Mate! Thanks for the review and little details on the EX89! I was looking at this long and hard, now I need to go to store and try it on 🤩 If between the two, EX89 is way better in my opinion, the shoe doesn't look so bricky and I just realized that they have included the FFblast in to the shoe that a big plus for me!
Nice video. I thought it was the other way around, the 550 is a ripoff of the original gel extreme since it released after. Overall, I don't think it matters anyway but I'm glad there are more options. I was surprised to find out they include FF blast in the shoe since I thought it was just a flat chunky sneaker, kind of like a japan S 2.0 but not gel ptg level. Also, the price is pretty good, only $110 here in the US and you can get 50% if you qualify for discount.
I think the EX89 is more Air Force 1 than New Balance 550 as far as shape but I bet your point for sure they were totally inspired by NB and if you think about it, their consumer bases are similar
"French Blue....which must be another word for green..." I really like the Asics, despite that type of shoe not really being my favourite. They've deffo been inspired by the NB, but hey - genius steals right? I really like the Fieg pack as well. Another wicked video, keep it up!
Like them both, but the Asics pair might be the smarter buy in the end, especially if they get on sale eventually! That being said, tried a pair of 550’s and they’re one of the most uncomfortable sneakers I’ve ever tried on 😂
I have 2 pairs of 550 and one is super comfortable, has a nice soft upper. And the other is horrible, the upper is stif and uncomfortable 😂 So I guess you need the right pair
550 has a solid midsole if that's what it's called. Overtime your feet leave an impression in it and it becomes really comfortable. I agree though at first it was not great
I came across the Asics EX89 and was immediately taken by the aesthetic and more so by the quality. This is a great shoe. The 550 is a nice shoe but I prefer the Asics as they come off as slightly more athletic-looking.
Nice video but I have to disagree. I like both shoes but they are quite different to me. To me, 550s looks waaaaay more bulky and "brick like". And it gets worse if you look at them from the top when you are wearing them. I will get the EX for sure
New Balance are awful overall. Sneakerheads have just twined their own minds to add some variety to Jordans, Nikes and Adidas. NB are ugly brick Dad shoes made from awful materials. Watch Rose Anvil cut apart a NB to see just how terrible the material quality is. Dead tings. ASICS are the true alternatives with models like Gel Lyte III.
I grew up in the 80s and 90s. I'm fairly certain the overall design was more of a result of the existing materials and technology available at the time. Lots of shoes looked dam similar back in the day.
I'm really digging the easthetics of the EX89. I spotted them at a sneaker store yesterday but they didn't have my size, so I'll just order them I guess... Usually I'm not a huge fan of the Asics easthetic, I only buy Asics running shoes normally. Also, I never see anyone wearing Asics really... Maybe these sneakers will make Asics more mainstream but I hope to have found a more unique pair of sneakers that I actually really like.
I like the indent, gives them a nice details the competitors don’t have…and if it’s ff blast plus, then that’s a legit running cushion so they won’t feel like bricks on feet
Hey bro! I really appreciate your vid’s, always spot on. Would you say they fit the same as the 550?? And if you were to compare sizing to other ASICS models, would you say it fits closer to a Gel Lyte III/V or more like a saga? My dilemma is I wear a 12 in Gel Lyte III’s and V’s, but I wear an 11.5 is Gel Saga and Gel Sight. Thanks man!
Yo man I just got the Ballaholic collab in and not only are they super fire, the 11.5 is perfect. Really appreciate you steering me proper, nothing sucks more than getting a sneaker that doesn’t fit. Keep doing your thing ma man 👊💯
I like the Asics best for the simple fact of the Gel technology they use. The Asics out perform every other shoe on the market except maybe Nike Air soles. I used to like New Balance but they have just the EVA foam sole which aint good enough in the long run.
@@thegellyfe Are you able to do a performance review of the EX89s? I would like to know how they do in real active activities. The retro shoes Ive encountered may look like the old sports shoes of the day but they perform poorly. The ASICS are the only ones that seem to be able to actually perform. I tried the Nike Air Pegasus and the ASICS GT IIs and I think they are about the best they get in a retro shoe that could actually perform on the track or the gym.
