MITSUI x ASICS GEL-LYTE III 07 REMASTERED

Few sneaker designers have shaped sneaker culture like Shigeyuki Mitsui. His legendary creations continue to inspire collectors and enthusiasts around the world. Today, we take a closer look at the ASICS GEL-LYTE III 07 Remastered, a special release that celebrates Mitsui’s remarkable legacy and retirement.

The GEL-LYTE III played a major role in my sneaker journey. Although I mainly collected basketball sneakers, the iconic split-tongue design pulled me into the world of runners. Now, ASICS revives that magic with the 07 Remastered and pays tribute to one of the greatest sneaker designers of all time.

The moment I opened the beautifully designed box, the shape immediately caught my attention. ASICS perfectly recreated the essence of the original. The silhouette avoids looking too rounded or overly sharp. Instead, it delivers the balanced shape that made the OG an icon.

This release also celebrates the GEL-LYTE III’s 35th anniversary. In Japanese, people can pronounce the number 35 as “San-Go,” which also translates to “coral.” ASICS used coral reefs as the primary inspiration and incorporated that theme throughout the design.

The upper combines vibrant furry teal-blue suede mudguards and heel overlays with premium beige suede panels. However, the carved leather Tiger Stripes steal the show. Their textured patterns mimic coral formations and give the sneaker a distinctive identity.

To enhance the nostalgic feel, ASICS brought back the original-style mesh netting on the side panels and heel. The brand also placed Mitsui’s signature on the outer flap of the split tongue, creating a direct connection to the designer behind the silhouette.

One detail I particularly appreciate is the coral reef artwork printed on the insoles. While subtle, it strengthens the storytelling and ties the entire concept together.

ASICS also upgraded the comfort and performance. The midsole now features FLYTEFOAM cushioning, which delivers a lighter, softer, and more comfortable ride for all-day wear. This modern update improves the experience without sacrificing the shoe’s heritage.

The sneaker comes equipped with flat off-white laces featuring grey speckles. ASICS also includes an extra pair of orange-speckled laces, giving you another option to personalize the look.

Underfoot, the classic GEL-LYTE III split outsole arrives in a clean cream-and-orange finish. Longtime fans will instantly recognize and appreciate this timeless design element.

Overall, ASICS executed this retirement tribute exactly right. The brand selected premium materials, nailed the shape, and balanced the color blocking beautifully. More importantly, every detail serves a purpose and contributes to the story.

As someone who considers Mitsui a personal sneaker hero, I find this release especially meaningful. It celebrates a designer whose work helped define modern sneaker culture and influenced generations of sneaker enthusiasts.

Enjoy your retirement, Mitsui-san. Thank you for creating one of the most iconic sneaker silhouettes in history.

You can check-out our last feature here.