Cult Australian sportswear label, Earls Collection, is the latest in a small and privileged pool of local talent to partner with Japanese footwear giant ASICS — this time, for an eye-popping iteration of its best-selling GT-2160 sneakers.
Building on popular retro-futuristic elements of the iconic ASICS sneaker, the textural uppers offer a window into the creative mind of Lewi Brown (former rugby league player and founder of Earls Collection).
Akin to a tapestry of brushed suede and cotton mesh, they're inspired by Brown's own Māori heritage: referencing the stones, maritime wildlife, and Phormium flax plants that are indigenous to New Zealand.
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These references, cleverly interwoven throughout, also extend to this GT2160's interior. Each sneaker is fitted with a special sock liner that's intended as a tribute to Brown's grandfather. The result is a universally wearable technical sneaker with an intimate personal inspiration; and hopefully, the first of a few team-ups that ASICS do with Earls Collection.
Aesthetics aside, the technology is pretty much what sneakerheads have come to expect from the modern GT-2000 series.
These are bound to be some of the more comfortable sneakers on the market — particularly among wearers with a high instep and/or wide forefoot. This excellent and forgiving fit is reinforced by ASICS' patented GEL™ technology: a shock absorption system derived from silicone that, in this particular shoe, is geared toward all-day comfort and even pressure distribution.
