Though ASICS has always been a steady presence within the footwear scene, recent years saw the brand gain traction in the streetwear community that favored a chic tech look and craved for an option that wasn’t churned out by the Swoosh or Three Stripes. While Kiko Kostadinov’s design team had a heavy hand in crafting this image for ASICS, the brand’s list of collaborators also aided in its alt-cool status. The latest of which to fuel this reputation is Shanghai-based SHUSHU/TONG, a contemporary label that challenges notions of femininity through its garments.

Namely, their use of traditionally “feminine” elements —bows, ruffles, lace, you get the gist—are presented as not just tender and soft, but can be a symbol of power and strength. Think Japanese anime magical girls with cute outfits, but are able to defeat bad guys with a wave of their wands. Such a brand philosophy carries forward into their collaboration with ASICS on their joint GEL-MJ shoe. As you might have guessed, the MJ stands for the classic Mary Janes from the 1900s, but has since been a staple shoe choice in the coquette aesthetic.

SHUSHU/TONG and ASICS GEL-MJ is thus a symbiosis of the former’s modern femininity and ASICS’ trendy performance look. Available in black and white, ASICS’ sporty mesh is decorated with a jagged imprint. The brand’s signature stripes are presented through leather overlays, with an added strap across the heel — perhaps a nod to the buckled straps of Mary Janes. SHUSHU/TONG’s flair appears as an oversized 3D bow fitted atop the tongue and lacing system. While the black pair opts for a full-black tonal sole, the white version sees a contrasting tan outsole.

This ASICS x SHUSHU/TONG GEL-MJ will be available in Mainland China from 23 Dec. Though a global release has yet to be announced, we are hoping that stockists like Dover Street Market will make it available worldwide. Only time will tell, but be rest assured that we’ll update this article with the latest news on this collaborative pair.

In other collaborations not to be missed, check out this upcoming atmos x STAPLE x Puma Suede.