Ahead of Kith’s expansion into Korea, Ronnie Fieg has previewed a pair of Asics made just for the occasion.
The Kith founder shared a photo of a new pair of Asics Gel-Lyte 3s Thursday on Instagram along with a caption featuring the South Korean flag emoji. Although the store opening has not yet been announced, the boutique’s first outpost in Korea is expected to open soon.
The Kith x Asics Gel-Lyte 3 features shades of grey, blue and red across its upper. Nubuck and suede paneling bring a variety of textures, including a particularly hefty shag for the tip and heel counter, which appear in dark blue and burgundy, respectively. A white midsole then sits atop a tan outsole.
The Gel-Lyte 3 holds a special place in Kith lore, as the “Salmon Toe” colorway was the first sneaker released at Kith when the store opened in 2011. Fieg initially received feedback against releasing a shoe with a pink toe, but the “Salmon Toes” would go on to become one of Kith’s most iconic designs.
Kith’s entry into Korea comes as part of a rapid period of expansion. 2023 saw the boutique add its first Canadian store in Toronto, while also bringing new stores to Beverly Hills, Calif., Miami and the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn. A standalone women’s store also opened in Manhattan in the same space where Kith held its first flagship. In recognition of the growth, Kith was named Retailer of the Year for the 2023 FN Achievement Awards.
The Kith x Asics Gel-Lyte 3 “Korea” doesn’t yet have a release date, but you can expect it to drop to coincide with the opening of Kith Seoul. This post will be updated as more information becomes available.
About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior Trending 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.
