While modern or emblematic silhouettes are currently used as a basis for elegant collaborations (several articles available on this site), the equipment manufacturer ASICS celebrates the 35th anniversary of a historical model, the GT-II. It’s declined in 2 colorways, one mythical « White/Monaco Blue » and the other exclusive « Glacier Grey/asics Blue ».
As a reminder, the ASICS GT-II was born in 1986 from the imagination of Kazuki Toba. It takes its name from the exceptional sports cars « Gran Tourismo ». It was the first sneaker of the Japanese brand to be distributed worldwide and also the first to be equipped with the innovative GEL technology.
It’s said that it’s thanks to an employee of ASICS that the GEL technology arrived in the soles of the shoes of the Japanese brand. Initially, this technology was used to absorb the shocks of the space shuttles. An employee of ASICS wondered if this material could not be introduced into the design of sports shoes. That’s how this technology found its way to ASICS.
To celebrate the 35th anniversary of this historic silhouette, the equipment manufacturer is reissuing the legendary « White/Monaco Blue » colorway and unveiling a special 35th anniversary version « Glacier Grey/asics Blue ». In an eco-friendly approach dear to ASICS, these 2021 versions are manufactured in part using recycled materials. They consist of a mesh upper with synthetic suede overlays. The first edition reappears in its original color scheme, white with blue Tigers Stripes with red outlines. The second edition features a new color blocking combination of a grey base, silver Tigers Stripes and navy blue accents. Branding details stand out on the tongue tag, heel and back side of the white midsole. A grey or black outsole, depending on the iteration, provides the finishing touch.
To showcase these pairs in a lifestyle style, ASICS enlisted British singer Ama Lou and American photographer Adam Katz to develop the lookbook.
The asics GT-II « 35th anniversary » duo will be released on July 16, 2021, at select retailers and on asics.com, priced at 90$.
