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 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
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!
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 😂
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 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
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.
"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!
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 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.
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
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.
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!
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 👊💯
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.
@@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.
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.
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
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.
@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.
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.
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....
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.
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 😍
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
