Bodega is banking on the power of small details for its latest Asics collaboration.
The Bodega x Asics Gel-Kayano 20 “Small Wins Add Up” will release near the midpoint of September while favoring little flourishes rather than big. The mesh sneaker with TPU caging largely keeps to a grey and sand color scheme, but the bits that break it up do so loudly.
A tennis ball-colored sockliner brings the most pop, while yellow laces match select branding hits, including the medial Tiger Stripes and lateral “Gel-Kayano 20” callout. The tongue stands out further with a swap to black and white mesh that also decorates the medial collar, while the Gel units that give the shoe its name appear in a slime green. Bodega’s name appears faintly on the cage, and a speckled pattern is just as subtle on the midsole. On the insole, mismatched purple branding represents Asics and Bodega on the right and left sneaker, respectively.
The Gel-Kayano 20 originally launched in 2013, and Asics’ hasn’t leaned on the archival for much more than for its debut Kenzo collaboration from January.
In December, Bodega and Asics will have been collaborating for ten years. Their efforts were more truncated at first, but the boutique and footwear brand have now linked up on an annual basis since 2022. Last year’s Gel-NYC “After-Hours” proved popular with its purple and burgundy look featuring a translucent Tiger Stripes motif and shaggy suede detailing.
The Bodega x Asics Gel-Kayano 20 “Small Wins Add Up” will release September 12 through Bodega’s website and stores in Boston and Los Angeles. Pricing is set at $180.
Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
