The Asics Ex89 Review & Lab Test of 2026

The Asics EX89 is a basketball shoe designed for players seeking both style and performance. With a notable 12 mm drop, this shoe is ideal for those who prefer additional cushioning during play.

Equipped with FF Blast midsole foam, the Asics EX89 provides a responsive yet stable platform that enhances real-world agility on the court. The durable outsole offers significant grip, which is verified by its rigid construction measured at 5/5 rigidity.

Available in various colorways, the Asics EX89 combines functionality with versatility, making it suitable for multiple outfits beyond basketball. Its ample padding contributes to overall comfort without compromising performance.

Pros

  • Keeps feet warm
  • Great traction even on wet surfaces
  • Extremely comfy
  • Good impact protection
  • Feels stable underfoot
  • Retro look
  • Completes many casual outfits
  • Good for gym days or some fitness activities
  • Easy to clean
  • Has Ortholite insoles
  • Fits true to size

Cons

  • Quite heavy
  • Toebox needs a bit of break-in
  • Some synthetic material in the upper

Key Features

  • Inspired by the heritage of the GEL-EXTREME sneaker from 1989
  • Designed by renowned designer Toshikazu Kayano
  • Constructed with leather overlays for added durability
  • FF BLAST cushioning for lightweight impact absorption
  • Unique outsole pattern mirrors a city view from the sky

Specifications

  • Origin: Imported
  • Sole material: Rubber
  • Outer material: Polyester
  • Inner material: Recycled PET, Textiles

Asics Ex89 Review & Lab Test – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

Asics EX89 Air Jordan 1 Low Adidas Forum Low Nike Air Force 1 07 LV8
Price $110 $125 $110 $125
Style Classic Classic Retro Platform
Breathability Warm Warm Moderate Moderate
Weight lab 17 oz / 482g 14.5 oz / 411g 16.4 oz / 465g 16.8 oz / 476g
Size True to size True to size True to size True to size
Midsole softness Balanced Balanced Balanced Balanced
Material Leather Cup Sole Leather Cup Sole
Season Winter Spring Spring Spring
Inspired from Basketball Basketball Basketball Basketball
Width / fit Medium Medium Medium Narrow
Toebox width Medium Medium Medium Narrow
Leather/suede quality Real leather Real leather Real leather Real leather
Toebox durability Good Decent Good Decent
Heel padding durability Good Decent Decent Bad
Outsole durability Good Good Decent Bad
Heel stack lab 30.1 mm 22.9 mm 27.0 mm 36.7 mm
Stiffness Stiff Moderate Stiff Stiff
Tongue padding Average Average Average Average
Drop lab 11.8 mm 11.1 mm 12.5 mm 16.6 mm
Forefoot 18.3 mm 11.8 mm 14.5 mm 20.1 mm
Removable insole
Heel tab None None None None
Torsional rigidity Stiff Moderate Moderate Stiff
Heel counter stiffness Stiff Stiff Stiff Stiff
Closure Laces Laces Laces Laces
Top Low top Low top Low top Low top
Ranking Top 44% Top 48% Top 16% Top 4%
Popularity Bottom 22% Top 30% Bottom 47% Top 7%