ASICS has got its foot on the gas and it doesn't look like letting up anytime soon.
The brand's dominating the best sneaker releases of the year so far, with a relentless stream of collaborations with the likes of Dime, Cecilie Bahnsen (who turned its sporty sneakers into mary janes), Kith, and that's just the most recent ones.
Plus, with equally desirable general-release pairs and recent co-signs by everyone from the A$AP Rocky to Kendall Jenner, ASICS might just be in its most popular era.
The brand 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.
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 models, such as the GT-2160 and GEL-NYC, have proven popular with both the performance and the lifestyle crowds.
Naturally, keeping up with all of the 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 recently. Scroll through below.
ASICS x Dime GT-2160
The GT-2160 is a new addition to ASICS' roster, and it will be tough for anyone to beat Dime for a better version of the model.
The Canadian skateboarding brand has given this sneaker a cream and grey gradient finish which is relatively simple but incredibly effective. Previous releases of this sneaker at Paris Fashion Week and on Dime's webstore have seen it sell out instantly, and the same will likely be the case with this most recent release.
ASICS GEL-NYC
After a slew of colorways were released earlier this year with Angelo Baque's Awake NY, the GEL-NYC has fully entered the conversation as one of the brand's best silhouettes.
With a premium suede upper inspired by older ASICS models like the GEL-NIMBUS 3 and MC-PLUS V, the shoe is detailed with a rugged trail-ready outsole and Rearfoot GEL technology to ensure you feel ASICS' signature comfort.
ASICS GEL-Nimbus 9
The GEL-Nimbus 9 is one of the sneakers that the Kiko Kostadinov Studio worked on since joining the in-house ranks at the brand, and its remix of early-200os aesthetics is exactly what we have come to expect from the Bulgarian-born designer.
The first time we were introduced to this model it was with a slew of colorful iterations, and the pair above made together with Brain Dead doubles down on the bright colors.
GEL-KAYANO 14
Perhaps no other silhouette from the Japanese brand boasts more collaborations than the GEL-KAYANO 14, which recently received solid updates courtesy of brands like UNAFFECTED and KITH.
Similar to many of the brand's other premier sneakers, the GEL-KAYANO 14 perfectly balances mid-2000s aesthetics and updated materials with a wide array of colorways at your disposal.
ASICS Gel Sonoma 15-50
For the Gorpcore fans and casual hikers, ASICS has added its shock-absorbing GEL technology into an outdoor-ready silhouette to create the Gel Sonoma 15-50.
Taking features from its archive of trail-running and all-terrain footwear, it includes practical features, such as an aggressive outsole grip that offers superior traction, and delivers them in a more casual footwear model. To be fully prepared for the great outdoors, many pairs also come with a GORE-TEX upper.
GEL-1130
If you wondering why this pair bears a resemblance to the GEL-KAYANO 14, it's because it was the source of inspiration for the design along with the brand's GEL 1000 series.
Just a few months ago HAL Studios released its 'Glacier' colorway of the retro runner to positive acclaim, and although the GEL-1130 might not be as well known as other models, the optics are pretty much the same.
ASICS x Cecilie Bahnsen GT-2160
Cecilie Bahnsen has been one of ASICS' most experimental collaborators. Following up from a hand-embellished sneaker collab last year, the designer has turned ASICS' GT-2160 sneaker into a contemporary take on a classic Mary Jane shoe.
The partnership between Bahnsen, whose work usually sits in the grey area between couture and ready-to-wear, and ASICS is one that we're excited to see develop.
ASICS GEL-VENTURE 6
Gorpcore's influence on the fashion industry has increased our appetite for trail running models, and the GEL VENTURE 6 has become a fan favorite model from ASICS' vast selection of outdoor-ready runners.
This model is reworked with traditional materials and a neutral-hued upper for seamless transitions from the outdoors to city streets.
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 the Highsnobiety Shop.
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