Dattebayo! The Japanese brand and the French creative are teaming up once again for a fourth installment centered around the protagonist of the eponymous manga: Naruto Uzumaki! A look back at the collaboration's history and its hidden details.
Naruto Shippuden X Asics Gel-NYC "Final Arc": A Project by Passionate Fans!
We all know Sebastien Abdelhamid's love for manga, Japanese animation, and sneakers! It was only natural for the renowned TV host to partner with Asics and Courir on a project that would bring all these passions together! One year after the first installment, which introduced two Asics GEL-1130 pairs pitting the Uchiha brothers against each other, Itachi and Sasuke, and an Asics GEL-Lyte III in the colors of Konoha's copy ninja, Kakashi Hatake, the two entities return to finally deliver a special model for the hero.
Naruto Shippuden x Asics GEL-1130 Sasuke
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BuyNaruto Shippuden x Asics GEL-1130 Itachi
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BuyNaruto Shippuden x Asics GEL-LYTE III Kakashi
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BuyWhile the first three pairs had the powerful Sharingan (Kekkei Genkai of the Uchiha Clan) as their main theme, this one aims to embody the values dear to Naruto: friendship, the Will (of Fire), and courage. And for Sebastien Abdelhamid, there was no better moment than the battle between Naruto in Sage Mode and Pain, leader of the Akatsuki, to embody these principles.
This time, the two entities chose the Asics Gel-NYC to represent one of the greatest moments in manga history. For the occasion, the trending model designed by Angelo Baque, founder of the Awake NY brand and former Creative Director of Supreme New York, sports the red and black color scheme of the future 7th Hokage's tunic, and no detail is overlooked! The black flames on the bottom of the cape adorn the heel-tab while the summoning scroll carried by Naruto takes the form of a lace-lock.
Generous in details, it features a duo of metallic deubres engraved with the Konoha symbol, referencing the headband worn by the protagonist, as well as a small removable pouch echoing his kunai holster. On the tongue, we find the iconic red swirl, symbol of the Uzumaki Clan, specialized in the sealing of jinchuriki (tailed beast hosts).
A perfect segue to Kyubi, the charismatic nine-tailed demon fox sealed within Naruto, who also gets his share of references: three claw marks on the left heel, two velcro patches that form his eyes, and a mini Chibi-Kyubi patch that can be attached to the laces. The whole package comes with a special box in the colors of the orange ninja's outfit.
If you are wondering how the Naruto Shippuden x Asics Gel-NYC fits, the answer is: slightly small! Indeed, the model has a slightly narrower shape, so if you want more comfort, we recommend going half a size up from your usual size.
In short, it is a must-have from the collection if you are fans of sneakers and Masashi Kishimoto's work! We hope the collaboration will continue with other colorful characters such as Rock Lee and his green-orange jumpsuit or Sakura and her pink tones.
Originally teased at Paris Games Week 2023, the Naruto Shippuden x Asics Gel-NYC by Sebastien Abdelhamid released on December 11, 2023 online at a retail price of 170EUR on Courir.com and was available on December 18, 2023 in all Courir stores.
Naruto Shippuden x Asics GEL-NYC Final Arc
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BuyHow to Stay Updated on Upcoming Naruto Shippuden X Asics by Sebastien Abdelhamid Releases?
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