Best ASICS Shoes (2020): Releases & Where to Buy | Highsnobiety – Highsnobiety

Best ASICS Shoes (2020): Releases & Where to Buy | Highsnobiety  Highsnobiety

ASICS was founded by Kihachiro Onitsuka in 1949 following his return from World War 2 and established itself by manufacturing basketball shoes in his hometown of Kobe, Japan. The brand soon expanded into other sports, becoming a leading running shoe manufacturer and distributor. Anyone who has read Phil Knight’s Shoe Dog will know that Nike — then known as Blue Ribbon Sports — started as an importer of ASICS sneakers before splitting off and going in-house with its design and manufacturing.

Since expanding globally in the ’60s, ASICS has risen to become one of the world’s leading sportswear brands alongside Nike, adidas, and New Balance, specializing primarily in running shoes but also selling equipment and apparel for a wide range of sports. Now, while ASICS footwear is still some of the best in class across sports such as running, athletics, and volleyball, the Japanese sportswear brand has carved out a highly-reputable following in the lifestyle sector.

Thanks in large part to its revolutionary GEL midsole cushioning technology, and strategic collaborations with the likes of Ronnie Fieg, Kiko Kostadinov, and other leading designers and brands, ’90s and ’00s ASICS sneakers have been welcomed with open arms by sneakerheads who are more interested in aesthetics and comfort than how far and fast they can run wearing the shoes.

Over the years, ASICS has brought back some of its most popular sneaker silhouettes. These are the GEL-Lyte 3 and 5, the GEL-Kayano 5 oG, and hybrid models such as the GEL-Kayano 5 360 and GEL-Nandi 360 that combine a retro upper with ASICS’ all-new, 360-degree GEL cushioning system. In addition, newer versions of said sneakers, such as the GEL-Kayano 25 and GEL-Nimbus 22, have proven popular with both the performance and the lifestyle crowds.

Naturally, keeping up with all of the fire releases ASICS is dropping can be a little hard, especially with so much to offer. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best ASICS sneakers to have been released over the past few years. Scroll through below.

ASICS GEL-Nandi 360

Highsnobiety / Ahmed Chrediy

Brand: ASICS

Model: GEL-Nandi 360

Key Features: The GEL-NANDI 360 is a hybrid that fuses a retro-inspired upper with the GEL-Quantum 360 tooling seen on some of ASICS’ most advanced sneakers.

Release Date: November 2019

Buy: ASICS

Editor’s Notes: After dropping exclusively at Highsnobiety Shop in early November 2019, the GEL-Nandi 360 was available at select retailers on November 22, as well as at ASICS later on. The GEL-NANDI 360 added a 360-degree GEL sole to a classic upper, creating a hybrid much in the mold of the GEL-Kayano 5 360 that ASICS recently introduced.

The GEL-Nandi 360 follows the trend of retro, archival models being spruced up with modern tech, giving them a decidedly contemporary spin.

ASICS x Kengo Kuma METARIDE AMU

Brand: ASICS x Kengo Kuma

Model: METARIDE AMU

Key Features:  Kengo Kuma’s architectural design utilizes the yatara ami (bamboo knitting) technique, which allows the sneaker’s two interlocking layers to naturally adapt to the movement of the foot. The sneaker’s upper is covered with the knit material overlay, which conceals a slip-on mono-sock. Elsewhere, the tan midsole adds a welcome contrast to the otherwise completely white upper.

Release Date: December 2019

Buy: ASCIS Japan

Editor’s Notes: ASICS’ most technologically-advanced running shoe, the METARIDE, receives a sculptural design update courtesy of famed Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. Kuma celebrates his love of sneakers with an architectural take on the sneaker, using the ancient yatara knitting technique for his sleek new sneaker.

The result is a shoe that moves with the foot and minimizes the impact on the ankle. Through the language of architecture the stylish design marries ASICS’ most cutting-edge technology with ancient techniques and Kengo’s beautifully engineered aesthetic to create what he calls his “smallest building yet.” Only 2020 pairs of the sneaker were produced.

