Asics Gel NYC: price, colorways, and where to buy
The Asics Gel NYC is a lifestyle sneaker with a retro-running look inspired by early 2000s running models. Designed for the city rather than performance, it stands out with its chunky silhouette, mesh and suede overlays, and generous GEL cushioning. Released in 2023, it quickly became one of the most visible Asics sneakers on the streets and social media, worn by both sneaker enthusiasts and a much broader fashion audience.
Why the Asics Gel NYC is Crushing It Since 2023
The Gel NYC first dropped as a collaboration with the New York label Awake NY, created by Angelo Baque, former creative director at Supreme. The general release followed a few weeks later, still in 2023.
This model isn’t a brand new design. It’s a mashup of Asics archives: the upper takes cues from the Gel-Nimbus 3 from the early 2000s, the sole comes from the Gel-Cumulus 16, and several details are borrowed from the Gel-MC Plus V. This patchwork creates a retro-running vibe that screams Y2K.
The success was swift. Just a few months after its release, the Gel NYC was already among the two best-selling models in the brand's entire catalog. Since then, colorways and collaborations have been rolling out without slowing down.
It fits right into the retro-running trend that has also propelled the Asics Gel-1130 and the Asics GT-2160.
How the Asics Gel NYC is Built
With its runner look, the Gel NYC is a shoe designed for walking, not running. Its thick sole, about 35 mm, provides great protection for your feet during long days in the city.
- Upper: layered mesh and suede, inspired by the Gel-Nimbus 3
- Midsole: GEL cushioning, base taken from the Gel-Cumulus 16
- Construction: a blend of Asics archives, retro Y2K running aesthetic
- Usage: urban lifestyle, daily walking
The GEL cushioning here is tuned for shock absorption, not energy return. In tests, its energy return hovers around 45%, far from a true running shoe. Perfect for navigating the city all day, but it quickly limits you when you pick up the pace.
What’s a downside: the mesh upper and outsole wear out faster than average. If you plan to wear it in all weather, alternate with another pair to make it last.
What size to take for the Asics Gel NYC
Sizing verdict: stick with your usual shoe size. If you have wide feet or are between sizes, go up half a size.
In terms of length, the Gel NYC fits true to size. This is the consensus from both wear tests and specialized retailers: the fit is snug and holds the foot well, so there's no need to size up.
The nuance comes in width. The forefoot can feel a bit tight for some profiles, and Asics' lifestyle models don't offer extended widths, unlike their running models. If you have wide feet, going up half a size is the most comfortable option without sacrificing support.
A useful tip: try them on at the end of the day when your feet have slightly swollen.
Price and Where to Buy
The retail price of the Asics Gel NYC is around €150 to €170 depending on the colorway and version. That's a solid price for this construction and cushioning, sitting in the higher range of the brand's lifestyle silhouettes.
If you do a bit of searching, you can often find better deals. The most widely available colorways regularly drop to between €105 and €130 once discounts and retailer differences are taken into account, making it one of the best deals in the lineup.
Limited editions and collaborations follow a different logic: restricted distribution, so prices rise in the secondary market based on rarity. Be cautious of counterfeits, which are common for popular models. Check the reference and stick to official Asics retailers.
Price data verified on June 9, 2026, subject to change based on colorways and restocks.
FAQ
How much does the Asics Gel NYC cost?
Expect to pay around €150 to €170 at retail. Depending on the colorway and retailer, you can often find it between €105 and €130. Rare collaborations can go for much higher on the resale market.
Can you run in the Asics Gel NYC?
It's better to avoid it. Its GEL cushioning is great for walking around the city, but the energy return is too low for running. If you're looking to run, go for a true Asics running model.
What’s the difference between the Gel NYC and the Gel-1130?
The Gel NYC is bulkier and more colorful, designed for a bold urban look. The Gel-1130 is slimmer, more understated, and often cheaper. It all depends on the effect you're going for.
Is the Asics Gel NYC unisex?
Yes, the model is unisex. The colorways vary slightly by section, with softer shades for women and more pronounced contrasts for men. Trust the EU shoe size rather than the men's or women's label.
