ASICS Gel-Lyte III SVD Sivasdescalzo

The ASICS Gel-Lyte III SVD Sivasdescalzo collab is one of those pairs that makes you stop and think about what sneakers can actually be. Sure, most collabs are about colours, hype, or some clever storytelling. But this one? It’s about the planet. And for me, that gives it an edge.

Sivasdescalzo (SVD), a Spanish retailer with a sharp eye for design, teamed up with ASICS to give the classic Gel-Lyte III OG a complete eco-conscious makeover. No half measures here. This isn’t just a “throw in some recycled laces” job. They’ve gone all-in, right down to the packaging.

Let’s start with the build. The upper is crafted from cotton with eco-leather overlays sitting across ASICS’ iconic stripes. The tongue foam is partly recycled, and the insoles are made entirely from recycled plastic bottles. Even the laces are 100% jute fibre, giving the whole shoe a natural, raw look that fits the eco theme perfectly.

Despite all these material changes, the design DNA of the Gel-Lyte III OG remains untouched. You still get that unmistakable split tongue — one of the quirkiest yet most practical sneaker designs out there — and the classic tri-sole density cushioning that made the model a game-changer back in the 90s. It feels both nostalgic and forward-looking at the same time.

Colour-wise, it’s subtle and earthy. No loud hues here, just textured fabrics and tones that feel grounded, literally. It’s a sneaker that makes you feel like you’re doing something good, even if you’re just lacing up to grab a coffee.

To top it off, the packaging was custom-designed for the collab, with branding from both SVD and ASICS, and a nod to the planet they’re trying to protect. It feels less like buying sneakers and more like buying into a mindset.

Not every pair in the collection gets worn into the ground, but this one? I’ll happily beat them up knowing the design behind them was made to tread lighter.