deliver a lighter, responsive running experience. Its ASTROPLATE™ technology works alongside the shoe’s cushioning system to support a smoother ride while retaining the bounce associated with the SONICBLAST™ range.
The collection reflects ASICS’ wider philosophy that movement can support both physical performance and mental wellbeing.
Sensory Bloom Brings a Different Side of ASICS SportStyle
Alongside its performance range, the Sandton City store introduces the Sensory Bloom Collection, bringing a more fashion-forward expression of ASICS SportStyle to the South African market.
The collection combines glossy finishes, lightweight mesh and softer colour tones across selected silhouettes, including the GEL-CUMULUS™ 16, GEL-NYC™ 2.0 and HYPERSYNC™.
Worn by actress Anna Sawai, Sensory Bloom explores the relationship between comfort, movement and contemporary everyday style.
Together, the two collections show the different ways ASICS is connecting with consumers — from runners looking for performance-driven footwear to those drawn to the brand’s design language and sporting heritage.
Founded in Japan in 1949, ASICS takes its name from the Latin phrase Anima Sana In Corpore Sano, meaning “A Sound Mind in a Sound Body”. That philosophy continues to shape the brand’s approach to sport, innovation and movement.
ASICS Sandton City Store: Location and Trading Hours
The new ASICS store is located at Shop L312, Protea Court, Sandton City Shopping Centre.
Opening date: 29 October 2026
Trading hours:
- Sunday: 09:00–18:00
- Monday–Thursday: 09:00–19:00
- Friday–Saturday: 09:00–20:00
For more information about ASICS products and collections, visit ASICS South Africa.
Featured Sneaker: ASICS GEL-1130 SportStyle
A retro running silhouette that still works in today’s streetwear rotation.
The ASICS GEL-1130 brings early-2000s running aesthetics into everyday style. Combining a layered upper with the brand’s signature GEL-inspired design language, the sneaker offers a versatile look that works with relaxed denim, track pants and everyday streetwear fits.
Product details
- Brand: ASICS
- Model: GEL-1130 SportStyle
- Category: Casual / Lifestyle Sneakers
- Colourway: White / Cloud Grey
- Retailer: Amazon
- Sizes: Multiple size options listed
Check the listing: View the ASICS GEL-1130 on Amazon
Affiliate disclosure: Urban Street Culture may earn a commission if you make a purchase through this link, at no additional cost to you.
Please note: Amazon currently indicates that this item cannot be shipped to the selected delivery location. Shipping eligibility, sizes and availability may vary by destination.
