Reigning Champ and ASICS Reunite For "Vancouver Edition" Capsule

Continuing a long-standing collaborative partnership based on practical and durable yet stylish products, Reigning Champ and ASICS have presented a “Vancouver Edition” capsule. This running-centric collection is inspired by the city’s famed “Sea to Sky” corridor trails, and aims to find the inherent beauty in an environment that’s often deemed dreary.

Offerings are centered around two stout footwear silhouettes: the GEL-Quantum 360 5 Trail and a GORE-TEX-equipped GEL-Cumulus 21 GTX. Each is presented in a tonal palette, but offers vastly divergent hues and embellishments. The GEL-Quantum 360 5 is dressed in a dark navy, with a grid pattern covering its synthetic forefoot and midfoot. This is contrasted by a rich blue suede on both the heel plus part of the tongue, and this duo of pieces — one technical, one traditional — are separated by jagged white stitching. A full-foot GEL cushioning system, white branded accents and bungee-style lacing system round things off.

Meanwhile, the GEL-Cumulus 21 GTX takes on a crisp grey shade, accented by small hits of metallic silver detailing. Much like its trail-ready counterpart, it offers a material mix as well: sporty mesh on the forefoot and synthetic patterned ripstop on the heel, all crafted over a GORE-TEX lining. FlyteFoam and GEL combine in the midsole for a lightweight, cushioned ride and Reigning Champ/ASICS graphics grace the heel.

Both pieces of footwear are surrounded by a full apparel collection, ranging from a Polartec-insulated fleece vest to Merino wool base layer garments and running socks. The “Sea to Sky” corridor’s five peaks serve as a primary graphic, both woven and printed on various pieces as topographical maps and rocky textures. This is right up RC’s alley, as it’s frequently looked to these towering slopes for inspiration on both in-line and collaborative products. A short film featuring ultramarathoner and former Vancouver resident Jesse Booi also accompanies the offerings.

The Reigning Champ x ASICS “Vancouver Edition” capsule will release on the Reigning Champ and ASICS webstores come February 1, with prices ranging from $16-$180 USD.

For more running footwear news, peep the revival of adidas’s recognizable Microbounce T1.