Kiko Kostadinov’s collaborations with Asics have long been celebrated for pushing the boundaries of sneaker design. This year has been no exception, with the London-based designer and his studio continuing to make waves in the sneaker world. One of the standout projects this year has been reimagining the Asics GT-2160. This model has grown in popularity thanks to its retro aesthetics and modern functionality blend. Following the success of the three-pack release in March, Kostadinov and Asics are now set to launch two new iterations under the UB7-S title, showcasing the designer’s knack for merging heritage and innovation.
The Kiko Kostadinov x Asics UB7-S GT-2160 Pack introduces two colorways: Lava Orange and Dark Neptune. Both versions feature a netting material on the base, layered with leather overlays that enhance the sneaker's visual complexity. The Lava Orange colorway sports a vibrant blue mesh base, white leather accents, and a mix of blue and orange hues, with pops of green on the tiger stripes that give the sneaker a dynamic, nature-inspired look. Meanwhile, the Dark Neptune colorway offers a more subdued palette, with yellow netting over a black mesh base, complemented by dark grey accents, green leather overlays, and silver tiger stripes. Both pairs retain the GT-2160's signature sole unit, ensuring the classic running shoe's performance is not compromised.
These designs are heavily influenced by the themes of Interlaced Assemblages, Functional Utopias, and Mino Ceramics, as Kiko Kostadinov Studio and the ASICS SportStyle development team highlighted. The UB7-S GT-2160 sneakers explore the fusion of soft textures with elements of iconic artwork, creating a matte and washed-color appearance that enhances the archival shape and construction of the heritage running shoe. The contrasting grid-like patterns and bold colors are directly inspired by nature, with metallic accents that highlight the double-layer mesh material. Additionally, the design team drew from Mino ceramic influences, incorporating contemporary processes that evoke rust-like qualities and degraded colors that evoke a timeless aesthetic.
The Kiko Kostadinov x Asics UB7-S GT-2160 Pack will release on August 23, 2024, overseas, with a global release to follow in the coming weeks. The collection will be available through Asics and select retailers both online and in-store, with the retail price set at $220. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Images via Asics
Kiko Kostadinov x Asics UB7-S GT-2160 Lava Orange
Kiko Kostadinov x Asics UB7-S GT-2160 Dark Neptune
In this article
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. Concerts, music, trying new restaurants, and catching the latest movies are some of the things I enjoy when not writing for Sole Retriever. Email: nick@soleretriever.com
