In an era in sneaker collecting where Air Jordan 1s are hitting outlets and smaller brands like ASICS is on the rise, there’s never been a better time to be someone who likes diversity in their kicks lineup.
If you’re looking to jump on the 2000s mesh runner trend, there maybe no better place to dive in than the upcoming Bodega collaboration with ASICS on the Gel Kayano 20, set to release on Thursday at noon for $180.
Dubbed the “Small Wins Add Up,” Bodega says its collab on the Gel Kayano 20 “was built with the trials and tribulations of everyday life in mind.” The Gel Kayano 20 was first introduced in 2013 and ASICS says its “architectural aesthetic draws design influences from buildings and cars.” Bodega notes that the shoe features a dual-layer Spacer Air Mesh upper which prioritizes breathability, with overlays for durability and ASICS’ Gel technology throughout for comfort. The boutique says the heel clip and mid-foot stability plate provide a launch pad for the Gel cushioning system.
This collab is clearly in line with the current trend of 2000s mesh runners, one of the reasons why ASICS is seen as being on the rise. Bodega points out that the with the Gel Kayano 20’s dual-layer mesh upper “you get this hypnotic design that may look a little like chainmail but is light as a feather.” Diving deeper into the design, Bodega says:
Exploring the nuances of a mid-2000s utilitarian palette, light gray makes up the cement foundation with darker grey accents providing much needed contrast. Using small hits of color, the less is more approach helps highlight the technology of the silhouette while bright green and golden yellow keep the color story completely dialed, symbolizing the light at the end of the tunnel after chipping away at the steps between you and your goals. A tone echoed under the hood as well where a truncated dome patterned insole represents how life can be stop and go sometimes but our GEL KAYANO can take it in stride.
Finished off with Bodega and ASICS branding near the outer ankle, at times, designing this shoe felt like a marathon, one we’ll never forget – and maybe that’s why we’re so optimistic every time we look at it.
Despite the “utilitarian palette,” this shoe will definitely turn heads, especially when you rock the Kayano 20s up with the yellow laces that are one of two sets of laces that come with this collab. It’s hard to envision a shoe more on-trend right now than this one, and if last year’s Bodega take on the Gel-NYC is any indication, this could be a contender for Sneaker of the Year.
The shoe has been up on StockX early, with an average sales price of $321, which represents a 64 percent price premium (although it should be noted that it’s on just four sales). Given that this shoe was likely not produced in high quantities, a quick sellout is likely. So best of luck to all looking to pick up a pair on Thursday at noon!
Bodega x ASICS Gel Kayano 20 Release Details
| Sneaker | Release Date | Retail Price |
| Bodega x ASICS Kayano 20 ‘Small Wins Add Up’ | September 12 | $180 |
To see more of this month’s releases, check out our release date calendar.
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