Kiko Kostadinov Fuses Archival ASICS Models for GEL-GLIDELYTE III
Releasing in “Asphalt/High Rise” and “Red Bud/Fire Brick.”
Although last month’s GEL-Kiril 2 colorways were officially the end of Kiko Kostadinov‘s long-running collaboration with ASICS, the designer has reunited with the footwear label to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the GEL-LYTE III. For this release, Kostadinov has worked with ASICS on a special-edition hybrid silhouette dubbed the GEL-GLIDELYTE III.
The GEL-GLIDELYTE III was inspired by a visit Kiko Kostadinov and his team made to the ASICS archive in Kobe. The silhouette is a mix of the GEL-LYTE III model and the running-focused GLIDERIDE, known for saving runner’s energy through its innovative sole unit. With this sole used on the new silhouette, the GEL-LYTE III’s classic split tongue and asymmetric toe window appear on the upper.
The silhouette also nods to other archival ASICS releases, including a PU section on the heel inspired by the GEL-NIMBUS 5 and an overlaying mesh that nods to the GEL-HOCKEY TYPHOON 2. Kostadinov has finished the sneaker in two colorways, with both “Asphalt/High Rise” and “Red Bud/Fire Brick” set to release.
As well as the men’s version, a women’s iteration has been designed by Laura and Deanna Fanning. Both will be available in the two colorways from the ASICS web store and select retailers like HBX on November 13.
In other footwear news, ASICS is also preparing a GORE-TEX covered “Winterized Pack.”
