The first thing that jumps out is the colour blocking. Grey suede on one panel, purple suede on the next, all stitched together in that classic Gel-Lyte III form. It shouldn’t work, but it does — perfectly. Then you notice the little touches. The glow-in-the-dark stripes on the side are subtle during the day but light up like neon backstreet signs at night. The collar lined in purple satin gives it a luxe vibe, like something you’d expect from a boutique collab, not a mass release.

Branding is cleverly done too. On the mismatched heel overlays you’ve got Atmos on one side, Sneaker Freaker on the other — a nod to the two collaborators who brought this shoe to life. The EVA midsole is lightweight and comfortable, with a splash of speckled purple paint along the sidewall to tie the whole colour scheme together.

On foot, they feel every bit as good as they look. ASICS’ Gel cushioning still holds up decades after its debut, and the split tongue design is as weirdly practical as ever. But really, these are less about performance and more about vibe. They tell a story — of alleys, subcultures, and two cities connected by sneaker love.

For me, they’re more than just another collab. They’re proof that when you miss a drop but really want the shoe, it’s worth chasing it down. Even if StockX makes you pay the “ouch” tax.

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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.

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Designed by Shigeyuki Mitsui in 1990, the GEL-LYTE III OG silhouette incorporates a split-tongue application that was originally inspired by the GEL-LD RACER shoe. Reappearing in two different colourways, this collection features a nylon mesh fabric on the underlays for a throwback look.

Additionally, the sneaker incorporates its signature GEL technology cushioning unit in the heel to improve shock absorption and help deliver lasting comfort.

Style #: 1201A296.300

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The shoe’s upper is modified with suede, canvas, and quilt fabrics to create a patchwork appearance. Meanwhile, the tongue, heel, and medial sides are decorated with the revered paisley pattern. 

Key components, like the GEL technology unit in the midsole remain intact. This increases shock absorption and improves underfoot cushioning during everyday scenarios.

Style #: 1201A318.001

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Style #: 1201A180.600

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