Kiko Kostadinov Looks To An Archival Minimalist Shoe For The ASICS US-8 SJ33

No doubt, ASICS has an experimental attitude unto itself, seen in the inline catalog via super-chunky, vis-tech silhouettes like the GEL-Fluent series. However, nowhere is that boundary-pushing, radical attitude more reliably found than in the Japanese giant’s work with Kiko Kostadinov.

Since linking up with the brand in the late 2010s, the Bulgarian designer has only seen his star rise within the company’s halls. What began as a string of individual collaborations became stewardship over steadfast seasonal efforts before evolving into a formalized role as creative director within the Sportstyle division. With that title comes truly incomparable access to archival ASICS designs, revisited again and again as new silhouettes continue to surface bearing Kostadinov’s patented technological names.

The ASICS US-8 SJ33 follows in that path by pulling from the ASICS GEL-Super J33, one of several models introduced in the early 2010s as the brand embraced the growing minimalist running movement. Though not the most groundbreaking or celebrated design in the catalog, the shoe lends its overall upper shape and line-heavy design language to this model. However, it’s given new life with a checkered layout, asymmetric pull tabs on the tongues, and oversized Tiger Stripes beneath the collar. Pan below to see that the original slimmed-down sole unit has been replaced by GEL-Cumulus 16 cushioning, leaning on another sneaker that’s gotten a renewed spotlight through a recent retro treatment.

The Kiko Kostadinov ASICS US-8 SJ33 is already available on global ASICS sites and select partnering retailers, retailing for $170. Expect both the “Roasted Coffee/Periwinkle Blue” and “Black Coffee/Orange Lily” colorways depicted ahead to land on ASICS US in short order.