Asics Gel Lyte III Sizing Guide & Review. Do They Fit True To Size?

The Asics Gel Lyte III is the best-selling shoe in the Asics lifestyle footwear back catalogue. The flagship silhoette of all the Gel Lyte styles which continues to release in brand new colourways despite the arrival of more modern styles. The Asics Gel Lyte III is basically the timeless icon of Asics – perfect all-year long no matter the season. This Asics Gel Lyte III Size Guide and Review will provide you with everything you need to know before you make a purchase. If you’ve never had a pair of Asics casual shoes before, then you’ve come to the right place!

The article will discuss the history of the Asics Gel Lyte 3, the design features, and of course, how it fits. We will compare its sizing with other mainstream sportswear brands and how you can choose the perfect size. 

A short history of the Asics Gel Lyte 3

When we talk about the year 1990, we remember an era where new sneaker technologies thrived. The same goes for Asics when they unveiled the Gel Lyte III. Introduced as a lightweight running shoe, the Asics Gel Lyte 3 boasts an improved fit with better cushioning. ASICS labels on the sides headlined by the iconic Tiger Stripes gave the shoe an identity that sets it apart from the rest.

Decades later, the Gel Lyte III has cemented itself as one of the most popular styles from Asics, if not the most popular. Various Asics Gel Lyte III collaborations in recent years have given coveted sneaker even wider appeal. Because of this, the sneaker has remained relevant in the European market to die-hards as well as casual sneakerheads. The Asics Gel Lyte III rightfully deserves a place in the sneaker hall of fame.

The Asics Gel Lyte II is available in various colourways for all genders and ages.

What are the unique design features of the Asics Gel Lyte 3?

The one unique design feature that really sets the Gel Lyte 3 apart from the rest of the sneakers in the 90s is the classic split tongue design. It’s an unconventional design feature that allows for a less restrictive fit. This split tongue feature is truly unique to the ASICS Gel Lyte III and is what really sets it apart from other Gel Lyre models.

Functionally the split tongue design helps ease entry into the shoe, whilst also keeping the foot locked down once inside. Aside from that, the deign also allows flexibility with foot size, catering to people with wide feet without compromising the fit of those with narrow feet.

Aside from the split tongue construction, the Gel Lyte III features a 3-layer midsole highlighted by the premier GEL technology on the heel. Because Asics had performance running in mind when creating the shoe, the Gel Lyte III makes for a very comfortable shoe when you wear them casually.

An Asics Gel Lyte III Sizing Guide

Curious about how the Asics Gel Lyte III fits before you make a purchase? Worry no more as we have everything you need to know in this sizing guide to get your correct shoe size.

As a refresher, UK sizing caters to both men and women, but women’s pairs usually feel tighter in terms of width. If you can’t try on a pair of the Asics Gel Lyte 3, you can opt for a half size bigger than your usual pairs. The Asics Gel Lyte III runs true to size but feels a little bit narrow width wise. Wide footers can go a half size or a full size bigger to get that perfect fit. Those with narrow feet can stay true to size as the upper and split tongue eventually conforms to the foot.

Check out the size chart for men and women below to give you more idea about Asics’ sizing.

Asics Size Chart for Men’s Footwear

Asics Size Chart for Women’s Footwear

These charts above are helpful when it comes to making purchasing decisions and you’re unsure about the sizes.

Asics sizing compared to other sneaker brands:

How does Asics Gel Lyte III fit compared to Nike?

When we talk about length, Asics and Nike are usually identical. When you check the size chart for men’s footwear on both brands, they will have the same labels across all sizes. However, Asics feel tighter in width. If you’re a men’s size 9 UK with Nike, you are likely to be 9.5 on a pair of Gel Lyte 3‘s. You may even go a full size up if you’re a wide-footer.

This varies on the type of footwear, though. It will also depend on what pair of Nike you’re comparing the Gel Lyte 3 width as an Air Force 1 will fit completely differently to a Nike Air Huarache

How does Asics Gel Lyte III fit compared to adidas?

