Vivienne Westwood and ASICS Craft Net-Covered GEL-Kayano 26
Blending modern-day running tech with Westwood’s British punk and new wave sensibilites.
Vivienne Westwood and ASICS have teamed up once again, creating an all black GEL-Kayano 26 covered in stark mesh netting. Continuing a fruitful collaborative relationship that’s tapped everything from the designer’s “Squiggle” print to Renaissance art for inspiration, this GEL-Kayano 26 seamlessly blends its running-geared base with Westwood’s British punk and new wave sensibilities.
From toebox to tongue, the Kayano 26’s sleek running shoe build is obscured by a black netted overlay, rising well above the upper and secured by a throat toggle that replaces the standard lacing system. An ASICS hit is stamped on the tongue in silver, with Westwood’s signature orb-and-cross graphic placed on the heel in askew, tonal fashion.
Uppers may be highly conceptual, but the midsole is all modern-day running performance. Dressed mostly in black — save for a silver gradient fade on the forefoot — its build combines lightweight FlyteFoam with signature GEL cushioning for a soft, supportive feel. Black rubber outsoles round off the look.
The Vivienne Westwood x ASICS GEL-Kayano 26 is set to release at retailers like Naked come September 28, and is priced at $228 USD. A second colorway is scheduled to arrive the same day as well, but images have yet to be revealed.
Elsewhere in the world of collaborative footwear, COMME des GARÇONS PLAY and Converse have restocked their popular Chuck 70 collection.