Damn. I was looking to get the ASICS. I have the ALD 550’s and actually find them really uncomfortable so it’s concerning that you find them more comfy than the ASICS lol
You suggested that ASICS sort of copied the 550. I just think basketball shoes around the late eighties have a similar look and silhouette. The NB 550 to me has strong similarities to the Adidas Forum. Both have to compete marketwise against the Nike Dunk and the reissued Adidas Forum. I have to credit Nike in the Dunk, the Jordan 1 and the AF1 for keeping the retro basketball shoe craze alive that inspired to return the NB550 to the market in the first place, and Asics move with the EX89 isn't aimed at New Balance but Nike. For this reason so did Adidas with the Forum.
Btw, I love the comfort of the ALD 550, but I copped a pair of GR 550, and had to return them they were SO uncomfortable and tight on my little toe I had to return em.
The low ink boxes are a good thing for a gr, whether we like it or not its a good thing. particularly on grs there's no argument for a worse for the environment box its just packaging on a gr. The chunkier tennis shoe / cross trainer / low basket ball shoe isn't anything new. I wouldn't rush out for either. the ex89 have potential if the colourways improved to my tastes. ATM if I had to cop something similar id prob have a look at diadora rebound ace's there's some made in Italy versions and there seems to be more interesting colourways out in the wild that are obtainable....
I prefer these to the 550s. The leather Ronnie Fiegs in the Knicks CW are amazing. The cream/sail toe rand just elevates the shoe above the suede versions and the 550. I love when the toe rand is done in a contrasting colour.
@The Gel Lyfe I like them also but the Ronnie Fieg Knicks CW is my favourite EX89. I wish the Ballaholic's had a bit more colour contrasting. Maybe some grey around the toe with a grey logo on the medial/lateral. Like them but think theyre too monotone.
I would like to ad that, in the early 90s, I had a pair of Asics sneakers (i do not remember the name of the model) that was almost exactly like the EXs but with a blue tongue, so I am not really sure that they have copied the 550s with this one.
The Knicks colorway looks like the Pistons...which to me makes more sense because the Pistons were more dominant in the 80s and the Knicks were...well, the Knicks.
actually, the EX looks like a sand court tennis shoe from the late 80s, even if it wants to represent a cut-off basketball ball model. But the orange Kith EX has something, nice pig skin suede 😍
You’re funny 😆! I don’t think ASICS copied New Balance since ASICS copied its own design and added modern cushioning. However, I think ASICS and New Balance sat in their board rooms and asked themselves “how can we compete and copy Jordan and Nike?” Those are the big players in the game. I have a pair of EX89 and they feel like regular court shoes, but your feet feel like they are being propelled and that must be the FF Blast cushioning. I wish the ASICS had better materials but I hear that is where the 550 excel in.
I have both, only gripe I have with the 550 is the sizing. It’s way too long. The EX89, especially the new black and white colorway is a great alternative to the Panda dunks. I would even say it’s better.
if asics copied then they copied adidas forum 84. just take a look the front of the sneaker, they look nothing like 550! also asics are not as round as 550. on feet 550 are narrower and longer but asics look bulkier. not a good comparison.
The Asics is definitely a call and response to New Balance, the timing is too suspect. However, i really like the Asics design. As a anti-hyper, i would definitely wear the Asics.
Mate! Thanks for the review and little details on the EX89! I was looking at this long and hard, now I need to go to store and try it on 🤩 If between the two, EX89 is way better in my opinion, the shoe doesn't look so bricky and I just realized that they have included the FFblast in to the shoe that a big plus for me!
Do it bro - 550s are pretty dead now anyway!
Nice video. I thought it was the other way around, the 550 is a ripoff of the original gel extreme since it released after. Overall, I don't think it matters anyway but I'm glad there are more options. I was surprised to find out they include FF blast in the shoe since I thought it was just a flat chunky sneaker, kind of like a japan S 2.0 but not gel ptg level. Also, the price is pretty good, only $110 here in the US and you can get 50% if you qualify for discount.
I think at the end of the day they were all competing with the Nike dunk then and brought them back to compete now!
I think the EX89 is more Air Force 1 than New Balance 550 as far as shape but I bet your point for sure they were totally inspired by NB and if you think about it, their consumer bases are similar
"French Blue....which must be another word for green..." I really like the Asics, despite that type of shoe not really being my favourite. They've deffo been inspired by the NB, but hey - genius steals right? I really like the Fieg pack as well. Another wicked video, keep it up!
😂 cheers brother.. I guess ASICS were French Blue with envy!