From comparing two sizing charts you can tell how the Asics Gel Lyte 3 may run smaller as a lot of adidas sneakers run bigger than their indicated size. A Men’s size 9 UK from an Asics Gel Lyte 3 sneaker will be equivalent to a 9.5 or 10 with adidas. So if you’re buying the Asics Gel Lyte 3 and you only have an adidas shoe as a reference, the safest way to ensure the correct fit is to go a half size down.

How does Asics Gel Lyte III fit compared to New Balance?

Luckily New Balance and Asics have quite a similar sizing (along with Saucony). Because of the various width and sizing options from New Balance, people can get their exact sizes according to their preferences. You can go true to size for the Asics Gel Lyte III if you have a pair of New Balance trainers. If you’re a wide footer, it’s recommended to go a half size bigger.

Is the Asics Gel Lyte III Good For Running?

While the Asics Gel Lyte 3 started off as a running shoe, there are far better running trainers nowadays. This is pretty much the case with the Nike Air Max 90, made for running but now more popular as a casual shoe. The same goes for the Gel Lyte III, the foam midsole with GEL cushioning technology is nowhere near the benchmark for proper running creps anymore.

We listed down some popular Asics running shoes that you can consider. You can still wear the Gel Lyte 3 for short workouts and gym sessions, though. The lack of stability of some bouncy running shoes are not suitable for carrying weights, so the Gel Lyte 3 has that perfect balance between decent cushioning and stability.

For Elite Runners: Asics Metaspeed Sky 

Where to Buy? Sports Shoes

For Everyday Running/Casual: Asics Gel Kayano Series

Where to Buy? Sports Shoes

Maximum Cushioning: Asics Novablast

Where to Buy? Sports Shoes

Is the Asics Gel Lyte III comfortable?

Despite being around for over 30 years, the Asics Gel Lyte 3 is still one of the most comfortable lifestyle trainers on the market (see also ‘Are ASICS Gel Lyte Comfortable?‘). It may not be your go-to running shoe anymore, but GEL technology is actually really comfortable for walking around. This is also the reason why it remains a best-seller among Asics lifestyle footwear selections.

The fit thanks to the split tongue design is second to none, and plenty of colourways are eye-catching. If you want to take a break from the likes of Nike, Jordan, and Adidas, a pair of Asics Gel Lyte 3 can be your best friend.

Where can I buy the Asics Gel Lyte III?

The Asics Gel-Lyte 3 is widely available in various colourways for both men and women. Below are four of the best places to cop the latest new release, deadstock and sale pairs:

END Clothing – SHOP HERE

HIP – SHOP HERE

SIZE?– SHOP HERE

StockX – SHOP HERE

What are the most popular Gel Lyte III colourways?

Choosing your first pair of Gel Lyte 3s can be hard if you’ve seen how awesome the general release colourways are. But throughout its history, there are extremely limited pairs that are highly sought after by big-time sneaker collectors. Below we listed three of the most popular Asics Gel Lyte 3 colourways and some details about their release.

1. ASICS Gel-Lyte III x Ronnie Fieg “Salmon Toe” – Ronnie Fieg is a name you’ll always hear whenever there’s a new Asics collab. One of his favourite pairs to grace is none other than the Gel-Lyte 3. This limited-edition “Salmon Toe” originally came out in 2011 as the first sneaker released with KITH. 

A total of 72 pairs were sold during release day, with 40 of them having special collector’s sets. The remaining 30 sold out with special dog tags making both pairs extremely limited. Available HERE

2. ASICS Gel-Lyte III x AFEW “Koi” – This colourway is another special release for the Asics model’s 25th anniversary. Released in 2015, the collab with German streetwear boutique AFEW saw the arrival of this “Koi” rendition. Just like the pair above, this is a limited release with special boxes and accessories. Available HERE

3. ASICS Gel-Lyte III “Hanon Wildcats” – Scotland-based boutique Hanon teamed up with Asics in this fiery rendition of the shoe. Released in 2011, this colourway is also extremely limited, thus the insane value it flaunts. Available HERE

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