Asics Gel-Lyte III

x Awake Gel-Lyte III OG (deall robbia blue)

If there is such a thing as the holy grail of the running shoe universe, then the GEL-LYTE III certainly deserves a place in the center. When it was launched in 1991, the ultra-light successor to the legendary GT II, the world's first shoe with patented GEL cushioning, not only scored points with an extensive further development of the successful sole system, but also added further innovative tech features such as the split tongue construction for even better comfort and support. 2007 saw the long-awaited re-release as a lifestyle sneaker, followed by both regular remakes and high-profile collaborations with artists and leading sneaker stores.

ASICS GEL-Lyte III – Made in Japan

The history of ASICS and its sneakers now spans 70 years. Founded in 1949 by Kihachiro Onitsuka, Onitsuka Tiger (which later became ASICS Sportstyle) has been producing sports shoes for decades and has captured the hearts of athletes and sneakerheads alike. The ASICS GEL-LYTE III, probably the most successful sneaker from the Gel-Lyte range, has definitely contributed significantly to its success. But to take a closer look at the success story, we have to travel back to 1986.

At the time, the ASICS design team had worked tirelessly to create a sneaker that would support better runners. With ASICS Gel technology, the designers had managed to do that. This technology was something completely new at the time. A silicone-based substance was incorporated directly into the sole, allowing for a better feeling of comfort and reducing the risk of injury. With the ASICS Gel Freaks Alpha, an exclusive shoe with the Gel technology was designed in 1986. The shoe was an immediate success and in the same year, the Japanese brand positioned itself in the North American and European markets with the ASICS GT-II. But it wasn't until 1987 that ASICS Sportstyle's innovative silicone system would really take hold in the form of the ASICS Gel-Lyte.

Innovation in the sneaker industry

The ASICS Gel-Lyte is still considered a legendary shoe. Weighing just 9.9 ounces (about 280g), the Gel-Lyte was a true lightweight sneaker. The introduction of the ASICS Gel-Lyte III in 1990 would then change the sneaker industry forever. At the time, Shigeyuki Mitsui had been commissioned to design the third shoe in the Gel-Lyte line. But getting the design approved was not so easy. Many people from the design department were not really happy about Mitsui changing the design of the already high performance sneaker. He used features from other ASICS models, including the very first split-tongue ASICS, the LD Racer. By using a tri-density sole, the Gel-Lyte III was able to improve upon ASICS Sportstyle's already widely used Gel technology. A perfect fusion of style, comfort and eye-catching color, the Gel-Lyte III has fulfilled everything Mr. Matsui has strived for: Rebellion through innovation.

Gel Lyte III comeback

After the Gel-Lyte III went quiet for a few years and its successor, the Gel-Lyte V enjoyed great success, Dutch streetwear label Patta brought the Gel-Lyte 3 out of the basement and gave the shoe a new coat of paint. Inspired by their hometown of Amsterdam, Patte draped the GL3 with a black, green and red upper that carries references to the city. The runner was an instant hit and prompted Patta's first campout. The Patta x Gel-Lyte III had officially reignited the Gel-Lyte III hype.

This hype also spilled over to North America. Designer Ronnie Fieg was given the opportunity to celebrate the 25th birthday of New York sneaker store David Z with an exclusive Gel-Lyte 3. But this was not to be the only collaboration with Ronnie Fieg. In 2013, Fieg, along with his KITH store, collaborated with the Japanese brand one more time. The basketball-inspired East Coast pack featuring ASICS Gel-Lyte III versions on the theme of "New York City" and "Miami Beach" were a huge success. Collaboration after collaboration followed in the years that followed. The hyped collabos with almost every sneaker store on the planet meant real market positioning for ASICS. The Gel-Lyte III had finally become a real collector's item that stands at least as much in the same light as Nike's Air Max.

ASICS Gel-Lyte III: The most hyped collabo partner

The list of hyped collabos is long. Very long, in fact. To list them all would take half an eternity. Nevertheless, we would like to list a few highlights for you. A Grail and definitely one of the rarest Gel-Lyte-3s is the Gel-Lyte III "Koi", which was created in collaboration with the Afew Store. Those who attended the in-store release in 2012 were treated to a treat: a special wooden box, Afew x ASICS chopsticks and two pairs of extra laces (wasabi & soy sauce). For the 25th anniversary in 2015, ASICS released the Mita x ASICS Gel-Lyte 3 "25th anniversary" in collaboration with Japanese sneaker store Mita. Premium materials, carefully selected color contrasts and fine details like a red outsole make the shoe a highlight in the Gel-Lyte III series. Continuing with the highlights, ASICS Sportstyle collaborated with Barcelona and Bangkok-based sneaker boutique 24 Kilates to bring out a new Gel-Lyte 3 called "Express." The Asics x 24 Kilates Gel Lyte III "Express" is made from premium materials and the colorway is reminiscent of the "Green & Gold" color combination of locomotives, as well as the luxurious interior atmosphere of the Eastern & Oriental Express. If you want to know more about the collabos, check out Sneakers Mag - the guys & gals have listed the most important ones again.

30 years ASICS Gel-Lyte III

In 2020, the Gel-Lyte III celebrates its 30th birthday with the ASICS "30th anniversary" Pack. To match the occasion, ASICS Sportstyle brings us three really strong colorways. Paying homage to the impact the shoe has had over the past three decades, all three sneakers include the "Techno Cyan" base colorway. With intelligent colorblocking in blue, black and pink, ASICS Sportstyle brings the OG colorways back to the shelves and makes all retro hearts beat faster!

Retro sneaker for any situation

The Gel-Lyte III is still very popular 30 years after its initial release. With the variety of colorways and materials, the model scores with vintage lovers as well as fans of the new fashion generation. The Runner convinces with a casual outfit, denim or track pants and brings you perfectly through everyday life thanks to the Gel-Cushoning System. High wearing comfort make the Gel-Lyte 3 a perfect companion, especially on long distances and hard surfaces. Perfection made in Japan!