ASICS SportStyle is proud to announce the launch of the EX89™ sneaker. This style was inspired by the GEL-EXTREME basketball shoe from 1989 and converted into a low-top silhouette. It was originally created by Toshikazu Kayano as his first design project with ASICS. Perhaps more well-known for his GEL-KAYANO™ running shoe series, this silhouette became a milestone that would pave the way for technological breakthroughs for ASICS footwear.
During the late 1980s, performance basketball shoes were primarily covered with white bases. The EX89™ sneaker’s ancestor—the GEL-EXTREME—became one of the first renegades to emerge with spirited color blocking influenced by basketball team uniforms. This season, the shoe returns with its traditional leather construction that’s met with team-centric color palettes. Additionally, the updated model will also be available with various renditions that are modified with modern lifestyle materials.
In its playing days, the shoe was designed with GEL™ technology for impact absorption when jumping or rebounding. This iteration is reconstructed with a sculpted heel shape and FF BLAST™ cushioning system. These features help the shoe remain lighter and more comfortable for an everyday lifestyle.
Kayano took inspiration from his first business trip to the United States in 1987 to create the shoe’s outsole. Its formation is meant to mirror the view of a city layout when looking at it from above. The result in the late 1980s was better traction during quick transitions and abrupt stops on the hardwood.
ASICS SportStyle EX89™ sneaker
The EX89™ sneaker will release on 05 December 2022 in men’s iterations that feature original-inspired makeups with team color blocking and neutral versions that are constructed with classic lifestyle materials. All styles will be available at www.asics.com and retail at RM 429.