Highsnobiety
Double Tap to Zoom
AFEW
1 / 4

Brand: AFEW x ASICS

Model: GEL-LYTE III "Beauty Of Imperfection"

Release Date: February 26

Price: TBC

Buy: Online at AFEW

Editor's Notes: It's difficult to think of the ASICS GEL-LYTE III without thinking of KITH's Ronnie Fieg. The American designer's work with the silhouette is some of the most celebrated and desired of its catalog, most notably, the "Salmon Toe" colorway and, most recently, "The Palette" pack.

Although Fieg's efforts may be the most prominent, but that's not to say that any other brands or designer's remixes on the sneaker should be overlooked.

Some notable releases from within the past year include the shades-of-red palette of Concepts and Sean Wotherspoon's rainbow affair.

In kicking off a strong start to the year, ASICS has teamed up with long-time partners, Düsseldorf-based retailer AFEW, to provide one of the sneaker's cleanest renders yet.

Your Highsnobiety privacy settings have blocked this Instagram post.

Dubbed the "Beauty Of Imperfection," this style pairs the classic build of the GEL-LYTE III with traditional wabi-sabi aesthetics. The term wabi-sabi described a Japanese aesthetic and world centered on the acceptance of imperfection, which is reflected in the sneaker's wear-away upper.

The pale green, purple, beige, and gum pair are a beauty to behold – featuring a first of its kind for the silhouette leather heel mold, printed cork insoles, stitched heel logos, and wear away branding along the upper.

Not that the silhouette is in need of any kind of revival, but if it were, AFEW's rendition would probably be able to do it single-handedly, as these are well deserving of a top spot ranking for the ever-popular model.

​​To stay updated on everything happening in the sneaker world, check out the best sneakers to add to your rotation this week, follow @highsnobietysneakers on Instagram, and sign up to our newsletter for early access to the best drops sent straight to your inbox.

We Recommend
  • ASICS' Luminous Dad Shoe Is Pretty Trippy
    • Sneakers
  • Cecilie Bahnsen's New ASICS Collab Is In Full Bloom
    • Sneakers
  • nonnative & ASICS’ Trail Shoe Quietly & Beautifully Disguises Its Tech 
    • Sneakers
  • UNAFFECTED Is The Master of Teched-Up ASICS Sneakers
    • Sneakers
  • ASICS & EMPTY BEHAVIOR's Sneakers Belong in an Art Museum
    • Sneakers
What To Read Next
  • Rooted in Reality with Dove
    • Beauty
    • sponsored
  • Leave It to AURALEE To Turn New Balance Dad Shoes Into Wearable Art
    • Sneakers
  • 20 Years of Retail Genius Deserves a Single-Tone Stone Island Masterpiece
    • Style
  • Streetwear Has Lost Its Popularity. Is That a Good Thing?
    • Style
  • You Could Win Big in the Sneaker Lottery – If Only You Gave A Buck
    • Style
    • sponsored
  • How the PUMA Mostro Clawed Back Into the Limelight
    • Sneakers
    • sponsored