ASICS’ Latest GEL-1130 and GEL-NYC Iterations Pay Homage to Heritage Running Shoes Released in the 2000s
If anyone knows how to throw it back, it's ASICS. The Japanese footwear brand's retro-inspired GEL-1130 and GEL-NYC models pay homage to popular running silhouettes, originally debuted in the early aughts. ASICS honors decades of design and performance evolution engrained in its DNA. Drawing inspiration from the brand’s hero running shapes, like the GEL-KAYANO 14, the new models are replete with graphic detailing and contemporary updates that cater to lifestyle and performance.Launched in 2008, ASICS' all-new GEL-1130 embraces the blueprint of the GEL-1000 stability running series and, in its ninth iteration, is visually revamped with modern aesthetics pulled from the GEL-KAYANO 14 — another popular series known by its webbed uppers and distinct wave formation at the midsole (housing the brand’s proprietary GEL technology). Breathable mesh and leather paneling dominate the lateral panels. ASICS adopts the GEL-KAYANO 14’s sleek, asymmetrical overlays to the upper construction of the GEL-1130 for a modern look and feel, and flat laces replace the shoe's signature semi-round set. Neutral, metallic colorways, like the earthy “Cream/Pure Silver” combination, are included in the lineup.By contrast, the GEL-NYC surveys multiple heritage models in ASICS’ running category, including aspects of the GEL-CUMULUS 16’s tooling system (lauded by runners for providing exceptional stabilization) and upper construction references sourced from the GEL-NIMBUS® 3 and GEL-MC PLUS. Mixed-material striations envelop the medial and lateral panels and remnants of the GEL-NIMBUS 3 appear in the shoe’s sock-like curvature and robust midsole unit, equipped with a combination of lightweight foams and GEL technology inserts underfoot. The frosty “Cream/Oyster Grey” design, pictured above, features cool-toned metallics and soft-washed tones to highlight its sculpted midsole.Marc Marquez, Marketing Brand Manager at ASICS Sportstyle, designed both colorways. Harnessing 12 years of experience and brand heritage, Marquez aimed to blend the best of utility and style spanning the brand’s ever-growing archive — even the neutral colorways speak to those everyday “footwear choices that stay by the door, ready for any summer occasion,” whether training or vibing. Marquez, for one, has a keen understanding of trend cycles in the fashion sphere, and the resurgence of Y2K-inspired footwear is something ASICS is happy to rally for. "Things get hot, fade out, and come back around again," says Marquez. "It’s the nature of fashion and trends, so it's no surprise the early ‘00s is what’s in. I think the design language of that time was so unique — with the silver metallics and streamlined shapes of running shoes — but retro enough that it felt refreshing in today’s day and age. At ASICS, we’ve always been known for our legendary GEL-LYTE III or GEL-LYTE III heritage runners, so to add something new to the stable was very refreshing and exciting."From heel strike to toe-off, shock-absorbent cushioning systems reinforce each model while aiding performance, mitigating impact and running-related discomfort. With work and life dynamics quickly shifting for the masses, the brand aspires to create silhouettes that transition from training to street. "I think at this point, comfort is key," Marquez notes. "ASICS goes through numerous R&D testing while designing shoes, so they literally last for so long and hold up very well through time. So if you start with that as a foundation, which in my eyes is the hardest part, and find the right mix of colors to make the shoe look good, you have a clear winner. People sometimes forget that these “retro” shoes that are just now being re-introduced, were at one point in time, top-of-the-line performance shoes." And with Marquez currently at the helm of creative, the models enshrine ASICS’ heritage design language in a fashion-forward format, reigniting the brand’s universal appeal for those quick and leisurely in stride.The GEL-1130 and GEL-NYC retail for $110 USD and $130 USD, respectively. Check out each model in the lookbook above, and visit ASICS’ website to browse and shop the brand’s latest summer arrivals.Read more at Hypebeast
If anyone knows how to throw it back, it's ASICS. The Japanese footwear brand's retro-inspired GEL-1130 and GEL-NYC models pay homage to popular running silhouettes, originally debuted in the early aughts. ASICS honors decades of design and performance evolution engrained in its DNA. Drawing inspiration from the brand’s hero running shapes, like the GEL-KAYANO 14, the new models are replete with graphic detailing and contemporary updates that cater to lifestyle and performance.
Launched in 2008, ASICS' all-new GEL-1130 embraces the blueprint of the GEL-1000 stability running series and, in its ninth iteration, is visually revamped with modern aesthetics pulled from the GEL-KAYANO 14 — another popular series known by its webbed uppers and distinct wave formation at the midsole (housing the brand’s proprietary GEL technology). Breathable mesh and leather paneling dominate the lateral panels. ASICS adopts the GEL-KAYANO 14’s sleek, asymmetrical overlays to the upper construction of the GEL-1130 for a modern look and feel, and flat laces replace the shoe's signature semi-round set. Neutral, metallic colorways, like the earthy “Cream/Pure Silver” combination, are included in the lineup.
By contrast, the GEL-NYC surveys multiple heritage models in ASICS’ running category, including aspects of the GEL-CUMULUS 16’s tooling system (lauded by runners for providing exceptional stabilization) and upper construction references sourced from the GEL-NIMBUS® 3 and GEL-MC PLUS. Mixed-material striations envelop the medial and lateral panels and remnants of the GEL-NIMBUS 3 appear in the shoe’s sock-like curvature and robust midsole unit, equipped with a combination of lightweight foams and GEL technology inserts underfoot. The frosty “Cream/Oyster Grey” design, pictured above, features cool-toned metallics and soft-washed tones to highlight its sculpted midsole.
Marc Marquez, Marketing Brand Manager at ASICS Sportstyle, designed both colorways. Harnessing 12 years of experience and brand heritage, Marquez aimed to blend the best of utility and style spanning the brand’s ever-growing archive — even the neutral colorways speak to those everyday “footwear choices that stay by the door, ready for any summer occasion,” whether training or vibing. Marquez, for one, has a keen understanding of trend cycles in the fashion sphere, and the resurgence of Y2K-inspired footwear is something ASICS is happy to rally for. "Things get hot, fade out, and come back around again," says Marquez. "It’s the nature of fashion and trends, so it's no surprise the early ‘00s is what’s in. I think the design language of that time was so unique — with the silver metallics and streamlined shapes of running shoes — but retro enough that it felt refreshing in today’s day and age. At ASICS, we’ve always been known for our legendary GEL-LYTE III or GEL-LYTE III heritage runners, so to add something new to the stable was very refreshing and exciting."
From heel strike to toe-off, shock-absorbent cushioning systems reinforce each model while aiding performance, mitigating impact and running-related discomfort. With work and life dynamics quickly shifting for the masses, the brand aspires to create silhouettes that transition from training to street. "I think at this point, comfort is key," Marquez notes. "ASICS goes through numerous R&D testing while designing shoes, so they literally last for so long and hold up very well through time. So if you start with that as a foundation, which in my eyes is the hardest part, and find the right mix of colors to make the shoe look good, you have a clear winner. People sometimes forget that these “retro” shoes that are just now being re-introduced, were at one point in time, top-of-the-line performance shoes." And with Marquez currently at the helm of creative, the models enshrine ASICS’ heritage design language in a fashion-forward format, reigniting the brand’s universal appeal for those quick and leisurely in stride.
The GEL-1130 and GEL-NYC retail for $110 USD and $130 USD, respectively. Check out each model in the lookbook above, and visit ASICS’ website to browse and shop the brand’s latest summer arrivals.
