ASICS’ global performance running shoe sales jumped 38 percent in Japanese yen to the equivalent of $1.48 billion for the nine months ended Sep. 30. Segment profitability was up 97 percent over the period to the dollar equivalent of $353.2 million. The Performance Running and Core Performance Sport categories were the key contributors to Asics’ North American results for the nine months with sales up nearly 36 percent in yen to $584.1 million as profit came in at $24.2 million versus a year-ago loss. Implied Q3 results for North America showed a 15 percent topline gain in yen to the equivalent of $206.6 million and a $7.1 million profit for the period.

ASICS Corp. is currently forecasting total global sales of ¥395,000 million ($3.48 billion) and annual operating income of ¥20,000 million ($176.4 million) for the 12 months ending Dec. 31, 2021.

In North America in Q3, Asics reports that performance running was driven by strong demand for the GEL-NIMBUS and GT-2000 models while the core performance sports category was propelled by pinnacle and entry level tennis products, including the GEL-RESOLUTION, COURT FF Novak, GEL-GAME and GEL-DEDICATE shoes.

Additionally, Asics said growth for the North American region was driven by double digit increases from run specialty, strategic partners and team sales channels. Further, the return of fall sports and marathon races were contributing factors for the strong NA third quarter.