ASICS has collaborated with architect Kengo Kuma for the first time. The running shoe "METARIDE™ AMU" will be released on December 20th, with a limited run of 2020 pairs worldwide.
"METARIDE™ AMU" (36,000 yen)
The "METARIDE™ AMU" (36,000 yen) was created in collaboration with renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. Born from ASICS' unique concept of "reducing energy consumption and running longer," it was developed based on the "METARIDE" released in 2019. The monosock upper, made of knit material, was inspired by the traditional Japanese bamboo weaving technique "Yatara-ami," conceived by Kuma. The position and shape of the intricately intersecting stripes were determined through years of research at ASICS, providing a soft yet firm hold on the foot while running.
The distinctive sole, which curves upward toward the toe, uses two different foam materials. It combines the opposing functions of cushioning and durability, enabling a stable and smooth stride. Kuma, aiming for environmentally friendly architecture, proposed leaving the "FLYTEFOAM" midsole material, made from cellulose nanofiber derived from wood, uncolored, allowing the natural color of the material to shine through. Available in white and natural, sizes range from 23.0cm to 29.0cm (in 0.5cm increments), 30.0cm, and 31.0cm.
"METARIDE™ AMU" (36,000 yen)
Kuma commented, "We created running shoes as the smallest piece of architecture we have created. The two layers - an outer shell made like the 'Yatara-ami' bamboo craft technique and an inner shell made of knit material that gently conforms to the foot - create a moving piece of architecture that follows the complex movements of a combination of bending and twisting."
In Japan, the shoes will be sold at ASICS directly managed stores in Harajuku, Shinsaibashi, and Umeda, as well as the ASICS online store.
"METARIDE™ AMU" (36,000 yen)The "METARIDE™ AMU" (36,000 yen) was created in collaboration with renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. Born from ASICS' unique concept of "reducing energy consumption and running longer," it was developed based on the "METARIDE" released in 2019. The monosock upper, made of knit material, was inspired by the traditional Japanese bamboo weaving technique "Yatara-ami," conceived by Kuma. The position and shape of the intricately intersecting stripes were determined through years of research at ASICS, providing a soft yet firm hold on the foot while running.
The distinctive sole, which curves upward toward the toe, uses two different foam materials. It combines the opposing functions of cushioning and durability, enabling a stable and smooth stride. Kuma, aiming for environmentally friendly architecture, proposed leaving the "FLYTEFOAM" midsole material, made from cellulose nanofiber derived from wood, uncolored, allowing the natural color of the material to shine through. Available in white and natural, sizes range from 23.0cm to 29.0cm (in 0.5cm increments), 30.0cm, and 31.0cm.
"METARIDE™ AMU" (36,000 yen)Kuma commented, "We created running shoes as the smallest piece of architecture we have created. The two layers - an outer shell made like the 'Yatara-ami' bamboo craft technique and an inner shell made of knit material that gently conforms to the foot - create a moving piece of architecture that follows the complex movements of a combination of bending and twisting."
In Japan, the shoes will be sold at ASICS directly managed stores in Harajuku, Shinsaibashi, and Umeda, as well as the ASICS online store.
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