@@thegellyfefrench blue is referred to the stripes colour 😉
Like them both, but the Asics pair might be the smarter buy in the end, especially if they get on sale eventually! That being said, tried a pair of 550’s and they’re one of the most uncomfortable sneakers I’ve ever tried on 😂
Yeah agreed get both!! 😂
I have 2 pairs of 550 and one is super comfortable, has a nice soft upper.
And the other is horrible, the upper is stif and uncomfortable 😂
So I guess you need the right pair
550 has a solid midsole if that's what it's called. Overtime your feet leave an impression in it and it becomes really comfortable.
I agree though at first it was not great
I came across the Asics EX89 and was immediately taken by the aesthetic and more so by the quality. This is a great shoe. The 550 is a nice shoe but I prefer the Asics as they come off as slightly more athletic-looking.
Couldn't agree more!
Today i ordered asic EX89 today after seen may reviews from Asics online portal.
From Delhi INDIA❤🇮🇳
BIG MOVES!!
Nice video but I have to disagree. I like both shoes but they are quite different to me. To me, 550s looks waaaaay more bulky and "brick like". And it gets worse if you look at them from the top when you are wearing them. I will get the EX for sure
Hahaha I have to agree on the 550s take, I tried it in NB store and when I saw the shoe from the top view, i just took them off 🤣
Fair play - each to their own, it’s the overall design and shillouette for me tho.
I agreed with u. The top view of the 550 is unacceptable
New Balance are awful overall. Sneakerheads have just twined their own minds to add some variety to Jordans, Nikes and Adidas. NB are ugly brick Dad shoes made from awful materials. Watch Rose Anvil cut apart a NB to see just how terrible the material quality is. Dead tings. ASICS are the true alternatives with models like Gel Lyte III.
@@stefan2serb 550s yes but 990 series in NB is dope and 574s. You don’t like it that’s fair but don’t sound like a hater
I grew up in the 80s and 90s. I'm fairly certain the overall design was more of a result of the existing materials and technology available at the time. Lots of shoes looked dam similar back in the day.
👌
Did you get your normal size? Says run small
How’s the sizing of the EX89 compared to 550’s? It gets the same tight feel or not exactly
They’re about the same, but yeah the 550s are a tiny bite tighter
I like both to be fair. The 550s are basically my everyday beaters and I can see these being a good alternative to them
Yeah true - and for the money they make a perfect beater!
The indent in the heel looks alot like what you'll see on retro avias
I'm really digging the easthetics of the EX89. I spotted them at a sneaker store yesterday but they didn't have my size, so I'll just order them I guess...
Usually I'm not a huge fan of the Asics easthetic, I only buy Asics running shoes normally. Also, I never see anyone wearing Asics really... Maybe these sneakers will make Asics more mainstream but I hope to have found a more unique pair of sneakers that I actually really like.
That’s good to hear bro!
Can anyone confirm that there was no ex89 low-top version back in the day and they only recently introduced one?
I couldnt find any reference to a low top tbf!
I like the indent, gives them a nice details the competitors don’t have…and if it’s ff blast plus, then that’s a legit running cushion so they won’t feel like bricks on feet
Yeah its growing on me to be fair, and the soles do feel pretty soft!
Are ex 89 comfortable for summer?
20°-25°C
I do t see why not mate 🤷♂️
I have the ex89 in white/illusion blue.
Hows the sizing? I went half size down with my nb 550 and im planning to buy the ex89 but im afraid if it will not fit well if i buy my true size.
I’d say go 0.5 up bro
@@thegellyfe just what I was looking for
@@thegellyfe so go 0.5 larger than your 550 size? So TTS?
I went half a size down on my 550s too.. and I’m wondering if I should do the same with the ex89 or go TTS?
got my pair coming in soon. where’d you get those cream/sail laces? got a link?
I forget bro but just look on Amazon tbf
Honestly I like both pair! I have mid/high top versions of the 550s and like them. I’m thinking of getting some forums and EX89s too
Get the all!! 😂
@@thegellyfe Aye man trying to be like Thanos with my own gauntlet 😂
is it ok to go .5 up in asics ex89?
Yep
Is it ok to go 0.5 size up in these?
Yes
How long are the stock laces on the EX89? Great video!
TOO LONG! and THANKS!
Hey bro! I really appreciate your vid’s, always spot on. Would you say they fit the same as the 550?? And if you were to compare sizing to other ASICS models, would you say it fits closer to a Gel Lyte III/V or more like a saga? My dilemma is I wear a 12 in Gel Lyte III’s and V’s, but I wear an 11.5 is Gel Saga and Gel Sight. Thanks man!
