Okay, why this shoe now?
Another one! Asics has teamed up with Copenhagen fashion house Naked for the fourth time. This time everything is sustainable: the shoe is made of vegan materials in simple and retro-inspired colors (mint!). Even the white laces are made from recycled fabrics. The branding, like the overall color scheme, is relatively simple. The shoe box is also made from recycled cardboard. The insole also features the logo of the Japanese city of Kobe, Asics’ hometown.
That sounds good. Something else?
A plus point: the shoe is also available for little feet! Women are often excluded from releasing more desirable sneakers because the shoes only come in men’s sizes. Not so with the ASICS x Naked, which is available from size 36 upwards. No wonder: the retailer Naked is run by women.
Are vegan shoes particularly popular now?
According to their own statements, Asics and Naked wanted to create a sustainable, vegan sneaker that looks and feels like any other shoe. It should show that sustainable products look no less cool than those made from traditional animal-based materials.
It worked, didn’t it?
More and more brands are offering their customers sustainable and vegan options, which are very popular. The renunciation of animal products is reflected not only in nutritional but also in fashion trends. As a result, leather-free sneakers are experiencing a real hype. This is also based on the Asics guideline, according to which movement and activity have positive effects on physical and mental well-being. Against this background, sneakers were created to help people live “inspired”.
What do I need to know about Asics?
The Japanese sports company was founded in 1949 by Kihachiro Onitsuka as Onitsuka Co. Ltd. founded. Originally, the brand was – who would have expected it otherwise – about basketball shoes. Onitsuka produced a line of Olympic shoes that were donned by athletes around the world. Today, Asics shoes are best known for their gel models. They are worn by runners, athletes, fitness enthusiasts and sneaker collectors around the world.