The Birth Story of ASICS SportStyle's "GEL-YETI TOKYO HI" Reconstructed with a New Approach

The "GEL-YETI TOKYO HI" was developed in 2000 as an after-shoe to relax the feet after trail running competitions. This epoch-making model, proudly presented by "ASICS SportStyle" is undergoing a modern resurrection driven by Japan.
 
The design creator for this project is Shigeyuki Kunii, the creative director of mita sneakers. We spoke with him about the development story behind this model, his thoughts on it, and his design commitments.

Developed as a Relaxation Shoe for After Outdoor Activities

Recently, Kunii has been involved in various SMUs for "ASICS," including the "GEL-LYTE Ⅲ 'TRICO.'"
 
In this instance, he took on the design creativity for "GEL-YETI TOKYO HI," which modernizes the "GEL-YETI" that resonated with a core demographic in the fashion industry during the 2000s. When asked about this model, Kunii responded:
 
"The 'GEL-YETI' model was part of 'ASICS' 'TRANSCEND' series, which was launched in the fall/winter of 1999.
 
"The keyword 'TRANSCEND' stems from the idea of 'training in nature,' created for the purpose of stepping out of traditional sports venues and training in outdoor fields.

"When 'TRANSCEND' is translated, it essentially means 'to transcend' or 'to leap over'. As I recall, I vaguely remember a visual advertisement featuring a model wearing 'GEL-YETI' jumping over rocks. Ultimately, it was developed first as a relaxation shoe after outdoor activities."
 
Moreover, Kunii mentioned that during the 2018 Winter Olympics held in Pyeongchang, a special version of "GEL-YETI" was used as boots for the Japanese delegation's uniform.

Evolved Details for Comfortable Urban Living

Subsequently, in 2020, it gained significant attention through collaboration with "NONNATIVE," giving rise to the new "GEL-YETI TOKYO HI" that caught the eye of fashion-forward individuals. When discussing his involvement in this special project, Kunii shared:
 
"I believe 'ASICS' led the trend of Y2K running shoes, but for younger generations, 'ASICS' tends to be represented by 'GEL-NYC' or 'GEL-KAYANO' series.

"In a broader sense, considering 'ASICS Sports Style,' I felt it was necessary to modernize items in the archive. While there can be instances of getting overwhelmed by broadening the product range too much, I wanted to be part of the project as a suggestion in the lifestyle category rather than running, and to sow the seeds for the next generation."
 
This shows Kunii's earnest attitude towards introducing various models to sneaker enthusiasts. The current product has certainly been updated compared to the original "GEL-YETI TOKYO HI" released back in the day. When I inquired about the key improvements, Kunii continued:

"First of all, the way of lacing has been updated. At that time, it was created as an after-shoe to help recover the feet, so the lacing method focused more on relaxing the feet than on enhancing the hold.
 
"However, I believed that a certain level of hold is necessary when wearing them in the city, so I have changed the lacing method, such as the way the eyelets are attached. Additionally, in urban life, shoes are often taken on and off, so I switched to speed lacing."

 A Special Product with Dual Features

It seems that there are still many updates from the existing models. Kunii’s dedication knows no bounds.
 
"The characteristics of natural materials have also been incorporated into the shoes. From a sustainable perspective, I understand the durability and usability of synthetic leather. However, real natural leather allows the material to breathe, thereby releasing moisture inside the shoe and improving the fit for the foot. That's why I've chosen natural leather suede for the upper."

"Additionally, the insole uses cork material, which brings similar benefits. Cork material is antibacterial, deodorizing, and has humidity control effects, adding desirable functionality, especially to boots that tend to get stuffy."
 
There is a reason behind the color scheme being named "MUSHROOM." This name was proposed while considering those who wore the original version back in the day, and it's not just about the color's literal meaning, but it carries a deeper significance.

Finally, when I asked about the appeal of the "GEL-YETI TOKYO HI 'MUSHROOM,'" Kunii replied emphatically.
 
"I believe that for the younger generation, there is a fixed notion of 'This is what 'ASICS' style is.' Originally, 'ASICS' has been a genuine sports manufacturer that created all the shoes for the events adopted in the Olympics from the very beginning.
 
"While it is a brand that continues to create with an 'athlete-first' philosophy, when I talk to those who designed back in the day, they mention that although they were creating products based on numerical functionalities, they always infused some sort of design that inspires people's spirits, something playful.
 
"When we create collaborative products like this, it's not just about following a trend, but we build a story behind it. The products developed by 'mita sneakers' always come with an explainable front side (A-side) and a hidden theme (B-side), so feel free to ask the staff at the store for more details."
 
The truly thought-out functionalities and details, combined with a touch of playfulness, are the excellent balance found in the products proposed by "mita sneakers" and Kunii. The "GEL-YETI TOKYO HI 'MUSHROOM'" undoubtedly embodies such aspects, so I hope you get to have one in hand.