In addition to innovative sneakers, ASICS continues to showcase its legendary split tongue silhouette from 1989, the GEL-Lyte III. After working with ATMOS on a duo called « Python », the legendary sportswear brand offers us an other 100% Japanese collaboration, this time with the fashion label EVISU.
Founded in 1991 by Mr. Hidehiko Yamane, EVISU is at the beginning a humble Japanese jeans company. It’s distinguished by its creativity and its emblem : an imposing hand-painted seagull that covers the back pockets of the jeans and sometimes even the entire back of the pants. Gaining popularity locally at first, it became a worldwide success in the early 2000s thanks to the quality of its denim and the innovative and bold designs it offers.
This reimagined GEL-Lyte III marks the first association between ASICS and EVISU. It’s available in 2 colorways : the 1st in men’s sizes, denim blue/brown/red/navy blue and beige, and the 2nd in women’s sizes, white/beige/navy blue with touches of red and pink.
The 2 partners have combined their respective universes to offer us a qualitative sneaker with a design both chic and daring.
The men’s shoe features an EVISU signature blue denim upper with brown leather overlays on the toe and heel, and red suede on the midfoot. The iconic ASICS Tiger Stripes are dressed in navy leather and feature visible red stitching to accentuate the look. The lower eyelet area is presented in beige suede and the split tongue-neck section is crafted in white textile. The collab is affirmed by evocative details : a white and red EVISU tag at the bottom of the laces, the seagull pattern on the side heel and the Japanese brand’s logo above the usual ASICS branding on the back of the heel. The whole is based on a white and navy blue midsole, coupled with a white/beige/navy blue and red outsole that provides the final harmonious touch to the design.
The women’s iteration features an off-white mesh upper with suede overlays in different colorways depending on their placement : tonal on the midfoot and beige on the forefoot and heel. EVISU’s Tiger Stripes on the side and Gull branding on the heel reinforcement appear in pure white leather. A navy blue inner lining, matching laces and a touch of pale pink on the heel complete the look. A white, beige and navy blue midsole, as well as a beige, navy blue, off-white, pale pink and red outsole add flair to the pair.
For info, a 3rd version was also released. It took the aesthetics of the men’s colorway but with Tiger Stripes and gold details. Distributed in very limited edition and at a higher price ($ 318$ / HK$ 2499), it’s already sold out.
Asics and EVISU offer us a set of hoodie-pants in co-branded fleece in grey and a black cap to accompany the release of these very first GEL-Lyte III collaborative.
The EVISU X ASICS GEL-Lyte III are now available in limited edition on the Japanese fashion brand evisu.com, priced at $255 (1999 HK$) for the men’s version and $229 (1799HK$) for the women’s pair. The hoodie is $229 (1799HK$), the pants are $216 (1699HK$) and the cap is $102 (799HK$).
