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Why Is the GEL-KAYANO 14, One of the Most Popular Models in the GEL-KAYANO Series, Still So Beloved?

2025.09.30

The GEL-KAYANO is a running shoe line from ASICS SportStyle that first launched in 1993. It's a legendary series beloved by countless runners and has even been the training shoe of choice for Olympic athletes. Among the many models, the 14th iteration, the GEL-KAYANO 14, has found particular favor in the fashion world.

We sat down with Shigeyuki Kunii, the creative director of mita sneakers, to get the inside scoop on the model's history and uncover why it continues to be so popular today.

The GEL-KAYANO Series: Still Evolving with New Releases

ASICS SportStyle is currently enjoying skyrocketing popularity, and the GEL-KAYANO 14 is one of its most sought-after models. We started by asking Kunii about the origin story of the GEL-KAYANO series.

"The GEL-KAYANO series launched in 1993 as a long-distance running line primarily for the North American market. The very first model was named the 'GEL-KAYANO TRAINER,' and subsequent releases were numbered '2,' '3,' and so on.

The designer was Toshikazu Kayano. I've had the chance to speak with him a few times, and he told me that 'GEL-KAYANO' actually started as a development codename used by someone at the American branch. The name just stuck and ended up being the official product name.

The inspiration for this series came from the stag beetle. A key feature is the outsole design—when you put both shoes together, the lightning-like motifs form what looks like a stag beetle's pincers. The GEL-KAYANO series was designed from the start to be a cross-category model that could blur the lines between lifestyle and sport."

The lightning-inspired design on the outsole was inspired by the pincers of a stag beetle. (Pictured: GEL-KAYANO TRAINER)

In 2018, mita sneakers released a collaboration model to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the GEL-KAYANO series. Kunii continues the story.

"Back then, the GEL-LYTE series was dominating the market. In 2018, with the GEL-KAYANO series celebrating its 25th anniversary and a new model on the way, we decided to reissue the original GEL-KAYANO TRAINER. One of the biggest differences between the GEL-LYTE and GEL-KAYANO series is that the latter is still an active, evolving line with new models coming out.

For the GEL-KAYANO series' 25th anniversary project, mita sneakers launched a collection featuring the original GEL-KAYANO TRAINER (right) and the then-latest GEL-KAYANO 25. (Reference product)

From our perspective in handling the reissue, we were a bit concerned. We were taking a performance shoe from a constantly evolving series and suddenly reintroducing it as a lifestyle model. We worried it might confuse consumers. But that reissue was exactly what put the GEL-KAYANO series back in the spotlight."

In essence, the reissue model featured by mita sneakers for the 25th anniversary was the spark that ignited the modern popularity of the GEL-KAYANO series.

The Y2K Trend Fuels the Popularity of the GEL-KAYANO 14

Within the GEL-KAYANO series, the GEL-KAYANO 14 stands out for its broad appeal across generations. Kunii also shared its unique origin story.

"The GEL-KAYANO 14, the 14th model in the series, was released in 2008. It was a pivotal model because it was the first one not designed by Toshikazu Kayano, the original designer. Instead, Hidenori Yamashita took the reins. Its charm lies in how it inherits the series' legacy of excellent function and design while being infused with Yamashita's unique aesthetic.

The globally acclaimed GEL-KAYANO 14. New designer Hidenori Yamashita drew inspiration from the concept of a "flash" of light, redefining the shoe for the streets while preserving its original aesthetic. ¥19,800 (tax included).

For the GEL-KAYANO 14's design, Yamashita's core theme was 'a flash of light.' He envisioned the runner's repetitive motion—the heel strike and toe-off—as a continuous flash. He then projected this idea onto every design element, from the colors and lines to the materials, silhouette, and textures."

The GEL cushioning in the heel not only provides shock absorption and rebound but also visually represents the "flash" design concept. The mesh upper and metallic silver overlays were also key elements that captured the Y2K aesthetic.

The GEL-KAYANO 14 started grabbing attention on the streets around 2020. Kunii continued, explaining how it gained its popularity.

"The influence of the 'Y2K' keyword, which gained traction around 2020, was huge. At the same time, the shoe perfectly fit the footwear styles of 'normcore' and the tech-loving 'gorpcore.' Its popularity ignited when Bulgarian designer Kiko Kostadinov joined as a curator. Collaborations with JJJJOUND and KITH then propelled its fame worldwide.

