ASICS’ GEL-Lyte III has served as the collaborative focus for many brands over the years. Many have produced some unique aesthetic-driven iterations, but this incoming tripartite collaboration overhauls the GL3s towards utility. A product befitting of their pedigree. BAL is known for their active urban wear, mita sneakers for their palette, with ASICS providing the canvas. 

The USP for this version would evidently be the integration of the GORE-TEX membrane onto the upper. Although it’s not the first time it’s been done, waterproofing is taken to the next level here. The signature split tongue are fused together by way of a zipper to keep stray droplets away from the interior. Standard laces are foregone as well opting instead for a toggle-lock system to secure the shoe onto the feet.

The red on the laces adds a nice color pop in contrast to the greyscale and black color palette. All of which sit atop the hallmark GEL sole unit that’s been a staple of the silhouette for 30 years.

The BAL x mita sneakers x ASICS GEL-Lyte III GORE-TEX will be available from 11 February for JPY19,800 (~US$150). Find them then on BAL, mita sneakers, and ASICS’ webstore.

In other sneaker-related news, check out the Jeremy Scott x adidas Bones Campus 80s.