Thanks bro! I’d say they fit about 0.5 down from the 550, so I reckon an 11.5 will be spot on for you! 👌
Dude YES. Ima bout to grab the ballahollic collab, they still have a 11.5. Preciate ya brotha! 🔥
I already wear a 0.5 down in 550’s.. wear a 9 in jordan 1’s and an 8.5 in 550’s.. so, would I need an 8 in the Asics? 🤔
Yo man I just got the Ballaholic collab in and not only are they super fire, the 11.5 is perfect. Really appreciate you steering me proper, nothing sucks more than getting a sneaker that doesn’t fit. Keep doing your thing ma man 👊💯
@@patrickholloway9085 so, would you say they fit half a size down?
just got mine EX89 knicks and lakers colorway just 49 canadian dollars each in footluckers😃😊
That’s a steal!!
Any ideas on how the EX89 would fit for wide feet?
I’d just go 0.5 up if that’s the case
I have the ALD 550s and just ordered the Kith EX89 Knicks colorway. Hoping they fit TTS
Good shout and they should be TTS 👌
I like the Asics best for the simple fact of the Gel technology they use. The Asics out perform every other shoe on the market except maybe Nike Air soles. I used to like New Balance but they have just the EVA foam sole which aint good enough in the long run.
Fair play bro! Good shout
@@thegellyfe Are you able to do a performance review of the EX89s? I would like to know how they do in real active activities. The retro shoes Ive encountered may look like the old sports shoes of the day but they perform poorly. The ASICS are the only ones that seem to be able to actually perform. I tried the Nike Air Pegasus and the ASICS GT IIs and I think they are about the best they get in a retro shoe that could actually perform on the track or the gym.
How is the sizing compared to the bb550?
I go 0.5 down from NB to Asics
Do they fit the same as 550 should I size up or down or same size as 550
I’d just go true to size bro! (Not up 0.5 like NB)
EX89 was based of the 1989 GEL Extreme High Top basketball shoe.
Indeed it was
Damn. I was looking to get the ASICS. I have the ALD 550’s and actually find them really uncomfortable so it’s concerning that you find them more comfy than the ASICS lol
😂 probably our different foot shaped!?
You suggested that ASICS sort of copied the 550. I just think basketball shoes around the late eighties have a similar look and silhouette. The NB 550 to me has strong similarities to the Adidas Forum. Both have to compete marketwise against the Nike Dunk and the reissued Adidas Forum. I have to credit Nike in the Dunk, the Jordan 1 and the AF1 for keeping the retro basketball shoe craze alive that inspired to return the NB550 to the market in the first place, and Asics move with the EX89 isn't aimed at New Balance but Nike. For this reason so did Adidas with the Forum.
very fair points man!.. your right, ultamaltey they are all trying to get a slice of the dunk market.
nice vid bro 👍
Thank you
What about size of asics ex89, my bro? True size or not?
I’d say TTS and maybe 0.5 down if anything! 👌
@@thegellyfe thank you so much
550 is tts and ex89 is .5 down?
A lot of people went 0.5 down in 550’s ( myself included).. So, I guess just go with your 550 or AF1 sizing? 🤔
My friend, always talk sizing in your videos, helps the viewer out big time! Cheers
Will do bro - I forgot! 😅
@@thegellyfe How do you feel about the sizing now? Would you say true to size for the ex89?
for those who enjoy this sneaker vibe, there is also the Fila Teratach
ohhh - ill have a look!
The Teratach is a good looking shoe. I really like Fila but I don’t think the build quality is at the same level
Btw, I love the comfort of the ALD 550, but I copped a pair of GR 550, and had to return them they were SO uncomfortable and tight on my little toe I had to return em.
Sorry to hear - I have to go 0.5 size up in Nee Balance!
Bro Lacoste l005 or Asics ex89
ASICS all day bro
Asics also launched the BALLAHOLIC X EX89😊😊
Yeah - love them!! Best Colourway so far!
The colourway looks like nb 500 sea salt cream black
The low ink boxes are a good thing for a gr, whether we like it or not its a good thing. particularly on grs there's no argument for a worse for the environment box its just packaging on a gr.
The chunkier tennis shoe / cross trainer / low basket ball shoe isn't anything new. I wouldn't rush out for either. the ex89 have potential if the colourways improved to my tastes. ATM if I had to cop something similar id prob have a look at diadora rebound ace's there's some made in Italy versions and there seems to be more interesting colourways out in the wild that are obtainable....
