ASICS SportStyle

ASICS SportStyle combines decades of running and performance heritage with a technical aesthetic that has become firmly established in sneaker culture. Mesh, metallic overlays, visible GEL technology, and complex sole constructions define many of today’s retro runners. As an authorised retailer, 43einhalb offers key ASICS SportStyle models such as the GEL-NYC, GEL-NYC 2.0, GT-2160, GEL-1130, as well as GEL-KAYANO models 14, 20, and 12.1 – from classic 2000s runners to modern hybrid silhouettes.

ASICS SportStyle models compared

The key ASICS SportStyle models draw on different eras of running history. The GEL-1130 and GT-2160 represent technical stability runners, the GEL-KAYANO family brings back different generations of one of ASICS’ best-known running lines, while the GEL-NYC and GEL-NYC 2.0 deliberately combine archive design elements with more modern technology.

From performance running to ASICS SportStyle

The story of ASICS began in Kobe, Japan, in 1949, when Kihachiro Onitsuka founded the company that would later become ASICS. Sport and technical product development have been at the heart of the brand ever since. Running in particular produced decades of stability, cushioning, and performance concepts that continue to shape the design language of ASICS SportStyle today.

That archive is exactly what makes ASICS so relevant to sneaker culture. Many current SportStyle models do not simply imitate retro-running aesthetics – they draw directly on genuine former performance silhouettes. Mesh, synthetic overlays, visible GEL elements, and technical soles are therefore not a newly created Y2K look, but part of ASICS’ original running DNA.

GEL-NYC and GEL-NYC 2.0: ASICS heritage recombined

The ASICS GEL-NYC differs from classic retro reissues because it combines several generations of ASICS running history. The upper draws on design elements from the early-2000s GEL-NIMBUS 3 and the GEL-MC PLUS V, while the sole construction comes from the GEL-CUMULUS 16. The result is a sneaker that deliberately sits between archive design, retro running, and more modern comfort.

The ASICS GEL-NYC 2.0 develops this concept further. Its upper takes inspiration from the GEL-1050 from 2000, while the newly developed tooling also draws on the GEL-LYTE DS II. TRUSSTIC support elements, GEL technology, and FF BLAST PLUS cushioning create a lighter and more comfortable construction.

Overall, the GEL-NYC looks more like a heavily layered 2000s runner, while the GEL-NYC 2.0 takes the retro-tech concept in a cleaner and more modern direction. Both are especially interesting for sneaker fans who want ASICS running heritage without wearing an unchanged reissue of a single archive model.

GT-2160 and GEL-1130: technical runners from the 2000s

The ASICS GT-2160 draws on the technical design language of the GT-2000 series from the early 2010s. Its slim profile, wave-like forefoot design, segmented midsole, and GEL technology create a distinctive tech-runner look.

The ASICS GEL-1130 traces back to a 2008 stability runner and reinterprets the ninth generation of the GEL-1000 series as a retro sneaker. Compared with the GT-2160, it looks slightly more classic and understated, while mesh, overlays, and GEL technology in the heel keep its technical running origins clearly visible.

GEL-KAYANO 14, 20 and 12.1: three generations of retro tech

The GEL-KAYANO family is one of ASICS’ most important technical running lines. Within SportStyle, the GEL-KAYANO 14, GEL-KAYANO 20, and GEL-KAYANO 12.1 show just how differently that heritage can be interpreted today.

The GEL-KAYANO 14 revisits the aesthetic and original tooling of the 2008 model and represents the classic late-2000s tech-runner look with mesh, metallic details, and visible GEL cushioning. The GEL-KAYANO 20 originally launched in 2013 and looks even more technical thanks to its FLUIDFIT cage and more structured construction.

The GEL-KAYANO 12.1, by contrast, is a hybrid. Its upper is inspired by the GEL-KAYANO 12 from 2006, while the sole construction is based on the later GEL-NIMBUS 17. This combines mid-2000s design with a more modern and substantial base.

GEL-NYC, GT-2160, GEL-1130 or KAYANO: Which ASICS suits you?

If you are looking for a bold, modern retro-tech sneaker, the GEL-NYC is a particularly strong choice. The GEL-NYC 2.0 takes the concept in a more modern and technical direction. The GT-2160 looks slimmer and more performance-driven, while the GEL-1130 offers a slightly more classic Y2K running look.

Within the KAYANO family, the GEL-KAYANO 14 stands for the classic late-2000s aesthetic. The GEL-KAYANO 20 looks more substantial and technically structured, while the GEL-KAYANO 12.1 feels particularly progressive thanks to its hybrid construction.

New ASICS SportStyle colourways, collaborations and releases

ASICS continually develops its SportStyle models with new colourways, materials, and collaborations. The GEL-NYC, GT-2160, and GEL-KAYANO family in particular regularly appear in new colour combinations, metallic looks, and selected special editions.

New ASICS SportStyle releases arrive regularly at 43einhalb. Upcoming drops and announced models can also be found in our Coming Soon section.

ASICS SportStyle is the lifestyle and sneaker side of ASICS.
Many models draw on genuine running silhouettes and technologies from the brand’s
performance archive and translate them into retro runners, tech sneakers,
and modern lifestyle styles.

The GEL-NYC 2.0 is a technical and visual evolution of the original GEL-NYC.
The GEL-NYC combines elements of the
GEL-NIMBUS 3 and GEL-MC PLUS V with a GEL-CUMULUS 16 sole. The
GEL-NYC 2.0 draws on the
GEL-1050 from 2000 for its upper and uses newly developed tooling with
TRUSSTIC, GEL, and FF BLAST PLUS.

The GT-2160 looks slimmer and more technical, while the GEL-1130 has a slightly more classic retro-running look.
The GT-2160 draws on early-2010s design
language. The GEL-1130 is based on a
2008 stability runner and has a more understated appearance.

Yes. The GEL-1130
is based on a technical stability runner from 2008. Mesh, synthetic overlays,
and GEL technology give it the typical running aesthetic now associated with
Y2K and retro-tech sneakers.

The three models represent different generations and interpretations of GEL-KAYANO heritage.
The GEL-KAYANO 14 revisits the
original 2008 tooling, the
GEL-KAYANO 20 is based on the
more technical 2013 model, and the
GEL-KAYANO 12.1 combines
design elements from the 2006 KAYANO 12 with later GEL-NIMBUS 17 tooling.

The GEL-KAYANO 14, GEL-1130, and GT-2160 are particularly well suited to a classic Y2K and retro-tech look.
If you want a more modern and hybrid silhouette, the
GEL-NYC or
GEL-NYC 2.0 are strong alternatives.

Yes. ASICS SportStyle models such as the GEL-NYC, GEL-NYC 2.0,
GT-2160, GEL-1130, and current retro GEL-KAYANO models are offered as lifestyle
and sneaker styles. Their designs and technologies, however, are largely rooted
in ASICS running and performance history.

Yes. 43einhalb is an authorised ASICS retailer and sells
exclusively authentic products sourced directly from the manufacturer or through
its official distribution channels.