ASICS GEL-Kinsei OG “Olympics”

Brand: ASICS

Model: GEL-Kinsei OG “Olympics”

Key Features: The GEL-Kinsei OG was heavily inspired by samurai armor and attempted to replicate the way in which it protects the body while still allowing it to move freely. This influence fed into its overall construction, such as the way the angle of the sneaker’s heel mirrors the angle of a samurai’s katana swords.

Release Date: January 2020

Buy: ASICS

Editor’s Notes: With the 2020 Summer Olympics set to take place in Tokyo, Japan, it only makes sense that ASICS, a Japanese sportswear brand, would add some Olympics-themed flavor to its marquee models. The recently-relaunched GEL-Kinsei OG, which was released in its original colorway as well as subject to a collaboration with Affix Works, sees a predominantly black upper paired with hits of green, blue, red, and yellow, the colors of the Olympics.

ASICS x Reigning Champ GEL-Quantum 360 5 Trail

ASICS

Brand: Reigning Champ x ASICS

Model: GEL-Quantum 360 5 Trail

Key Features: The sneaker features GEL cushioning, paired with GORE-TEX weather-proofing and ripstop nylon on the uppers. It’s crafted for running in gloomy Pacific Northwest conditions, opting to go for tonal colorways that allow the technical aspects of the shoe to speak for itself.

Release Date: February 2020

Buy: HanonSneakersnstuffThe Next DoorStarcow ParisShinzoLuisa Via RomaSoleboxWellgosh.

Editor’s Notes: For this collaboration with ASICS, Reigning Champ tapped into Vancouver and the city’s often gloomy weather conditions for inspiration. The collaboration consists of two footwear options and a range of complementary apparel, all of which have been outfitted with weather-proofing technology ranging from GORE-TEX and ripstop nylon to Polartec Alpha Direct and Merino wool.

ASICS x Reigning Champ GEL-Cumulus 21 GTX

ASICS

Brand: ASICS x Reigning Champ

Model: GEL-Cumulus 21 GTX

Key Features: The GEL-Cumulus 21 GTX model comes with cushioning paired with GORE-TEX weather-proofing and ripstop nylon on the uppers. Just like the GEL-Quantum 360 5 Trail, it’s crafted for running in gloomy Pacific Northwest conditions.

Release Date: February 2020

Buy: Reigning ChampEND.BrownsDover Street MarketFootpatrolFoot DistrictOfficeTrés BienCaliroots
Slam Jam

Editor’s Notes: For this collaboration with ASICS, Reigning Champ tapped into Vancouver and the city’s often gloomy weather conditions for inspiration. The collaboration consists of two footwear options and a range of complementary apparel, all of which have been outfitted with weather-proofing technology ranging from GORE-TEX and ripstop nylon to Polartec Alpha Direct and Merino wool.

ASICS GEL-Kinsei

Brand: ASICS

Model: GEL-Kinsei

Key Features: Offered in a rich navy colorway, the Kinsei stands out due to its familiar six-pronged GEL cushioning system on the heel.

Release Date: January 2020

Buy: ASICS

Editor’s Notes: ASICS released a trio of sneakers, which together make up the “Japan” collection. Consisting of the GEL-Kinsei, GEL-Kayano 25, and Metarun SPS, all of the models are decked out in luxe leather.

ASICS GEL-Kayano 25

Brand: ASICS

Model: GEL-Kayano 25

Key Features: The Kayano 25 is showcased in navy, accented with contrasting ASICS branding. It also comes with a FlyteFoam midsole and GEL cushioning system.

Release Date: January 2020

Buy: ASICS

Editor’s Notes:  Each of the running performance sneakers in the previously mentioned trio are offered in more lifestyle-specific renditions, crafted from luxe leather.

ASICS Metarun SPS

Brand: ASICS

Model: Metarun SPS

Key Features: The Metarun SPS is crafted from Japanese white leather tanned in Himeji, with hits of gold and red throughout. Additional features include X-GEL cushioning plus an adaptive Sloped DUOMAX dual density midsole and Adapttruss stability system.

Release Date: January 2020

Buy: ASICS

Editor’s Notes: The Metarun SPS is an apt reintroduction of ASICS’ pinnacle running shoe from 2015. The product of countless hours of research at the ASICS Institute of Sport Science, Metarun is the brand’s flagship product for long-distance running.

