ASICS Comfort Swap & Run
Description
ASICS is hosting a free 'Comfort Swap & Run' event in Sydney on Saturday 17th January 2026, inviting runners to trade in their old running shoes for a brand-new pair of the GEL-NIMBUS™ 28 - completely free, no matter the brand or condition.
Registration is via ballot. Enter now for your chance to be one of the selected participants. Winners will be selected based on their responses to the question ‘In 25 words or less, explain what ASICS' 'Sound Mind, Sound Body' philosophy means to you?’ and size stock available. If selected, you will be notified via email on Wednesday 14 January with full event details and confirmation. You must be available for collection on Saturday 17th January between 7-10am at the event. Limit one entry per person - multiple entries will not increase your chances of selection.
If selected, you'll be invited to bring your old runners to a location in Sydney between 7:00am - 10:00am and swap them for ASICS' most cushioned neutral running shoe, featuring FF BLAST™ PLUS cushioning and PureGEL™ technology for cloud-like comfort. You'll be invited to take your new shoes for a run, experiencing firsthand how comfort-first design transforms the way running feels. ASICS athletes will also be in attendance, including Australian marathon record holder Andy Buchanan, Olympians Sarah Carli, Brandon Stark and Kristie Edwards, and NRL player Cameron Murray.
All swapped shoes will be collected and recycled through Tread Lightly, an Australian footwear recycling initiative that transforms unwanted sports shoes into running tracks, sports flooring, and playground surfaces across the country.
FAQs
- How do I secure my spot at the event?
Registration is via ballot. Submit your entry through this page, and you'll be entered into a draw. Winners will be notified via email on Wednesday 14th January 2026 with full event details, location and confirmation. Due to limited capacity, entry does not guarantee a spot - only selected participants will be invited to attend.
- When does the ballot close?
The ballot remains open for 48 hours from 7:00AM (AEDT) on Monday, 12th January. Make sure to enter before it closes at 7:00AM (AEDT) on Wednesday, 14th January for your chance to be selected.
- What do I need to bring/do on the day?
If you are drawn as a winner, you will receive a ticket via email that you must present on arrival to collect your new GEL-NIMBUS™ 28 shoes. You will be required to bring a form of personal identification, so we can confirm you are the registered recipient of the shoes. You must also bring a pair of old running shoes to swap - any brand, any condition. Please note: the shoes must be running shoes (not casual sneakers, or other non-running shoes). No ticket = no entry. No running shoes to swap = no new shoes.
- Do my old shoes need to be in good condition?
No. We'll accept running shoes in any condition - worn out, old, or gently used, so long as they are still wearable.
- What happens to my old shoes?
All swapped shoes will be collected and recycled through Tread Lightly, an Australian footwear recycling initiative. Your old running shoes will be transformed into running tracks, sports flooring, and playground surfaces across the country - keeping them out of landfill and creating new opportunities for people to be active.
- Can I choose my shoe size?
Yes. During registration, you'll select your preferred size from our available range (US M 7 / US W 6 through to US M 15 / US W 13). When you present your ticket on the day, your shoes will be ready in your chosen size. Size swaps are not available at the event. The size you select during registration is the size you will receive on the day. Please take care to select your correct size when entering the ballot, as changes cannot be accommodated once winners are selected.
- Is there a cost to participate?
No. The event is completely free. You trade in your old running shoes and receive a brand-new pair of GEL-NIMBUS™ 28 (valued at $280 RRP) at no cost.
- What time should I arrive?
The event runs from 7:00am - 10:00am at central Sydney location. Your confirmation email will include the exact location.
- Where exactly is the event located?
Full location and information will be provided in your confirmation email if you're selected.
- What happens after I receive my new shoes?
You'll be invited to take your new GEL-NIMBUS™ 28 shoes for a lap of Centennial Park's iconic 3.5km loop to experience the comfort and cushioning firsthand. This is optional but highly encouraged!
- Can I bring a friend or family member?
Only registered participants who have been selected and notified will be admitted to the event. Spectators are welcome to wait outside the event area, but cannot participate in the shoe swap without a confirmed spot.
- Can I enter multiple times to increase my chances?
No. The ballot is limited to one entry per person. Submitting multiple entries will not increase your chances of selection - only your first valid entry will be considered, and duplicate entries may result in disqualification.
- What if I'm not selected in the ballot?
Unfortunately, due to limited capacity, not everyone who enters will be selected. If you're not drawn this time, keep an eye out for future ASICS events and activations by signing up to OneASICS.
- How many pairs of GEL-NIMBUS™ 28 are being given away?
ASICS is giving away 250 pairs of GEL-NIMBUS™ 28 shoes. While you can select your preferred size during registration (US M 7 / US W 6 through to US M 15 / US W 13), sizing availability varies based on stock levels. Winner selection is based on entry responses and size availability.
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