The Asics GEL-Lyte III is a very popular silhouette among sneaker enthusiasts. Like Ronnie Fieg’s KITH brand with its recent “Remastered” duo, the MITA shop and Japanese menswear brand BAL have teamed up to reinterpret this legendary slit-tongue model.
This triple collaboration is part of the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the name change from BalanceWearDesign to BAL.
The brand, known for its denim pieces, was founded by Ryusuke Eda and Tomoki Taji in 1999. It changed its name in 2003: BAL stands for a shortened version of “BALANCE”, the word written on the knob that adjusts the volume on DJ mixers.
The design of this special GEL-Lyte III is based on the concept of “offering modern, high-quality casual wear and graphics based on urban life”.
As a result, the sneaker sports a stylish, chic and timeless look.
Comfortable and performance-oriented as well as lifestyle-oriented, it consists of a black technical mesh upper with durable and lightweight Duraback overlays in dark grey. It includes Gore-Tex in its construction for excellent water and moisture resistance. The partners reworked the model’s specificity : the split tongue has a black zipper and features a grid stitching pattern that adds a quilted effect to the tongue-neck area. BAL and Mita also replaced the traditional lacing with a red quicklace system accompanied by a black technical blocking strap. Reflective branding details and a black/grey sole finish off the look nicely.
The BAL x mita x ASICS GEL LYTE III GORE-TEX is released February 11, 2023 in stores and February 13 online at mita-sneakers.co.jp. It’s expected to be available on February 18, 2023 at selected retailers for $147 (19800 ¥).
