Ronnie Fieg and Kith are preparing to launch a remastered version of the Asics Gel-Lyte 3 "Salmon Toe" this coming Monday. This updated release aims to improve upon the 2011 original by utilizing higher-quality materials.
Real suede replaces the 2011 synthetic toe tip
The most significant change in this $195 release is the material quality. While the 2011 version utilized synthetic suede on the pink toe tip, this new version uses real suede to prevent the material from wrinkling or folding over time. This upgrade is a direct response to the durability issues seen in previous iterations of the silhoutte.
The release is scheduled for Monday and will be available through Kith’s physical stores, their official app, and their website. Additionally, the design features specific branding on the tongue and the "mustache" area, with the latter utilizing the collaboration's signature font to maintain its distinct identity.
A legacy spanning from Kith’s first store to the Gel-Lyte 5
This colorway has deep roots in the history of the Kith brand and its relaionship with Asics. The original "Salmon Toe" was famously tied to the opening of Kith's very first retail location, marking a milestone for the boutique . The collaboration continues the long-standing relationship between Ronnie Fieg and Asics, a partnership that began during his time working at David Z.
This theme has proven to be a recurring motif for the brand's collectors. For example, during the 10th anniversary celebrations, the "Salmon Toe" aesthetic was even transitioned over to the Gel-Lyte 5 model, showing how much the community values this specific look and its place in streetwear history.
Inside the 1,848-shoe archive at Kith’s NYC headquarters
Kith is also celebrating its massive influence on footwear culture through a collaboration with the publisher Assouline. The resulting book, "Kith: The Footwear Archive," documents a staggering 1,848 shoes that have defined the brand's journey. The report notes that while 776 of these were official releases, another 1,072 consist of prototypes and friends-and-family exclusives.
To celebrate this history,an exhibition of these pieces is currently being held at the Kith New York City headquaarters and is open to the public through this Sunday. This exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the "what-ifs" of sneaker culture, allowing enthusiasts to see the unreleased designs that never made it to store shelves.
Will the navy midsole sampling return to the final design?
One detail remains slightly ambiguous regarding the specific aesthetic of this remaster. While the report mentions that a navy midsole appeared in sampling rounds for the 2011 release, it is unclear if this specific colorway will incorporate that navy element or stick to the original's color blocking.
Furthermore, because the source focuses heavily on the material upgrades, it remains to be seen if there are other structural changes to the Gel-Lyte 3 silhouette that haven't been disclosed to the public yet. Fans are watching closely to see if this is a purely cosmetic update or a deeper mechanical refinement.
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