ASICS is launching all-new iterations of the GEL-KAYANO 14, GEL-NYC, EX89, GEL-LYTE V and GEL-LYTE III OG. The Japanese sportswear brand’s Spring / Summer 2023 lookbook captures the reimagined silhouettes in a ’90s-inspired aesthetic. Tapping into the resurgence of Y2K, the line looks to reinterpret the retro running shape while paying homage to heritage models designed by Toshikazu Kayano, creator of the original GEL-KAYANO TRAINER, released in 1993.
ASICS is a Latin acronym for “Anima Sana In Corpo Sano,” which translates to “A sound mind in a sound body.” Committed to this ethos, ASICS continues to produce performance-enhancing footwear for the modern athlete. The new GEL models marry heritage style with fashion-forward elements that organically carry into everyday wear. ASICS’ latest creative showcases how these colorful reworks cater to sport and street. Though the brand is synonymous with cross-training and running, the new generation appeals to avid sneakerheads who prioritize graphic accents and vibrant colorways to elevate their look.
These retro embellishments are on full display with the EX89™, inspired by the 1989 GEL-EXTREME basketball shoe, originally developed by Kayano in the late ’80s as one of his first projects with ASICS. Its upper features a layered, colorblocked construction adopted from the era’s iconic NBA team uniforms. From a technical standpoint, the sock liner and midsole are redesigned with FF BLAST™ cushioning, paired with a sculpted heel for increased shock absorption.
Likewise, the GEL-KAYANO 14 subtly departs from its original 1993 design using resurfaced Y2K elements. It features original midsole tooling, a distinct wave formation housing the brand’s proprietary GEL® technology cushioning, followed by a webbed leather and mesh upper decorated with metallic piping along the lateral panels. With its exposed midsole, the resulting look creates a multidimensional effect, heightened by the outer heel’s skeletal appearance.
The latest iteration of the GEL-NYC references ASICS’ GEL-NIMBUS 3 shoe from the early 2000s, using various embellishments plucked from the MC-PLUS V design. The silhouette’s sleek, geometric upper is fashioned with mesh and suede, including a combination of lightweight foams and GEL® technology inserts underfoot for optimal support and comfort.
Opting for a fresh look, the GEL-LYTE V incorporates mixed materials like Okayama Denim, nylon flight jacket textile, and pebbled leather to achieve a patchwork motif along the sidewalls, inspired by the Japanese concept of boro. The addition of leather and denim is a contemporary touch, allowing fashion-forward interpretations of the silhouette in the realm of street style. OG wave tooling referencing the 1993 model hits the outer heel. The componentry sits atop an off-white midsole, equipped with essential GEL® cushioning technology for advanced stability.
Brighter options arrive with the GEL-LYTE III OG, including “Cream / Olive” and “Cotton Candy / Bubblegum” color stories that pop with geometric striations and tonal piping throughout the upper. The model retains its early ’90s shape and tooling, originally created by Shigeyuki Mitsui. The iconic split-tongue formation debuted on the GEL-LD RACER™ and is yet another callback denoting the shoe’s heritage.
Take a closer look at select models in the lookbook above and shop the new range on ASICS’ website.
