Sneaker News Fresh off the heels of the launch of the GEL-Lyte III “Seoul”, the storied partnership between Kith founder Ronnie Fieg and athletic brand ASICS adds another notch to its belt with its latest hybrid-style collaborative offering. In a first-look teaser shared by Fieg himself, this upcoming project appears to be a revival of the GEL-Kayano 12. On June 14th, 2024, Ronnie fully revealed the collaboration to be the GEL-Kayano 12.1; the upper is that of the Kayano 12, while the midsole is from the GEL-Nimbus series. Fieg had previously used this sole on other hybrid ASICS models such as the ASICS GEL-Lyte 3.1.
Originally debuting in 2006, the GEL-Kayano 12 — obviously the twelfth chapter of the Japanese running performance saga — ushered in sculpted mid-foot shanks that provided additional support and cushioning. Combined with SOLYTE Foam and ample GEL cushioning units, the GEL-Kayano 12 was highly praised by runners for its comfort.
Ronnie Fieg is bringing the silhouette back to the modern audience in a trendy yet predictable combination of silver overlays and cream mesh bases. The midsole unit, however, is not of the GEL-Kayano 12 as the GEL inserts are more consistent with modern GEL cushioning set-ups (and the shadows obscure the design a bit).
The GEL-Kayano 12 was also noted for featuring Japanese characters on the tongue; although tough to tell with these photos, it’s possible that the stylized “FIEG” could be in its place, as teased by Ronnie via the photos of the shoebox. It also begs the question: is ASICS bringing back the GEL-Kayano 12 as part of its seasonal Sportstyle offerings?
An official announcement for the next Ronnie Fieg x ASICS collaboration is likely arriving soon, so stay tuned for updates and release info.
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