ASICS x Kiko Kostadinov GEL-KORIKA

Brand: ASICS x Kiko Kostadinov

Model: GEL-KORIKA

Key Features: The GEL-KORIKA silhouette features a double stacked FlyteFoam sole that merges the GEL-NIMBUS base with the GELBURST RS upper.

Release Date: November 2019

Buy: StockX

Editor’s Notes: The low-top silhouette comes decorated in four colorways, two of which feature vivid color-blocking in women’s sizes, while more pared-back black-on-black and grey colorways constitute the men’s offerings. Juergen Teller was enlisted for the campaign, taking the silhouette with him on his travels for a fittingly eccentric shoot.

ASICS GEL-Nimbus 21

Brand: ASICS

Model: GEL-Nimbus 21

Key Features: This model features GEL cushioning tech and bright graphics, giving it a fashion-forward feel.

Release Date: September 2019

Buy: ASICS

Editor’s Notes: ASICS’ September 2019 performance footwear drops include the GEL-Nimbus 21 and GEL-Kayano 26 (detailed below).  Both models are among the most wearable styles from the Fall 2019 collection that you can also go running in.

ASICS GEL-Kayano 26

Brand: ASICS

Model: GEL-Kayano 26

Key Features:  Like the GEL-Nimbus 21, this sneaker features stylish color-blocking and combinations on knitted black uppers as well as GEL cushioning tech on the midsoles, treated with bright graphics, once again re-emphasizing the fashion forward feel.

Release Date: September 2019

Buy: ASICS

Editor’s Notes: In addition to the comfort of their synthetic knit uppers and GEL-cushioning, the combination of vivid colors on black and gray makes these a solid style-conscious choice.

ASICS x Kiko Kostadino Gessirit

Brand: ASICS x Kiko Kostadinov

Model: Gessirit

Key Features: The ASICS x Kiko Kostadinov Gessirit features an upper made from suede and micro-mesh, in addition to metallic overlays and silver rings that facilitate a triple-strap fastening.

Release Date: September 2019

Buy: LUISAVIAROMA

Editor’s Notes: The ASICS x Kiko Kostadinov Gessirit debuted as part of Kiko Kostadinov’s FW19 womenswear show.

The collaborative Gessirit drew from the legendary bandidas of Central America, a group of brave women from the 19th century who rebelled against the establishment. Designers Laura and Deanna Fanning created the Gessirit silhouette by referencing performance-wear from the ASICS archives. The upper resembles a vintage track and field shoe, while the sole is a nod to the technical encasing of a wrestling shoe.

ASICS GlideRide

Brand: ASICS

Model: GlideRide

Key Features: The GlideRide sneaker is ASICS’ first to feature the eponymous midsole technology, which was developed to reduce energy loss and provide a base for runners of all levels to go further and run longer.

Release Date: September 2019

Buy: ASICS

Editor’s Notes: ASICS unveiled the GlideRide by inviting several current and former athletes to test it during a run on the Utah Salt Flats. Runners were tasked with running as long as they could at their calculated moderate run pace.

ASICS describes it as the little brother to its high-performance energy returning sneaker, the MetaRide. While the MetaRide is made for top level athletes, the GlideRide is for runners of all levels that want the same energy-saving technology in a more comfortable ride.

ASICS x BEAMS GEL-Fujitrabuco 7

Brand: ASICS x BEAMS

Model: GEL-Fujitrabuco 7

Key Features: The ASICS x BEAMS GEL-Fujitrabuco 7 features a water-resistant GORE-TEX upper, SOLYTE midsole for cushioning, built-in gel in the heel for shock absorption, GORE-TEX branding at the toe and co-branded insoles.

Release Date: November 2019

Buy: BEAMS

Editor’s Notes: Following a collaboration with Chemist Creations, ASICS partnered with BEAMS to work on one of its more underrated silhouettes, the GEL-Fujitrabuco 7.

The Japanese retailer outfitted the trail-ready GEL-Fujitrabuco 7 in shades of grey, applying weatherproof GORE-TEX to adhere to harsh outdoor conditions. The sneaker also boasts an aggressive outsole to handle extreme terrain. Lastly, the GEL-Fujitrabuco 7 is marked with co-branded BEAMS x ASICS insoles.

