ASICS unveils the 1980s-inspired basketball shoes—the EX89

ASICS SPORTSTYLE is proud to announce the launch of the EX89 sneaker. This style was inspired by the GEL-EXTREME basketball shoe from 1989 and converted into a low-top silhouette. It was created by Toshikazu Kayano as his first design project with ASICS. Perhaps more well-known for his GEL-KAYANO running shoe series, this silhouette became a milestone that would pave the way for technology breakthroughs for ASICS footwear.

During the late 1980s, performance basketball shoes were primarily covered with white bases. The EX89 sneaker’s ancestor—the GEL-EXTREME—became one of the first renegades to emerge with spirited color blocking influenced by basketball team uniforms. This season, the shoe returns with its traditional leather construction that’s met with team-centric color palettes. The updated model will also be available with various renditions that are modified with modern lifestyle materials.

The ASICS EX89 debuted at Culture Cartel 2022, the highly anticipated street culture convention last 2-4 December 2022. These new kicks were put to the test and captured the perfect slam dunk shot with the EX89 only at the ASICS basketball court booth at Culture Cartel. Those who participated in the sure-win ASICS giveaway also stood a chance to win attractive prizes or even score a pair of EX89!

In its playing days, the shoe was designed with GEL technology for impact absorption when jumping or rebounding. This iteration is reconstructed with a sculpted heel shape and FF BLAST cushioning system. These features help the shoe remain lighter and more comfortable for an everyday lifestyle.

Kayano took inspiration from his first business trip to the United States in 1987 to create the shoe’s outsole. Its formation is meant to mirror the view of a city layout when looking at it from above. The result in the late 1980s was better traction during quick transitions and abrupt stops on the hardwood.

The ASICS SPORTSTYLE EX89 sneaker will feature original-inspired makeup with team color blocking and neutral versions that are constructed with classic lifestyle materials.

The ASICS SPORTSTYLE EX89 will be available for P6490 on ASICS online and in ASICS stores in blue and green colorways. The black and grey colorways of the EX89 are FootLocker Exclusive and will be available at FootLocker online and in stores.