ASICS GEL-NYC

GEL-NYC

In 2019, ASICS teamed up with American clothing brand Awake NY to design a retro version of the classic Gel-Kayano 5. This became the foundation for a deeper relationship that in 2023 brought about a brand new silhouette called the ASICS Gel-NYC.

The founder of Awake NY, Angelo Baque, was a key part of the team that created the Gel-NYC. A talented designer, Baque had developed his craft during a ten-year period at streetwear label Supreme before establishing Awake NY in 2012. Most of his apparel was inspired by the spirit of New York City, and he wanted to bring this same influence to the Gel-NYC, while ASICS hoped to imbue it with aspects of iconic Gel models and honour the brand’s core principle of ‘a sound mind in a sound body’.

As he worked on the ASICS Gel-NYC, Baque thought about the style and functional needs of children growing up in places like Queens. Using this as a guide, he and the ASICS design team constructed an everyday shoe that could be worn in a variety of contexts. They looked through the ASICS archives and picked out two running shoes from the early 2000s, the Gel-Nimbus 3 and the Gel-MC Plus V, to form the foundation for the upper. Then, they used a more advanced silhouette from 2014 known as the Gel-Cumulus 16 as the basis for the sole unit of the Gel-NYC. 

The result was a stylish retro sneaker with high-tech features. Premium materials including mesh, synthetic leather and suede were layered up across the upper, while the sole incorporated several cutting-edge components, including a FluidRide midsole, whose blend of SpEVA and Solyte materials made it lightweight, responsive and comfortable, a Guidance Line, which encouraged natural movement of the foot, and visible Gel-cushioning for extra comfort and a strong vintage aesthetic.

For its release at the 2023 Paris Fashion Week, Baque produced two powerful colourways that paid homage to New York. He focused on the city’s music scene, creating one edition with silver, purple and gold tones taken from hip hop star Raekwon’s 1995 solo album, and another that referenced an eye-catching pink fur coat worn by American rapper Cam’Ron at a New York Fashion Show in the early 2000s.

These two memorable sneakers were a big success, and a series of general release colourways followed. The ASICS Gel-NYC became a sought-after collaborative model, leading to partnerships with clothing brands, fashion influencers and even Japanese anime shows. In 2024, as the shoe’s popularity continued to grow, an updated Utility model was released, its rugged build making it suitable for use in challenging outdoor conditions.

The Gel-NYC represented a bold step for ASICS and Awake NY. It brought together varied influences to create a new piece of footwear that represented the history and inspirations behind both brands without compromising on style or quality. Ultimately, this made the ASICS Gel-NYC a compelling lifestyle sneaker for the modern age.