Japanese sportswear brand Asics has delivered strong results for both the third quarter and the nine months ended September 30, driven by surging demand for lifestyle-focused footwear and steady performance in its core running segment.

For Q3, net sales reached 218.5 billion yen (approximately US$1.4 billion), up 17 per cent on the same period last year, with operating profit rising sharply to 46.2 billion yen (US$298.9 million), a 38.5 per cent increase.

Looking at the nine-month period, Asics recorded net sales of 625.1 billion yen (US$4.04 billion), a 19 per cent increase from the same period last year, which the brand stated “for the first time in nine months”.

Operating profit jumped 39.4 per cent to 127.6 billion yen (US$825.8 million), while gross margin improved by 1.1 percentage points to 56.5 per cent, reflecting a favourable product mix and higher direct-to-consumer sales.

The growth in both periods was largely led by Asics’ SportStyle and Onitsuka Tiger lines, which posted approximately 45 per cent gains in net sales. Meanwhile, core performance running products held steady, supported by ongoing innovation and consumer appetite for premium footwear. 

Geographically, Japan, North America, and Europe were standout performers, with sales up 34.5 per cent, 10.2 per cent, and 24 per cent respectively, while Greater China grew 20.6 per cent. 

Last month, the company also opened its India’s first company-owned store in the Delhi metropolitan area, and expanded its DTC channel, as part of its plan to accelerate growth in the market. 

Asics credited the results to strong product demand, disciplined inventory management, and efficient supply-chain operations. 

The company also noted that currency fluctuations and elevated logistics costs remain watchpoints heading into the final quarter.