The GEL-KAYANO 14 cemented its popularity through a collaboration with the Montreal-based design studio, JJJJOUND. This collaboration model sold out instantly (Reference product).

"But at its core, the driving force was the 'Y2K' trend. The GEL-KAYANO 14 was highlighted as a prime example of this, which led to the global rise of the ASICS SportStyle movement."

As everyone knows, around that time, luxury brands were all sampling techy silhouettes like the GEL-KAYANO 14 and releasing their own shoes.

The GEL-KAYANO 14: Becoming a Brand Staple

According to Kunii, the secret to the GEL-KAYANO 14's popularity isn't just about the collaborations. He shared the true appeal of this model.

"When the GEL-KAYANO 14 was re-released in the early 2020s, I think a big factor was that despite using technology from a previous era, it was simply comfortable to wear and a perfect fit for everyday city use.

"High-end performance running models currently on the market are designed to shift your center of gravity forward to help with foot turnover, which can make them uncomfortable for just standing still and, conversely, not great for city wear. In that respect, the GEL-KAYANO 14 is a model that incorporates running into daily life, so even if you're not wearing them to run, you can still feel their high functionality.

"In fact, the GEL-KAYANO 14 won the 'International Editor's Choice Award' from the American running magazine *Runner's World* in 2008, so that kind of validation might also be a major reason."

Now, driven by the popularity of the GEL-KAYANO 14, the GEL-KAYANO 12.1 has also been released, further energizing the scene. Kunii continues on this topic.

The GEL-KAYANO 12.1 features a unique silhouette that combines the upper of the GEL-KAYANO 12 with the outsole of the GEL-NIMBUS 17. The midsole uses a sole designed for comfort during long-distance runs. ¥22,000 each (tax included).

"The GEL-KAYANO 12.1, born from a joint development with KITH, is a hybrid of the GEL-KAYANO 12 and the GEL-NIMBUS 17. It's worth noting that the creator of the GEL-KAYANO, Kayano, was also involved in the GEL-NIMBUS and GT-2000 series.

"The models being re-released recently, often discussed within the design language of 'Y2K,' were designed by Kayano, so it makes perfect sense that these two models would be hybridized.

Currently, the 'Y2K' trend has calmed down, and the market has become quite saturated. But when I asked Kunii about the future of the GEL-KAYANO series, he replied as follows.

New colors for the popular GEL-KAYANO 12.1, featuring an upper design inspired by European armor, its structure, and the texture of metal. The name of its creator, 'Kayano,' is inscribed in kanji on the tongue. ¥22,000 each (tax included).

"It's true that the situation is challenging right now, but that doesn't mean the GEL-KAYANO 14 or GEL-KAYANO 12.1 aren't selling. The GEL-KAYANO 14 was already known among core sneakerheads before it was featured as part of the 'Y2K' category; it's actually a model with a very long lifespan. Therefore, I believe the GEL-KAYANO 14 is becoming less of a trend and more of a staple.

"It started getting major features due to the 'Y2K' movement, but a big part of it was also how it fit into the 'normcore' and 'gorpcore' trends. It's also one of the models that pushed forward the genderless movement in sneakers.

"It's rare for a running shoe, but the GEL-KAYANO 14 was embraced by a diverse range of people, from sneakerheads to the fashion-conscious. That's why I believe it will continue to establish itself as the face of ASICS SportStyle."

According to Kunii, something Kayano always incorporates into his shoe designs is 'jōcho' (emotion/spirit). While modern manufacturing is driven by meticulous calculations and the pursuit of numbers, his designs contain that 'jōcho'—an emotional quality that uplifts the wearer and strikes a chord with people. That's precisely why the GEL-KAYANO series will undoubtedly continue to reign as a brand staple.

PROFILE

Shigeyuki Kunii

Director, mita sneakers

As the Creative Director of mita sneakers, he champions a unique sneaker style, broadcasting it from Ueno—a classic downtown Tokyo neighborhood—to a global audience. He has masterminded numerous collaborations and exclusive models with a wide array of brands, showcasing his exceptional talent through projects with partners like New Balance. He also lends his expertise as an external director for "Herringbone Footwear," a shop that recently opened its doors in Toranomon Hills. His involvement spans a wide spectrum, from global projects to directing domestic in-line collections, solidifying his status as one of the most influential figures in the sneaker industry.

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