Last quarter of a close match, heavy legs, shot receptions that weigh: it's for this moment that the Asics Gel Beyond shoes prioritise cushioning and comfort throughout the duration of a match.
The Beyond FF 2 and Beyond FF MT 2 lead the way, alongside the first generation Beyond FF, in men's and women's versions.
The Beyond FF 2 is for players who want cushioning and comfort from first to last point. Its FlyteFoam Propel midsole combines bounce and shock absorption, and its snug upper holds the foot firmly. The Risetruss provides control during jumps.
The drop is the height difference between the heel and the forefoot. The Beyond FF 2 has a drop of five millimetres, a modest value that keeps the foot relatively close to the ground. The player feels their footing better than with a higher drop, while still having cushioning under the heel for landings.
Asics aims the MT version at players looking for powerful jumps and comfortable landings. Its mid-top upper wraps around the ankle, a plus for those who jump repeatedly in training.
The original Beyond FF, still available in several men's and women's colourways, was advertised for maximum support and cushioning. It includes a Trusstic under the arch and the same drop value, with jump power designed for attacking or countering.
Specialist retailers mention handball among the recommended sports for the Beyond FF 2. Its cushioning will please backs and players who jump often, and its comfort will appeal to those who play long minutes. For a game mostly made up of feints and duels, a Gel-Tactic remains more stable on the sides.
The Sky Elite goes further in bounce with its FF Blast Max foam. The Powerbreak prioritises stability in dynamic movements. Find the whole range on the Asics shoes page.
The end-of-line colours are in the shoe clearance, and there are seasonal discounts on the sale shoes page.
The family was once called Gel-Beyond. The models on the page are named Beyond FF, after the FlyteFoam they use, but they remain from the same lineage.
Opinions vary: compare your foot length in centimetres with the grid on the sheet. The women's versions follow the women's grid from Asics.
The Sky Elite is more focused on pure jumping, while the Beyond is about comfort over time. A back player who jumps in suspension at each attack would lean towards the Sky Elite, while a versatile player would prefer the Beyond.
A five-millimetre drop is common indoors and shouldn't be a problem for most players. If you're coming from a shoe with a high drop, give your calves a few sessions to adjust.
Its mid-top upper wraps around the ankle and provides reassurance, but it doesn't replace the strapping or support recommended by a healthcare professional.