Leading the charge for the Australian sneaker scene, Perth-based Highs and Lows has been on a tear as of late. Releasing some of our favourite SKUs that include a raft of ASICS collaborations. The first to grab our attention was the Highs and Lows x ASICS Gel-Lyte III “Bricks and Mortar” that was released all the way back in 2014, but they’ve been killing it with retro silhouettes like the HAL ‘Smoke Grey’ ASICS Gel-1130 that released in mid-2022.
Today, the duo go back to the drawing board with a cold-month-ready GEL-1130 MK II in a warm ‘Forest’ colourway. It’s a tasty expression that represents the evolution of ASICS and HAL STUDIOS’ ‘maximal minimalism’ ethos with fantastic use of materials and colours. More importantly, it’s releasing on the HAL STUDIOS website on April 18th and launching Globally on the ASICS website on April 29th. Let’s take a closer look.
ASICS x Highs and Lows ‘Forest’ GEL-1130 | Image: ASICS
Clearly drawing plenty of inspiration from the natural world, the palette references the forests and Shinto shrines of ASICS’ home, Japan. We love the incorporation of wide breathable mesh and the use of hairy suede panelling coated in shades of green is something that we’ve come to appreciate from sneakers like the New Balance x Levis collaboration from September 2021.
The striking orange highlights on the GEL cushioning heel unit, insoles, and collaborative rubber hang-tag are inspired by Japanese Shinto shrines. Of course, the contrasting brown leather accents and antique white midsoles are simply the finishing touches on this great silhouette. Technology doesn’t end with the GEL cushioning unit, we’re big fans of the TRUSSTIC support system that provides underfoot stability.
“ASICS Sportstyle is excited to see our continued partnership with HAL STUDIOS come to life with the latest launch of the GEL-1130 X MK II ‘Forest’ footwear collaboration… Our Sportstyle team continues to innovate and push the boundaries of the sneaker space with the shoe’s design paying homage to ASICS Japanese heritage and the classic GEL-1130 running silhouette, whilst celebrating the creative vision of a local brand,” said ASICS Australia Managing Director, Mark Brunton.
The ASICS x Highs and Lows ‘Forest’ GEL-1130 is set to release globally from April 18th online at HAL STUDIOS linked below before the global launch on ASICS’ website and at select ASICS retailers worldwide from April 29th.
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ASICS x Highs and Lows ‘Forest’ GEL-1130 | Image: ASICS
ASICS x Highs and Lows ‘Forest’ GEL-1130 | Image: ASICS
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