ASICS x Affix Works GEL-Kinsei OG “GORE-TEX”

Affix Works

Brand: ASICS x Affix Works

Model: GEL-Kinsei OG “GORE-TEX”

Key Features: The upper’s biomorphic fit was outfitted with GORE-TEX weather-proofing technology, giving the GEL-Kinsei OG a robust update. The sole unit combines ASICS’ trademark Impact Guidance System, as well as the weight-reducing Trusstic System technology. The GEL-Kinsei was originally inspired by samurai armor, with designer Hisanori Fujita wanting to replicate the way the ancient armor protects the body while still allowing it to move freely.

Release Date: October 2019

Buy: GOAT

Editor’s Notes: Affix Works and ASICS joined forces for their second collaborative GEL-Kinsei OG of the year. This time, ASICS and Affix Works outfitted the mid-’00s runner with GORE-TEX weather-proofing, making the already technical sneaker even more high-tech. The sneaker was one of the most advanced runners when it first released in 2006 and fits perfectly into the zeitgeist of overly-complicated and techy retro performance sneakers.

Affix Works is a design collective founded by Kiko Kostadinov, stylist Stephen Mann, artist Taro Ray and Gimme Five founder Michael Kopelman.

ASICS x Ronnie Fieg GEL-Kayano 5

Brand: ASICS x Ronnie Fieg

Model: GEL-Kayano 5

Key Features: Ronnie Fieg’s GEL-Kayano 5 “Oasis” features a predominantly white upper with sport mesh and leather overlays, reflective silver panels and trims, embroidered “FIEG” and “ASICS” co-branding at the collar, dual-color embroidered Tiger stripes, and DUOMAX cushioning technology with GEL injections in the sole unit.

Release Date: July 2019

Buy: GOAT

Editor’s Notes: Ronnie Fieg worked on the iconic Japanese sportswear brand’s 2018 relaunched GEL-Kayano 5 OG model. Originally released in 1999, the GEL-Kayano 5 was the fifth iteration of lead sneaker designer Toshikazu Kayano’s complete reimagining of ASICS’ GEL running technology in sneaker form.

ASICS Tiger Tarther OG

Brand: ASICS Tiger

Model: Tarther OG

Key Features: This throwback, lightweight low-top from 1983 is done up in two timeless colorways, each featuring a predominantly white base with either red or blue hits on the toe, heel and laces, and silver Tiger stripes.

Release Date: July 2019

Buy: ASICS

Editor’s Notes: ASICS reaches deep into their footwear archive to revive an original racing flat, the 1983 Tarther OG. The Tarther, meaning “Tiger Racer,” was originally launched as an ultra-lightweight performance runner.

ASICS GEL-Saga “Zebra”

Brand: ASICS

Model: GEL-Saga “Zebra”

Key Features: The sneaker comes in two colorways that pay homage to ’90s 8-bit gaming. The upper is made of an assortment of nylon, suede, and leather, while the sole features ASICS’ iconic GEL cushioning.

Release Date: March 2019

Buy: StockX

Editor’s Notes: ASICS successfully relaunched the GEL-Saga in 2018. A year later, the brand sought to broaden its offerings of the iconic ’90s running shoe by releasing two colorways of the GEL-Saga “Zebra” iteration.

Two bold, ’90s-influenced colorways took center stage, with the OG Zebra stripes finding their way onto both the lateral and medial sides of the shoes. The base of the kicks is kept muted, while pops of color on the tongue, heel, ASICS stripes, and outsole round out the design of the shoe.

ASICS x Vivienne Westwood GEL-Saga

Brand: ASICS x Vivienne Westwood

Model: GEL-Saga

Key Features: The GEL-Saga features an all-white upper save for Vivienne Westwood branding and the same painting graphic on the bottom of the translucent outsole.

Release Date: August 2019

Buy: StockX

Editor’s Notes: Having teamed up with ASICS on the GEL-Mai and GEL-Kayano 5 OG, legendary punk designer Vivienne Westwood took on a trio of ASICS retro models: the GEL-Saga, GEL-DS, and Hyper GEL-Lyte in Fall 2019.

