ASICS SportStyle introduces the new GEL-KINETIC™ SP shoe. A stylish new Alternative to traditional dress shoes. The latest addition to the SportStyle family embodies the Japanese philosophy of Kaizen, continuous improvement. A premium leather upper is paired with the futuristic GEL-KINETIC™ performance sole, refined at the ASICS Institute of Sport Science (ISS). The result is a statement in balance: sophisticated, enduring and comfortable.
Once affectionately known as a “dad shoe” or even a “grandpa brand”, ASICS reclaims that identity through design that honors experience while speaking to a new generation of movement. For decades, ASICS has been synonymous with precision and purpose. The GEL-KINETIC™ SP shoe revisits this lineage through a contemporary lens, proving that comfort and sophistication can coexist; that legacy and progress can move together.
Drawing inspiration from traditional leather Derby shoes, the GEL-KINETIC™ SP sneaker reimagines formal footwear conventions through a modern SportStyle construction. This fusion creates a refined aesthetic that comfortably adapts to various settings, from urban exploration and everyday activities to the workplace and formal occasions.
The upper, made of soft, premium leather, integrates elegant craft with ASICS’ renowned performance design aesthetics. FF BLAST™ foam provides the perfect blend of comfort and energy return, ensuring all-day wearability. The SCUTOID GEL™ technology helps provide advanced cushioning, delivering a smooth and comfortable feel during daily activities. The design also includes a BIOMORPHIC-inspired design that delivers exceptional flexibility and a natural fit that moves intuitively with the foot.
The launch campaign pays tribute to the relationship between tradition and future through human connection. Photographer Daan Zahradnik captured five intergenerational pairs—grandparents and grandchildren, parents and children—each in their everyday worlds. The series invites reflection on how movement, both physical and emotional, uplifts the mind.
