The new Asics proposals between running and runway
Words, SVD. Photo, Asics, Unaffected, Kiko Kostadinov.
February 25, 2026.
Asics continues to expand its SportStyle universe through collaborations and curated proposals that reinterpret its running heritage with contemporary sensitivity. From the structured romanticism of KIMHEKIM to the utilitarian minimalism of UNAFFECTED, and the formal research of Kiko Kostadinov Studio, the Gel-Nimbus 10.1 and the US7-S Gel-Kinetic Fluent become canvases to explore how technical performance can engage in dialogue with modern fashion.
Gel-Nimbus 10.1 x KIMHEKIM: conceptual delicacy on a technical foundation
Founded by South Korean designer Kiminte Kimhekim, the label KIMHEKIM has built its identity around the tension between romanticism and structure. Based in Paris with roots in Seoul, the brand is known for reinterpreting classic codes—such as pearls and bows—through a contemporary logic that combines craftsmanship and technical precision. Its approach to fashion is not ornamental but conceptual: each piece proposes a balance between visual fragility and solid construction.
In the Asics Gel-Nimbus 10.1 x KIMHEKIM (available in three colorways: 1203A833-100, 1203A833-020 and 1203A833-001), this sensitivity is translated onto a silhouette originally conceived for high-performance running. The model retains the signature architecture of the Gel-Nimbus 10.1, featuring its technical mesh upper, structural overlays and visible GEL cushioning system, while introducing details that add a more delicate dimension—such as the engraved heart on the lateral heel and the removable heart-shaped lace patch.
Gel-Nimbus 10.1 x UNAFFECTED: utilitarian precision and Korean minimalism
The South Korean brand UNAFFECTED has built its reputation on a meticulous approach to utilitarian design. Founded in Seoul, the label explores contemporary functionality through a clean and controlled aesthetic, where experimentation with technical materials is combined with rational, architectural silhouettes.
The Asics Gel-Nimbus 10.1 x UNAFFECTED (in colorways 1203A836-020, 1203A836-021 and 1203A836-001) adopt a more industrial and monochromatic reading. The palettes lean toward neutral and dark tones, emphasizing the technical construction of the model: breathable mesh, layered reinforcements and a GEL-equipped midsole that ensures cushioning and stability. UNAFFECTED’s intervention does not aim to radically alter the silhouette but to highlight its functional dimension. The result is a sneaker that preserves the performance essence of the Gel-Nimbus 10.1 while gaining a more restrained and versatile identity, aligned with the brand’s utilitarian vision.
US7-S Gel-Kinetic Fluent
Bulgarian designer Kiko Kostadinov has established himself as one of the most influential voices at the intersection of conceptual fashion and technical sportswear. Through his studio, he has developed a sensibility that merges structural experimentation, color, and an almost sculptural reading of footwear. His relationship with Asics SportStyle has led to proposals that explore the archive through the lens of formal research.
The US7-S Gel-Kinetic Fluent model, curated by Kiko Kostadinov Studio and the Asics SportStyle development team (in colorways 1203A973-500, 1203A973-020 and 1203A973-700), embodies this vision. The silhouette is defined by a dynamic construction, where the technical upper integrates with a pronounced geometric midsole and advanced cushioning. The color combinations—characterized by contrasting ring patterns—bring a more expressive reading to the model.
The Japanese brand’s latest proposals once again demonstrate how technical performance and visual sophistication can coexist naturally. Discover them all at SVD.