In contrast to the busier GEL-Mai and GEL-Kayano 5 OG collabs, Westwood kept things simple with the GEL-Saga, opting for an all-white leather look with contrast branding on the heel. The final detail is a translucent outsole featuring a Renaissance-style image on the bottom, as well as a tag that reads “CHAOS” on the medial side of the heel.

ASICS x Vivienne Westwood Hyper GEL-Lyte

Brand: ASICS x Vivienne Westwood

Model: Hyper GEL-Lyte

Key Features:  The Hyper GEL-Lyte model features a Renaissance painting graphic on the upper and a marbled white midsole.

Release Date: August 2019

Buy: GOAT

Editor’s Notes: Both the GEL-DS and Hyper GEL-Lyte feature much busier uppers, with the GEL-Saga’s outsole graphic featuring on the upper of the Hyper GEL-Lyte for the most eye-catching and hardest-to-pull-off look in the pack.

ASICS x Vivienne Westwood GEL-DS Trainer

Brand: ASICS x Vivienne Westwood

Model: GEL-DS Trainer

Key Features: The GEL-DS Trainer is predominantly gray and black with bright-colored color-blocking on the heel, side panels, and midsole.

Release Date: August 2019

Buy: ASICS

Editor’s Notes: The GEL-DS Trainer was the third sneaker in Vivienne Westwood’s collaboration with ASICS in August 2019, longside the GEL-Saga and Hyper GEL-Lyte.

ASICS x Hasbro x Foot Locker GEL-Lyte 3 “G.I. Joe”

Hasbro / Foot Locker / ASICS

Brand: ASICS x Hasbro x Foot Locker

Model: GEL-Lyte 3 “G.I. Joe”

Key Features: Both GEL-Lyte 3 sneakers are inspired by two G.I. Joe characters, Storm Shadow and Snake Eyes. The black Snake Eyes model features a leather upper with reflective detailing and a crystal rubber outsole. The white Storm Shadow version also features a crystal rubber outsole and a leather upper. On the bottom of both colorways is an iced outsole revealing Zartan, a character who plays a key part in the Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow story.

Release Date: February 2019

Buy: GOAT

Editor’s Notes: In G.I. Joe, Storm Shadow and Snake Eyes are brothers in arms turned mortal enemies. Each character got its own GEL-Lyte 3 sneaker, one predominantly black and the other predominantly white. Subtle detailing throughout hints to the characters’ personalities and the Storm Shadow vs Snake Eyes story arc.

ASICS x Kiko Kostadinov GEL-Delva 1

Brand: ASICS x Kiko Kostadinov

Model: GEL-Delva 1

Key Features: The sneaker features a performance low-top silhouette boasting FlyteFoam cushioning and GEL technology. The Dynamic Duomax mixed-material upper inspired by the GEL-Fujitrabuco 7 hides the ASICS stripes beneath a slatted pattern. A GEL-Kayano 24 back counter completes the look.

Release Date: February 2019

Buy: StockX

Editor’s Notes: Kiko Kostadinov and ASICS continued their partnership with three colorways of the Bulgarian designer’s GEL-Delva 1 sneaker, first unveiled in a feature by Vogue France.

The silhouette previously dropped in fall-appropriate “Pine Green,” “Rosewood Brown,” and “Cement Black” in late 2018. The colorways from this release are the much livelier and spring-ready “Cool Mist/Forest Green,” “Murasaki/Performance Black,” and “Tai-Chi Yellow/Taupe Grey.”

The release followed Kostadinov and ASICS’ previous GEL-Burz 2 drop, which consisted of a pack of three pottery-inspired kicks. Kostadinov is known to sneakerheads for the instantly recognizable design cues that make his ASICS collaborations some of the most interesting out there. Each of his past sneaker projects has featured premium materials and distinctive looks for a tastefully elevated dad-shoe look.

ASICS x atmos Gel-Lyte 3 “World Map”

ASICS

Brand: ASICS x atmos

Model: Gel-Lyte 3 “World Map”

Key Features: Premium leather construction punctuated with a world map printed across its entirety. The ocean’s light blue tone makes up the base color, while the colorful countries and distinct black text provide both detailing and bold contrast. Patterned rope-style laces and full-length rubber tooling solidifies the build.

Release Date: December 2018

Buy: StockX

Editor’s Notes: In addition to the neon-colored GEL-Inst.180, Tokyo’s atmos also reinterpreted ASICS’ popular Gel-Lyte 3 silhouette.

