The 35th anniversary of the ASICS GEL-LYTE III’s inception in 2025 serves as the backdrop for a third significant project, once again engaging Shigeyuki Kunii. As the creative director of mita sneakers, Kunii’s influence permeates a broad spectrum of footwear endeavors, from international collaborations to domestic inline directives.

The ASICS GEL-LYTE III, a lightweight running innovation launched in 1990, remains a defining exemplar of the brand’s athletic design language. Its hallmark feature is the “split tongue”, a bifurcated construction engineered to optimize the wearer’s comfort and fit.

About the ASICS GEL-LYTE III OG GTX “Black Panther”

This iteration, “Black Panther”, presents a nuanced color composition drawing inspiration from prior collaborations with mita sneakers. It channels the design philosophies of the 2010 GEL-LYTE III and the 2017 GEL-MAI, both conceived under the thematic guise of the black panther.

Beyond its visual articulation, the pair incorporates GORE-TEX® technology. Furthermore, it features aesthetic nuances that are characteristic of the store’s collaborative history.

These include a zippered execution of the split tongue, quilted detailing, TPU mesh overlays, functional pull tabs, refined piping accents, and an insole graphic that artfully merges the “CHAIN LINK FENCE” and “Tokyo Kai” motifs.

The “Black Panther” GEL-LYTE III, available globally, adopts a monochromatic aesthetic. Textural intrigue is introduced through the application of leopard-printed nylon, with a vividly colored heel tab.

Release Details

The ASICS GEL-LYTE III OG GTX “Black Panther” will be available on 7 April with an RRP of 26,400 JPY (~US$180).

In other news, check out the New Balance Breeze SD2202 “Gunmetal Grey” and “Pale Mauve”. You can also head to the SNKRDUNK App via the banner below and browse the latest and greatest in sneakers, streetwear, and TCG.

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