A press release was sent out from Hasbro today which contained extensive details on a surprising new partnership with ASICS and Foot Locker to produce a line of new
G.I. Joe inspired footwear.
The Gel-Lyte III sportswear shoes are inspired by Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow, arguablly two of the most popular characters in the franchise. New Era and Hex are also releasing coordinating apparel with the launch.
You can sense Hasbro's excitement in the words of General Manager and Senior Vice President of Entertainment and Licensing, Casey Collins. This is what he had to say in the press release.
“ASICS has a solid reputation of launching innovative designs to consumers across the globe and we are proud to bring G.I. Joe characters to life in an entirely original way. We know fans and collectors will appreciate the care and detail ASICS has taken in every aspect of the release from the shoe detailing to the packaging.”
Lindsey Sweeney, meanwhile, is the Global GM Sportstyle Footwear of ASICS, and she had the following to say about the new
G.I. Joe - inspired kicks.
"We were inspired by the story of Storm Shadow and Snake Eyes to create these shoes in collaboration with Hasbro. The characters represent a true Yin and Yang - a duality and symmetry that holds their lives together - and we were excited to take that inspiration to our GEL-LYTE III® model.”
It seems like both sides are happy with their new partnership, and by the looks of these new shoes below, we can see why. Check out the photos as well as the descriptions from the press release below.
The white Storm Shadow model features a crystal rubber outsole which masks the character beneath while the premium emblem detailing grounds the model in the story. Through the intertwining of story and design aesthetic the model is elevated and modernized with custom art on the insert.
The black Snake Eyes model features a crystal rubber outsole with a discovery element, premium emblem and reflective detailing with black leather; the model is elevated and modernized with custom art on the insert.
On the bottom of both shoe models is an iced outsole revealing Zartan – a shadowy figure who plays a key part in the Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow story.
What's your take on these shoes? Will you be picking up a pair, and if so, which one is for you, Snake Eyes, or Storm Shadow? Let us know below!
The ASICS and G.I. Joe Limited Edition Gel-Lyte III inspired by an epic chapter in the G.I. Joe lore: the rivalry between Storm Shadow and Snake Eyes. Once brothers in arms as part of the Arashikage Clan, they find themselves on opposing sides of the struggle between G.I. Joe and Cobra. Now Storm Shadow and Snake Eyes each adorn their own GEL-LYTE® III shoe designed by world renowned pop artist Anderson Bluu. Uncompromising on style and comfort, the GEL-LYTE® III boasts iconic and innovative design that wouldn’t be complete without the split tongue and ASICS’ famous GEL® technology cushioning; a silicone-like material that effectively absorbs shock and protects the feet from high-impact strikes.
The ASICS x
G.I. JOE shoes are sold exclusively at Footlocker.com and select POP by Foot Locker doors, available now.