ASICS GEL-Kayano 5

Brand: ASICS

Model: GEL-Kayano 5

Key Features: Following the sneaker’s original colorway, which was re-released one-to-one in November 2018, we got our first look at the purple, teal, and white iteration. The colors, alongside the ASICS GEL-Kayano 5’s distinctive shape and design, play into the retro sportswear trend that is so popular nowadays.

Release Date: February 2019

Buy: ASICS

Editor’s Notes: After relaunching its iconic GEL-Kayano 5 silhouette, ASICS  brought even more colorways of this retro runner to market during the SS19 season.

The ASICS GEL-Kayano 5 was originally released in 1999 and, as its name suggests, was the fifth in the Kayano series. Initially built for stability and long-distance running, the sneaker featured what was at the time ground-breaking GEL technology, a heavy use of overlays, and aggressive tooling. Combined, all those design details spoke to a futuristic ’90s look.

Everything from the tear drop tongue, visible GEL in the heel, and ASICS’ Quadra-lacing, was first included with performance in mind. Now, 20 years later, those same features play into a nostalgic ’90s theme.

ASICS x Harmony Paris GEL-Quantum 360

Brand: ASICS x Harmony Paris

Model: GEL-Quantum 360

Key Features: The GEL-Quantum 360 came available in two monochrome versions, featuring a new mesh-upper and 360° GEL cushioning technology. The sneakers include integral Trusstic system for support and relaxation, together with an IGS system that adapts to the movements and anatomy of the foot.

Release Date: December 2018

Buy: Grailed

Editor’s Notes: After collaborating on the GEL-Venture 6 in October 2018, Harmony reunited with ASICS on the classic GEL-Quantum 360 silhouette. The joint capsule was produced in very limited quantities, composed of monochrome black and white colorways.

Harmony Paris’ artistic director, David Obadia, had this to say about working on the pair: “Its design offers many stylistic possibilities. The challenge was then to accentuate its urban dimension in order to be worn on a daily basis, while maintaining the performance factors that make it so great.”

ASICS x atmos GEL-Inst.180

Brand: ASICS x atmos

Model: GEL-Inst.180

Key Features: The ASICS x atmos GEL-Inst.180 finds black suede taking over the upper, while neon green and neon pink soles draw attention to the bottom of each sneaker. Neon branding is also noted on the side and the tongue, and tonal laces accompany to complete the design.

Release Date: December 2018

Buy: StockX

Editor’s Notes: The “neon” pack included two colorways of the sneaker, one with green accents and the other with pink. In addition to the shoes, atmos released water-repellent sneaker spray in matching spray cans.

ASICS x Afew x BEAMS GEL-Lyte 3 “Orange Koi”

ASICS

Brand: ASICS x Afew x BEAMS

Model: GEL-Lyte 3 “Orange Koi”

Key Features: The sneaker’s upper features suede construction and orange color-blocking on the toe, heel, and sock liner. Gray paneling can be found on the sides, while the ASICS side stripes are done up in a rich navy blue. The sides of the heels feature BEAMS and Afew branding, and the backs of the heels feature a world map and the Japanese word for friendship. Two special insoles and a multi-colored outsole complete the look.

Release Date: November 2018

Buy: StockX

Editor’s Notes: Afew and BEAMS threw it back to the early-to-mid ’10s with this release, which essentially was a remastered, recolored version of Afew’s popular “Koi” ASICS GEL-Lyte 3 from 2012.

It has all of the hallmarks of those special runner collaborations that dominated the market from 2010 to 2015, with color-blocked toe boxes being a signature of those releases. This time, though, the two retailers flipped the standout colors from red to orange for a slightly different look.

ASICS GEL-Lyte MT

ASICS

Brand: ASICS

Model: GEL-Lyte MT

Key Features: The mid-top sneaker features a neoprene bootie for a snug fit, as well as a combination of different types of leathers and suedes on the upper. A frontal zip closure, mountain-ready tread outsole, and sherpa fleece lining complete an ultra-cozy look.

Release Date: November 2018

Buy: ASICS

Editor’s Notes: Winter came and went, and ASICS had everyone who subscribed to the Team Cozy lifestyle covered with this pair of hairy suede and sherpa fleece-lined GEL-Lyte MT sneakers.

