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Development Secret Story of the Long-Awaited Debut of "GEL-LYTE ∞" to Celebrate the 35th Anniversary of "GEL-LYTE Ⅲ"

2025.08.08

This year, ASICS SportStyle's ASICS SportStyle's GEL-LYTE III celebrates its 35th anniversary. The all-new "Gel-Lyte" series that arrived after three years of development is none other than the GEL-LYTE ∞. This time, we explore what type of design theme "mita sneakers" created the model under. We sat down with the model's director, Shigeyuki Kunii, to talk about his thoughts and the secret story behind developing the shoe.

Blending the Best Elements of the Legendary "GEL-LYTE" Series

Released in 1990 as a lightweight running shoe, the "GEL-LYTE III" marks its 35th anniversary this year. As an anniversary project, the "GEL-LYTE ∞" was born in a collaborative creation with Ueno's Mita Sneakers, a store transmitting sneaker culture from Ameyoko to the world. When asked how this collaboration came about, Kunii shared his story.

The "GEL-LYTE ∞" fuses the 3rd and 5th generations of the "GEL-LYTE" series. Also, the signature Mita Sneakers tricolor remains. Priced at 25,300 yen (tax included)

"Basically, people who have come to know 'ASICS SportStyle' from revival models such as the 'GEL-KAYANO 14' or other Y2K design language fusion models often have fewer opportunities to connect with the brand's iconic 'GEL-LYTE' series.

"The 'GEL-LYTE III' series that I released from last year through March this year as my own directed model, in fact, served as a teaser for this 'GEL-LYTE ∞.'

"Even though it’s the 35th anniversary, 'GEL-LYTE III' does not appear as an inline model this year, so this 'GEL-LYTE ∞' is a project to launch a commemorative edition in a unique timing and form for those with previous ties to 'ASICS SportStyle'—this is the Mita Sneakers version."

What new features does the "GEL-LYTE ∞" hold? Kunii continues:

"Although it's the anniversary of the 'GEL-LYTE III,' this time we took inspiration from adding together the generation numbers of the 3rd and 5th GEL-LYTE models for the number '8.' Tracing the external look of the 'GEL-LYTE V,' known for its monosock construction, we added in the innovative 'split tongue' details from 'GEL-LYTE III.' This layered design is the key highlight."

On the left is the "GEL-LYTE V," on the right the "GEL-LYTE III." The essential feature of this collaboration is a layered design with the 5th generation’s exterior built over the 3rd generation.

The concept of combining “3” and “5” to create “8” is represented not just numerically, but also visually as the infinity symbol (∞) turned sideways. Choosing to use a Japanese word as the model name is a signature Mita Sneakers touch.

A New Frontier of Layered Design, Like Tree Rings

Kunii appears to have a deep emotional investment in this new design. He shares more details:

"As touched on earlier, the heart of this collaboration is a multi-layered design, inspired by stacking the 3rd and 5th generation models like a mille-feuille. There have been approaches in the past, like simply tracing a previous pattern, re-crafting by cutting up and reconstructing details, or hybridizing uppers and soles from different models. However, building it up in actual layers is something we had never tried with this brand before, so it was a challenge of trial and error.

The split tongue from the "GEL-LYTE III" now features a zipper, so it can be worn as a slip-on—a 2-way evolution.

"The 'GEL-LYTE' series is a shoe that layered history and eras, so I wanted to be particular about the 'stacked' feeling, like the rings of a tree," says Kunii.

Rather than simply hybridizing designs, Kunii’s approach gives a tangible embodiment to the core of a sports brand—evolving function through perfectly layered features. His concept deserves real respect. Kunii continues:

Thanks to the GEL-LYTE V’s monosock construction at the collar, the fit and comfort are exceptional. The insole also features the familiar wire fence graphic—a Mita Sneakers trademark.

"Saying it is easy, but bringing it to life is the job of 'ASICS SportStyle.' There were quite a few challenges turning it into reality. In fact, it took three years from concept to completion.

"Even just the upper structure required countless sample fittings for checks, and attaching the upper to the sole needed precise calculations, so it was an extremely difficult task to bring it all together."

You can't miss that the color scheme of the ASICS stripes differs on the inner and outer sides.

Of course, it's tough to create something unseen in the area of innovation, but on the other hand, shoes with history carry the thoughts of the makers and those who have seen them. Since these shoes are released under the brand, their performance must be ensured as well.

Thanks to careful adjustment of that difficult balance, I think this is a model filled with the persistence of the 'ASICS SportStyle' team."

Now is the Time to Talk about “Past, Present, & Future”

The accounts selling this collaboration model are limited to Mita Sneakers, Dover Street Market Ginza, and ASICS-owned stores. Regarding retail stores, Kunii commented:

"This time, I requested sales channels with clear roles: a core sneaker shop, a shop offering the most cutting-edge fashion context, and directly operated stores covering the whole country. Personally, I always believe that the physical retail space for shoes is important no matter the era."

The updated "GEL-LYTE III" features details where layers, reminiscent of mille-feuille, overlap in the heel—with glow-in-the-dark gel built in.

So, how will the "GEL-LYTE" series, including the "GEL-LYTE III," develop moving forward? When asked for his thoughts, Kunii answered:

"The growing awareness of 'ASICS SportStyle' is largely thanks to collaborations and the Y2K trend. I think it's now time to introduce heritage models like the 'GEL-LYTE' series to new consumers.

"I believe that, as a brand, the best thing is for users to understand the 'past, present, and future,' so I'd like people to discover the 'GEL-LYTE' series through this opportunity.

"Storytelling through colors and materials is important, but when the timing is right to experiment with collaborations, it’s important to convey that it isn’t just about blending the third and fifth generations by design—there’s meaning and evolution in the function too. This is expressed through layer-by-layer design, inspired by tree rings—a point I especially wanted to emphasize."

The "GEL-LYTE III," released to coincide with the world’s leading sports events in 2020 and 2024, stands out with its memorable toe colors.

Fashion trends are cyclical. The reason there is a "past, present, and future" is because of its history—constantly evolving and steadily moving forward. The masterpiece "GEL-LYTE ∞," layered like tree rings, launches today, Friday, August 8. If you want to learn more about the "ASICS SportStyle" lineup or the "GEL-LYTE" series, you should definitely check it out. Once you wear it, you’ll understand what makes it a classic.

PROFILE

Shigeyuki Kunii

mita sneakers Director

Serving as Creative Director for Mita Sneakers, a brand offering a unique sneaker style from Ueno, Tokyo, to the world. He has worked on many collaborations and exclusive models with numerous brands, especially demonstrating his skills with New Balance collaborations and special editions. Currently, he is also an external director for Herringbone Footwear, a shop newly opened in Toranomon Hills. From global projects to domestic inline direction, he is a key figure in the sneaker world involved in a wide range of sneaker projects.

mita sneakers

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