Does EX89 fit true to size?
Mostly, EX89 fits true to size unless you know court shoes pinch your forefoot. The leather and suede upper can feel snug up front, so wide feet should be more cautious than with softer mesh ASICS runners.
Buyer's Guide
ASICS EX89 Review & Sizing Guide
Published Updated
ASICS EX89 is the brand's court alternative to its mesh runners: ASICS links it to the 1989 GEL-EXTREME basketball shoe, Toshikazu Kayano's first ASICS design project. Buy it if you want that archive basketball story in a clean leather low, not if you want the softest GEL runner feel.
Key facts
- Popularity
- Cult-following pair; broad hype cooled quickly.
- Comfort
- Usually cushier than comparable Dunk and 550 options.
- Fit
- Mostly true to size, sometimes snug in forefoot.
- Value
- Best value appears at sale pricing, not retail.
- Use case
- Daily casual rotation, travel days, and campus wear.
Full breakdown
ASICS EX89 pulls from the GEL-EXTREME basketball shoe from 1989, rather than the runner shapes most people associate with ASICS SportStyle. ASICS also identifies that original GEL-EXTREME as Toshikazu Kayano's first design project for the company, which gives the EX89 a clearer archive story than a generic white leather sneaker. For buyers, the appeal is a tidy leather court shoe with modern cushioning touches and a less common ASICS angle. It is a good choice if you like the brand's history but want a simpler basketball-adjacent shape instead of a layered mesh runner.
FAQ
Is EX89 comfortable?
Mostly, EX89 is comfortable for a retro basketball-style lifestyle shoe. FF BLAST cushioning gives it more underfoot forgiveness than many Dunk Low or New Balance 550 comparisons, but the heavier leather build still needs some break-in.
Why choose EX89 over New Balance 550?
Yes, EX89 is a stronger New Balance 550 alternative if you want a less common 1980s court shape with a cushier ride. The 550 has stronger recognition, while EX89 carries the GEL-EXTREME archive link and pairs well with campus outfits, denim, and casual office wear.
How is EX89 different from Nike Dunk Low?
Mostly, EX89 is the more comfort-first court option compared with Nike Dunk Low. Dunk has the bigger mainstream profile, but ASICS gives EX89 a clearer archive story through releases connected to Ronnie Fieg and the EX89.
Who should avoid EX89?
No, EX89 is not the safest pick if you need premium leather consistency across every general-release colorway or a roomy forefoot. It is strongest as a sale-price daily court sneaker, not as a full-retail substitute for higher-end leather shoes.
