Japanese equipment manufacturer ASICS continues to celebrate its iconic silhouette, the GEL-Lyte III, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. After an impressive collection designed with Ronnie Fieg (article available HERE) and other recent collaborations, Asics has chosen to be inspired by an ancestral Japanese symbol to design this OG duo, the Daruma dolls.
The iconic split tongue sneaker, designed by Shigeyuki Mitsui in 1990, retains its original shape and construction, and is dressed in colors and patterns referring to Daruma dolls. These ancestral Japanese figurines symbolize perseverance, luck and success. They are considered as lucky charms. With these two iterations, Asics wishes to convey a positive message, filled with good fortune and prosperity to celebrate the coming new year.
This shoe is available in 2 colorways, « Classic Red/White/Black » and « Baltic Jewel/White/Black ». It consists of a perforated white leather upper with smooth leather overlays in red or water green depending on the iteration. Black accents such as Tiger Stripes and laces, as well as subtle gold accents, including embroidered branding on the side heel counter and heel tab, complete the Daruma tribute. To harmonize the design, the inner lining, the side and heel clip, appear in white color. A white GEL technology midsole and a black outsole provide the final touch.
The Daruma-inspired GEL-Lyte III OG duo will be released on December 4, 2020, at selected retailers and on asics.com, for a suggested retail price of 165€ per pair and sizes ranging from US 4 to US 14. Don’t sleep !
