Here's How to Cop JJJJound's ASICS GEL-KAYANO 14 Collaboration
Releasing in limited quantities later this month.
Justin Saunders‘ JJJJound is a collaborative powerhouse, having previously worked with Reebok, Padmore & Barnes, MAD et LEN, New Balance, BAPE and so many others that Hypebeast had to list them all off earlier this year. Now, JJJJound unveils something we saw back in April, its inaugural collaboration with ASICS on the GEL-KAYANO 14.
JJJJound started life as a digital mood board in 2006, and by 2008 it became the brand as we know it today. With its roots in imagery that captured the beauty of minimalism, the imprint had solid foundations to build upon that make it the perfect collaborator; a brand that can take a classic shoe and apply an informed attitude that often makes for a clean, wearable, sartorial, highly-desirable sneaker. As expected, its take on the GEL-KAYANO 14 is no exception.
Two colorways are set to release, but both are centered around a white mesh base. From here, JJJJound applies a chrome silver overlay atop of the base, distinguishing the shoe’s retro running aesthetic, before giving it white or black detailing. Here, these alternating tones work the ASICS branding on the mid-panel, as well as further branding on the tongue, while JJJJound’s signature works the lateral rear-quarter heel in either white or black lettering, and GEL-KAYANO 14 branding appears on the flipside.
Both shoes are fitted with ASICS’ proprietary GEL sole unit, differentiating between white or cream depending on whether you opt for the white or black-detailed pair, respectively. It’s involved with a TRUSSTIC support system to keep everything on lock, while also nodding to the shoe’s running roots and 2000s design that works together with the upper for a shoe that’s as functional as it is stunning.
Marking the last JJJJound-specific edit are the insoles, or as ASICS notes, the “Dope Dyed Sockliner.” Dual branding hits up the inners across both pairs, subsequently rounding the sneaker off.
JJJJound’s ASICS GEL-KAYANO 14 will drop on August 25 at 12 p.m. CEST/11 a.m BST/6 a.m. EDT on ASICS’ website for £150 GBP/€160 EUR or approximately $180 USD at current conversion rates. Take a closer look at the collaborative pairs above.
In other news, Ronning has restocked its Solovair collaboration.
