This month, Asics released a fresh update on the GT-2160 in collaboration with Scandinavian multi-brand retailer Wood Wood. The partnership is the latest in an influx of reimaginings of the retro-inflected shoe, which has garnered a lot of attention of late for its throwback aesthetic.
Seven years since the two brands last teamed up (the first resulted in a Gel-DS Trainer OG), the results of this collaboration are sleek, modern and tech-driven: everything the GT-2160 is known and loved for. The grey and beige colorway nods to their 2017 release, but this time with pops of metallic silver and pale pink.
With this signature Asics style fast becoming a fan – and fashion – favorite, get to know its origin story with our guide to the Asics GT-2160.
The story behind the GT-2160 dates back to the early 2000s. It’s based on the Asics GT-2000, a model released in the early 2010s. The latest iteration features the same technical language as the GT-2000 with its wavy forefoot sculpting. Much of its design notes are reminiscent of Asics’ early-2010s output like wide mesh, a segmented midsole and signature Gel cushioning inserts.
A recent iteration of the shoe saw a collaborative effort between nine of Asics’ top-performing stores, which then worked together in a studio to create the GT-2160 TOMO SMU “Kogarashi”. The name nods to a Japanese term that refers to the exact moment when you feel that the good weather is ending. This vibe is reflected in the icy-blue tones overlaid with warmer color notes.
When it first hit the shelves, the GT-2160 was a true running shoe: a natural successor to the beloved Kayano. But since its launch it has attracted buzz outside of the world of running thanks to some high-profile collaborations. The likes of Kith and Dime have embraced the shoe for its archival inspirations – Kith with a vibrantly accented cream and yellow colorway, and Dime with a more muted, neutral palette.
Ethereal fashion label Cecilie Bahnsen has put a signature floral spin on the design with a white and silver colorway, presenting a perfect union between the Danish brand’s hyper-feminine aesthetic and the retro design direction of the Asics original.
GT-2160 falls in line with current retro styling. Opt for an athleisure-heavy look with sweatpants and an oversized tee. Alternatively, embrace the minimalist aesthetic and sleek profile of the shoe with understated, lightly tailored pieces. Choose from a wide array of GR colorways at multi-brand retailers like End. Clothing or coveted collaborations on StockX.
Scroll down for some streetwear inspirations to kick-start your GT-2160 styling.
Fast-selling collaborations aside, Asics has some general release GT-2160 options on offer – but even those are attracting a lot of attention. Bookmark this guide for a quick reference to styling your next outfit with the Asics GT-2160.