ASICS is renowned for its marriage of innovation and tradition, and it showcases this unique blend once again in the ASICS GEL-LYTE V & GEL-LYTE III OG OCHA ZOME Collection. This anticipated release is an embodiment of ASICS' commitment to sustainability, cultural appreciation, and cutting-edge sneaker technology, inspired by the profound philosophy of the Japanese Tea Ceremony.
ASICS GEL-LYTE V: A Step Towards Sustainability
A homage to the intricate and revered Japanese tea ceremony, the ASICS GEL-LYTE V OCHA ZOME Collection will elevate your sneaker game. The shoe's upper construction uses cotton, a natural fiber imbued with a unique dye derived from matcha. This special dye utilizes leftovers from matcha tea production, ensuring not a single ounce of this precious commodity is wasted.
ASICS retains the iconic wavy design that first made an appearance on the running market in 1993 but has modernized the shoe's midsole. At least 20% of the midsole's composition is now from recycled materials, emphasizing ASICS' progressive stance towards sustainable manufacturing. With the fusion of the MONO-SOCK™ construction and the Rearfoot GEL™ technology, these sneakers offer unrivaled comfort for everyday wear.
ASICS GEL-LYTE III OG: A Tribute to Originality
The GEL-LYTE III OG sneaker, a brainchild of Shigeyuki Mitsui, re-emerges from the early 90s with its original silhouette intact. The split-tongue application, first seen on the GEL-LD RACER™ shoe, has been carried forward into this design, adding an authentic and vintage feel. Equipped with the signature GEL® technology in the heel, the GEL-LYTE III OG ensures excellent shock absorption and provides lasting comfort.
The Connection with Japanese Tea Ceremony
ASICS draws deep parallels with the Japanese tea ceremony, known as chanoyu, sado, or ocha, signifying the Way of the Tea. This collection mimics the art of making and drinking tea, which stands for mindfulness, well-being, and harmony.
With matcha at its heart, the tea ceremony, aims to foster a bond between the host and guest and cultivate inner peace. Once a practice exclusive to Zen monks and noble warlords, it has become a significant cultural activity, combining respect, silence, and symbolic purification. Just as one may spend years perfecting the tea ceremony, the development of these ASICS sneakers has demanded rigorous attention to detail and commitment to excellence.
The ASICS GEL-LYTE V & GEL-LYTE III OG OCHA ZOME Collection, a tribute to this beautiful cultural tradition, is available now at Drift House. Witness the meticulous blend of tradition and innovation in these shoes, which personify the serene, intentional, and harmonious spirit of the Japanese tea ceremony. Shop the collection and experience the "Way of the Tea" with every step here.