ASICS Add Japanese Okayama Denim to the GEL-Lyte III
are still not done with their birthday celebrations for the , which turned 30 last year. The next phase of this ongoing commemoration is the continued use of unconventional materials beyond the retro runner’s OG microfibre and mesh makeup. This new release sees – hardly a stranger to the GL3 – that is this time sourced from the Japanese region of Okayama.
Okayama is considered the birthplace of Japanese denim, with a rich history of local manufacture from niche one-person brands to major factories supplying vibrant indigo fabric to the biggest companies in the world. And ASICS, indeed one of the biggest shoe brands globally, have tapped their compatriots for a few spools of washed blue denim to use in the GL3.
This release substitutes the nylon mesh normally used on the toe box, tongue, mid panel, and rear quarter with the sturdy twill. Hardy leather makes up the rest of the upper, which is also rendered tonally. Even the GEL-infused midsole is all blue. However, this colourway does break it up a little bit, thanks to brown leather patches on the heel counter and tongue, plus a brown outsole, all nodding to the leather waist patches found on blue jeans.
Dress it up in denim directly from ASICS today.