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- Asics Gel-1130 White/ Light Sapphire
Asics Gel-1130
White/ Light Sapphire
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Asics Gel-1130
Sibling of the Gel-Kayano, made famous by the collaboration with Kiko Kostadinov - Asics Gel-1130
Originally created as a more accessible alternative to pricier stability models, this shoe has become one of the most sought-after retro silhouettes on the market over a decade later. Asics Gel-1130 was initially part of the entry-level stability running shoes from the brand, but today it serves as a fully-fledged lifestyle silhouette with a distinct “dad shoe” character. Its comeback is fueled by a limited collaboration with a renowned designer, catapulting the silhouette from the sidelines to the spotlight. This model proves how easily running heritage can transform into a fashion phenomenon.
History: the ninth generation of the Gel-1000 series
The Gel-1130 first launched in 2008 as a performance stability running shoe – the ninth generation of the Gel-1000 series, which represents the entry-level shoes from Asics sold at an affordable price. The design drew from the Gel-Kayano 14, with the Gel-1130 serving as a budget-friendly alternative to it and the GT-2130, which offered a more premium execution at a higher price. The silhouette was inspired by the aesthetics of the late 90s and early 2000s – side stripes, mesh upper, and a molded heel counter are direct references to that era.
A significant turnaround came in 2021, when Asics reintroduced the silhouette as part of the “retro running” and “dad shoe” trend wave. The retro look quickly gained fans, but the real boost to massive success came with the UB2-S model by designer Kiko Kostadinov, which definitively kickstarted the popularity of the Gel-1130 on a broader scale.
Technology: GEL cushioning and TRUSSTIC system
What makes the Gel-1130 comfortable even after hours of wear are these features:
- GEL technology: Signature cushioning elements located in the heel and toe, absorbing impact forces during both walking and prolonged standing.
- TRUSSTIC system: A supportive element placed under the arch that prevents twisting of the midsole – providing the shoe with “spine” and stability, preventing wobbling while walking.
- Wide base and firm heel counter: Combined with the TRUSSTIC system, it creates a sense of security and grounding with every step.
Design
Side stripes, mesh panels, and a molded heel counter reference the running aesthetics of the turn of the millennium – a combination that feels both nostalgic and contemporary thanks to modern materials and colorways.
Who the model is for
The Gel-1130 is a lifestyle silhouette for you if you’re looking for a comfortable retro shoe with a real technical foundation – ideal for fans of the dad-shoe aesthetic and early 2000s running design, with comfort that works for all-day wear without a break-in phase.
Materials
Japanese precision that redefines modern streetwear - Asics
From Olympic stadiums through Y2K mania to the peak of high-fashion
“A healthy mind in a healthy body.” This is the message hidden in the very name of the brand Asics, which is an acronym of the well-known Latin proverb Anima Sana In Corpore Sano. The story of this Japanese icon began in 1949 in Kobe, where its founder Kihachiro Onitsuka started producing athletic shoes with a vision to uplift the post-war youth through sports and an active lifestyle. The original Asics sneakers were not adorned with the now-iconic letter “a,” but rather the branding of Onitsuka Tiger with its signature crossed stripes, symbolizing the ferocity, strength, and endurance of a tiger. Today, while Onitsuka Tiger operates as a separate premium lifestyle division, the reference to authentic Japanese craftsmanship and technological integrity remains deeply embedded in the DNA of every pair bearing the Asics logo.
From running tracks to the spotlight of streetwear
For many years, the public perceived Asics sneakers solely as top-tier and high-quality running shoes for marathon runners and professional athletes. However, the hidden potential of raw Japanese retro-futuristic design fully emerged with the massive wave of dad shoes and the uncompromising rise of Y2K aesthetics. The streetwear spotlight was first dramatically captured by the impressive and substantial version of the Asics Gel-Kayano 5, which showcased to the world that layered design and technical structure have an unwavering place on the streets.
Not only with this model, but also with the aggressive silhouette of the Asics Gel-Kinsei or the outdoor-oriented Asics Gel-Nandi, the brand made a bold statement in the fashion world. Today, Asics no longer plays in the second league – it sits at the very top of technical streetwear and dictates trends closely followed by the entire sneaker community.
Asics GEL™ cushioning technology: Comfort you need to experience
With the popularization of lifestyle sneaker wearing and the transformation of urban culture, many Asics sports silhouettes have shifted towards footwear for all kinds of leisure activities. Today, many creative souls and sneaker enthusiasts see Asics shoes as a key fashion accessory. This has been achieved primarily through the brilliant fusion of unique Japanese visual identity and absolute comfort, often provided by the revolutionary cushioning technology Asics GEL™.
This involves special gel capsules strategically placed in the midsole, whose extreme effects you’ll notice especially with every hard landing on city asphalt and the subsequent dynamic push-off. The GEL™ technology effectively reduces foot fatigue, so whether you have a full day of tracking through the city, running from meeting to meeting, or dancing the night away at a festival rave, your feet will remain in complete luxury.
Collaborations that rewrote the rules
Asics' relevance within the global streetwear subculture has also been proven by the now-legendary and extremely limited collaboration Asics x Sean Wotherspoon on the silhouette of Asics Gel-Lyte III, which has made an indelible mark in sneaker design history. However, the brand's significant fashion renaissance was primarily sparked by the creative partnership with designer Kiko Kostadinov, whose studio elevated Asics inline models to runway levels.
You can find this iconic reference at Footshop. Alongside the timeless Gel-Lyte series and archival running classics, the hottest current releases await you:
- Asics Gel-NYC: A perfect hybrid of modern elements and retro running design.
- Asics Gel-Kayano 14: The absolute king of Y2K aesthetics with metallic reflections.
- Asics GT-2160 & Gel-Nimbus 9: Silhouettes that define contemporary technical minimalism.
Your sneaker collection, your rules
Whether you’re an active athlete who starts each new day with a morning half-hour run by the river, or you simply enjoy unconventional colorways, functional materials, and timeless shapes, Asics sneakers in both men's and women's variants belong in your rotation. They pair perfectly with technical cargo pants, oversized vintage jerseys in the blockecore trend, or as a sharp contrast to a minimalist wool coat or wide formal trousers. Take a good look around at Footshop and grab your pair of Japanese engineering before someone else beats you to it!