Fair point bro and loving the Rebound Ace (I want the On/Off Packer one!!)
I prefer these to the 550s. The leather Ronnie Fiegs in the Knicks CW are amazing. The cream/sail toe rand just elevates the shoe above the suede versions and the 550. I love when the toe rand is done in a contrasting colour.
Yeah true - what do you think about the EX89 Ballaholics? Probably my favourite so far?
B
@The Gel Lyfe I like them also but the Ronnie Fieg Knicks CW is my favourite EX89.
I wish the Ballaholic's had a bit more colour contrasting. Maybe some grey around the toe with a grey logo on the medial/lateral. Like them but think theyre too monotone.
I would like to ad that, in the early 90s, I had a pair of Asics sneakers (i do not remember the name of the model) that was almost exactly like the EXs but with a blue tongue, so I am not really sure that they have copied the 550s with this one.
Need to know which pair bro?
The Knicks colorway looks like the Pistons...which to me makes more sense because the Pistons were more dominant in the 80s and the Knicks were...well, the Knicks.
Fair play bro - I’m just a skinny white kid from the UK! 😂
The Asics look better! And good job not falling for the hype and picking the Asics as they are not as common as the NBs.
cheers bra!
without watching the video i love the asics ex89 model espacilly the grand shark one and ballaholics
totally underrated
100!
actually, the EX looks like a sand court tennis shoe from the late 80s, even if it wants to represent a cut-off basketball ball model.
But the orange Kith EX has something, nice pig skin suede 😍
I’ll have to check it out! Cheers 🍻
You’re funny 😆! I don’t think ASICS copied New Balance since ASICS copied its own design and added modern cushioning. However, I think ASICS and New Balance sat in their board rooms and asked themselves “how can we compete and copy Jordan and Nike?” Those are the big players in the game.
I have a pair of EX89 and they feel like regular court shoes, but your feet feel like they are being propelled and that must be the FF Blast cushioning. I wish the ASICS had better materials but I hear that is where the 550 excel in.
all fair points! and yeah they are all looking at Nike / Jordan / Dunks and trying to take market share!
True size????
Yessir
They both look similar to the Fila teratech 600, Puma slipstream lo, Adidas forum lo
Yeah I think there all out to catch some of the dunk market
I have both and the ex89 is more confortable and is more versatile
I'll go with that!
raaaaaaah!.. Asics all day!
you know that!
Just got a pair of the ballaholic ex89 and they are more comfortable than the 550’s imo
Fair play and those are the best so far by a long shot!! 🔥
the 550s look good but stiff imo. ex89 was so comfortable from the first fit
👌
Both the shoes are similar in different way..
Facts!
@@thegellyfe I would wear ex89 everybody 550
I have both, only gripe I have with the 550 is the sizing. It’s way too long. The EX89, especially the new black and white colorway is a great alternative to the Panda dunks. I would even say it’s better.
So the ex89 fit TTS? I got my 550s in half a size down from my Jordan 1s
That’s a big statement I FULLY support!! 👍
@@thegellyfe so that’s a yes to TTS? Or half down?
Help to answer. Go TTS 👌🏻
@@adrianpragiwaksana4245 thanks, yes.. went TTS & they fit perfectly
Throw dem ex89s on wit some JNCOs
RAAAAAH!! JNCO's need a come back!
Undefeated has the Asics for $66 right now.
God dam!
Balances styled like dunks
The EX89 is way more comfortable than 550, especially for wider feet.
yeah you right1
if asics copied then they copied adidas forum 84. just take a look the front of the sneaker, they look nothing like 550! also asics are not as round as 550. on feet 550 are narrower and longer but asics look bulkier. not a good comparison.
good point! I'll go tell someone.
The Asics is definitely a call and response to New Balance, the timing is too suspect. However, i really like the Asics design. As a anti-hyper, i would definitely wear the Asics.
💯 agreed!
With shoes stuff is done so far in advance of the release I dunno if it’s true
Yeah I hear that, but only by about 18 months and the 550’s have been around for time at this point.
This video is so uninformed lmao. These shoes are from the 80s and if you don’t remember seeing Magic ball in these it just shows your age young buck
😂 you’re off your rocker mate!
Legggoooo
Booyay!
Asics are nicer visually
Absolutely nothing about the fit and feel or anything . Not a good review
Thanks mate! Pleased didn’t like
Asics green for women?
I dont think they did a womens yet..? (but not checked)