Arriving in fall-ready tones of muted browns and beiges that make your feet look like fuzzy little bear paws, the sneaker is guaranteed to keep you warm in all conditions thanks to its treaded sole and mid-top construction. And if that’s not enough, the sherpa fleece lining adds a layer of much-needed warmth. A removable, zip-up shroud provides additional customizability and comfort.

ASICS x Footpatrol GEL SAGA

Brand: ASICS x Footpatrol

Model: GEL SAGA

Key Features: A primarily white mesh upper is complemented by a blue high enamel finish on the Tiger Stripes and blue detailing on the tongue, white EVA molded midsole, translucent outsole, and heel. Titanium gray suede overlays on the upper, tongue, and heel give the sneaker a luxurious feel. The premium terry cloth sock liner and Footpatrol gas mask logo embossed on the lace loop round out the look.

Release Date: July 2018

Buy: StockX

Editor’s Notes: Renowned London sneaker retailer Footpatrol and ASICS teamed up on an anime-inspired GEL SAGA. According to Footpatrol, the collaboration is inspired by the Japanese animation’s world of glowing 2D effects, dynamic camera angles, and intense fight sequences. The GEL SAGA first launched in 1991 as tribute to the Gelgoog mecha suit from the classic anime TV series Mobile Suit Gundam, inspiring the Footpatrol team to stick with the OG theme for this 2018 remake.

In addition to the sneaker, Footpatrol tapped London-based animator Art&Graft to create some exclusive items to go along with the anime theme. A gift pack was available only to the first 25 customers that purchased the shoe at Footpatrol London and Paris, and included a limited edition comic, a collection of stickers, and a miniature manga-style robot designed especially for the project. Customers at the Footpatrol London store were also treated to a full in-store experience complete with giant robot on display.

Some of the best ASICS sneakers released in the last few years are

ASICS GEL-Nandi 360

ASICS and Kengo Kuma METARIDE AMU

ASICS GEL-Kinsei OG „Olympics“

ASICS x Reigning Champ GEL-Quantum 360 5 Trail – (what to do abt all buy links?)

ASICS x Reigning Champ GEL-Cumulus 21 GTX – (what to do abt all buy links?)

ASICS GEL-Kinsei

ASICS GEL-Kayano 25 – stopped here for prices & grammar

ASICS Metarun SPS

ASICS x Kiko Kostadinov GEL-KORIKA

ASICS GEL-Nimbus 21

ASICS GEL-Kayano 26

ASICS x Kiko Kostadinov Gessirit

ASICS GlideRide

ASICS x BEAMS GEL-Fujitrabuco 7

ASICS x Affix Works GEL-Kinsei OG “GORE-TEX”

ASICS x Ronnie Fieg GEL-Kayano 5

ASICS Tiger Tarther OG

ASICS GEL-Saga „Zebra“

ASICS x Vivienne Westwood GEL-Saga

ASICS x Vivienne Westwood Hyper GEL-Lyte

ASICS x Vivienne Westwood GEL-DS Trainer

ASICS x Hasbro x Foot Locker GEL-Lyte 3 “G.I. Joe”

ASICS x Kiko Kostadinov GEL-Delva 1

ASICS x Atmos GEL-Lyte 3 “World Map”

ASICS GEL-Kayano 5

ASICS x Harmony Paris GEL-Quantum 360

ASICS x Atmos GEL-Inst.180

ASICS x Afew x BEAMS GEL-Lyte 3 “Orange Koi”

ASICS GEL-Lyte MT

ASICS x Footpatrol GEL SAGA

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are ASICS sneakers made?

According to their accumulated 2018 supplier list, ASICS has footwear suppliers in Brazil, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Italy and Vietnam.

Are ASICS good sneakers?

Working with the renowned Institute of Sports Science in Kobe, Japan, ASICS produces some of the best sneakers on the market for professional and amateur athletes, in addition to producing plenty of great products for lifestyle customers.

Where can I buy ASICS sneakers?

ASICS sneakers are widely available at ASICS.com, flagship ASICS stores worldwide and plenty of third-party retailers like Foot Locker and JD Sports.