Japanese Rock Band Zutomayo Gets Two Asics Gel-Kayano 14 Colorways

Published February 20, 2025

Zutomayo x Asics Gel-Kayano 14 Collection

Collaborations in the footwear world with rock bands are few and far between, but magic always seems to happen each time they occur. Most of these have come from adidas or Nike, but Asics has been dipping its toes in rock. Last year, they partnered with Taka from Japanese rock band ONE OK ROCK to create a silhouette for live performers, the Asics-One. Asics has again looked to the Japanese rock scene for partners as they’re teaming up with Zutomayo on a two-pack of Gel-Kayano 14 colorways.

Zutomayo, who first appeared in the rock scene in 2018, has released three studio albums, composed theme songs for animes, and even performed live at festivals and shows while remaining secretive about who is actually in the group. The only known member is a woman referred to as ACA-Ne, the main vocalist and songwriter for the band. When performing in front of live audiences, they stand behind a translucent screen to obscure their identities. However, some have chosen to reveal their faces during these shoes, but still, not much is known about who makes up the group.

As for the band’s first venture in the footwear world, they’re fortunate enough to work on the Asics Gel-Kayano 14, one of the Japanese footwear brand’s most popular silhouettes. Across the two colorways, one covered in black with hits of purple and pink and another similar to Buzz Lightyear with a white, green, purple, and pink mixture, we see added lacing details and updates to the material makeup of the sneaker. Influencing the color palette is the character Nira-chan, who appears in music videos for the group and is often seen with purple and pink hair alongside green ears and dark clothing.

ZTMY (Zutomayo) branding is placed near the lateral heel of the upper, acting as part of the added bungee lacing setup that ends on the heel tab and runs across the entire upper. Other added features include extra stitching details around the toe box on the black pair, translucent tiger stripes on the white color, ZTMY text on the added lace dubraes, and the ZTMY patch embroidered onto the insole of the right shoe. Finishing the sneaker is the tonal Gel-Kayano 14 middle and outsole.

The Zutomayo x Asics Gel-Kayano 14 Collection will release in 2025 through Asics and select retailers online and in-store. As of now, sizing and pricing information has yet to be announced. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.