Matt Varga Lapstone & Hammer isn’t a super common face in the collaborative scene, but far & away their most eyebrow-raising came in 2024 with ASICS, the Philadelphia retailer unveiling four dip-dyed styles of the GEL-Kayano 14. For the next chapter in the oceans-apart relationship, the two brands are eschewing a traditional collaboration and instead giving L&H loyalists an early chance at two upcoming colorways of the ASICS GEL-Kinetic Fluent.
Introduced towards the end of 2024, the GEL-Kinetic Fluent represents the next evolution in the tech runner aesthetics that have propelled ASICS’ modern resurgence. While the upper design, capitalizing on chunky overlays and retro welding details, remains digestible from the company’s veritable trove of similar styles, the columns of GEL cushioning in the heel truly set the model apart.
In easing the transition between thoroughly nostalgic and futuristic, the two exclusive colorways featured here (white/white and seal grey/pure silver) execute the metallic overtones we expect in the category, making this a suitable duo to help broaden the target for the nascent silhouette.
Note again that this is not a collaboration between Lapstone & Hammer and ASICS, but just an early exclusive launch. Both shoes featured here will be available on March 1st, with a wider global launch following a month later. Retail for both pairs isn’t officially spelled out by L&H, but should hover around the typical $180 sticker price associated with the model. Keep it locked to this article and our Sneaker Release Dates page for direct shopping links as more information emerges.
