You had me at "hello?" AIREI had us at plastered ASICS GT-2160 sneakers last year. Now, the LA-based concept brand has again reeled us in with another ASICs sneaker collaboration that’s, well, straight flames.
When I say "flames," I mean it in the sense of something being super cool…and something literally being on fire. And yes, AIREI’s ASICS shoes check both boxes. Hang in there, I’ll explain.
AIREI’s newest ASICS collaboration involves the GEL-QUANTUM KINETIC sneaker, a cool meshy runner reminiscent of a Kiko Kostadinov team-up (but it’s surprisingly Kiko-less).
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For AIREI’s project, the brand covers up the GEL-QUANTUM KINETIC’s techy upper with khadi gauze, a delicate material made in Eastern India without electricity. The gauze shroud may not require an electric spark to be created, but AIREI confirms a spark from a lighter or match will certainly burn it down.
In my head, I hear AIREI saying, "Let it burn," as the ASICS sneaker’s gauzy cover is set ablaze and burnt away. As a result, we’re then met with this charred AIREI x ASICS GEL-QUANTUM KINETIC sneaker. However, the thick cushioned sole — infused with ASICS’s famed GEL technology — remains intact and roast-free.
AIREI’s ASICS GEL-QUANTUM KINETIC sneakers only heat up after their moment at the Dover Street Market x Felix Art Fair. The fiery pairs are prepping to launch on May 3 exclusively at the Dover Street Market New York store for the price of $265 — that’s if you’re lucky enough to cop one of the 50 limited pairs.
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According to AIREI’s press statement, the AIREI x ASICS sneakers come with a special shoebox swaddled in gauzee, "allowing the wearer to be a part of the process."
You’ve seen what happens when a flame touches the gauze sneakers. For those who don’t want a scorched shoebox, please use caution when handling this fire-hot collaboration.