Andrew Rizzo Between projects with Nike, adidas, New Balance, and other household footwear brands, you could make a strong case that ASICS is Kith’s most important partner in the sneaker world. Ronnie Fieg’s GEL-Lyte 3 “Salmon Toe” from 2011 is the sneaker that put Kith on the map, helping transform the label into a streetwear empire that’s grown exponentially in the fourteen years since.
On October 4th, Kith continues that growth and evolution with the opening of its first-ever Chicago flagship. As loyal Kith heads have come to expect, the store’s grand opening will be accompanied by a marquee sneaker release — this time, an eight-shoe capsule with ASICS featuring both archival and new silhouettes.
The collection draws inspiration from the history of the World’s Fair, which helped cement Chicago as America’s “second city” behind New York in 1893, sparking a wave of architectural projects that still stand today. The capsule pays tribute to eight past host locations: France, Japan, Canada, Italy, Brazil, South Korea, the United States, and of course, Chicago.
Brazil, South Korea, Italy, and Canada all get GEL-Lyte III styles, each distinguished by their own unique embroidery. The United States gets a shimmery silver GEL-Kayano 12.1 with red detailing, while France receives a never-before-seen hybrid called the GEL-Lyte 3.1, combining the upper of the GEL-Lyte III with the sole unit of the GEL-Nimbus 17. Japan’s pair revives the GEL-MAI silhouette in a metallic silver colorway with mesh underlays, while Chicago checks in with a GEL-Kayano 14 brushed with a copper-toned upper and bright blue GEL units, incorporating the main color of the city flag.
Drawings for all eight sneakers open on October 3rd and close on October 5th. Global availability will vary by silhouette. Hit the Kith app to enter.
