Forget Muddy Hiking Trails, ASICS is Exploring Sand Dunes
Brand: ASICS
Model: GEL-SONOMA 15-50 "Future Trails Pack"
Release Date: Out now
Price: $145
Buy: Online at Highsnobiety Shop
Editor's Notes: It's gearing up to be another big year for the GEL-SONAMA 15-50. Having initially launched as one of the sneakers which the Kiko Kostadinov Studio worked on in-house, in the last few months it has found itself at the center of big collaborations with A.P.C. and Andersson Bell.
But, as is often the case with ASICS, the general release renditions are just as noteworthy as those that have a big name attached to them.
The latest to launch is two earthy-toned sneakers that have colorways inspired by sand dunes. This naturally manifests itself into a sand-colored sneaker as well as a darker brown option, but what sets these two apart is the digi-camo print on the upper meant to resemble the terrain of a sand dune.
Added to the technical nylon fabric on the upper, spots of the darker-hued digital print can be found popping out from under panels of hairy suede and nylon eyelet straps.
A masterful reworking of its archive trail-running and hiking footwear, made with a more lifestyle focus, the latest GEL-SONOMA 15-50 colorways enter a crowded market where outdoor-focused footwear seems to be on the menu for every sneaker brand.
From the relatively new niche labels that are making a buzz (HOKA, On, and Norda) to its closest competitors in the running footwear market (Nike, adidas, New Balance), the function-obsessed gorpcore heads have been spoiled for footwear options.
ASICS has been able to hold its own though, through carefully-curated collaborators and deep digging into its archive of classic sneakers. This release is just the latest that points towards the GEL-SONOMA 15-50 being a model that it's banking on to keep the competition hot for who creates the best outdoor sneakers.
