The May 2008 debut of a new Asics-Alife Rivington Club collaboration is intended for stylish runners around the world. The two companies will produce a limited run of their Gel Lyte III pack with gray/pink and yellow/blue colorways. I have highlighted the yellow/blue colorway in this post because it shows the pros and cons of the Asics design aesthetic.

I remember when Asics were known as a shoe for sprinters and wrestlers. The shoe company had specialty sports shoes with track spikes and high ankle supports without spending much time on more conventional sneakers. Asics is working with Alife Rivington Club to make their signature running shoe into a premium product. The red “Rivington Club” label on the outside heel of both shoes gives it an elite feeling.

The problem that arises with any pair of Asics Gel Lyte IIIs is that the design is not that attractive. Asics uses unattractive shades like mustard yellow that highlight the distance that needs to be covered for the brand to catch up to its competitors. The Alife Rivington Club collaboration on this new pair of Gel Lyte IIIs highlights the brand’s problems instead of its virtues. This new pack doesn’t offer anything in terms of aesthetics and comfort that couldn’t be found in a less-expensive pair of Asics.

Tags: Alife Rivington Club, Asics, Gel Lyte III