Hasbro teamed up with ASICS to create a new range of limited edition footwear for G.I. Joe fans, inspired by two fan-favorite characters: Storm Shadow and Snake Eyes. The special edition ASICS GEL-LYTE III shoes, and coordinating apparel and accessories from New Era and Hex, launch exclusively at Foot Locker worldwide February 22.
Inspired by well-known rivalry between G.I. Joe’s once-brothers-in-arms Storm Shadow and Snake Eyes, each character is now featured on his own GEL-LYTE III shoe designed by pop artist Anderson Bluu. The G.I. Joe GEL-LYTE III boasts the innovative split tongue design and ASICS’ GEL technology cushioning (a silicone-like material that effectively absorbs shock and protects the feet from high-impact strikes).
The black Snake Eyes model features a crystal rubber outsole with a discovery element, premium emblem and reflective detailing with black leather; the model is modernized with custom art on the insert.
The white Storm Shadow model features a crystal rubber outsole which masks the character beneath, while the premium emblem detailing grounds the model in the story. Through the intertwining of story and design aesthetic the model is modernized with custom art on the insert.
The bottom of both shoe models feature an iced outsole revealing Zartan, a shadowy figure who plays a key part in the Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow story.
“ASICS has a solid reputation of launching innovative designs to consumers across the globe and we are proud to bring G.I. Joe characters to life in an entirely original way,” said Casey Collins, general manager and senior vice-president of entertainment and licensing at Hasbro. “We know fans and collectors will appreciate the care and detail ASICS has taken in every aspect of the release from the shoe detailing to the packaging.”
“We were inspired by the story of Storm Shadow and Snake Eyes to create these shoes in collaboration with Hasbro,” said Lindsey Sweeney, global general manager, sportstyle footwear, ASICS. “The characters represent a true Yin and Yang – a duality and symmetry that link their lives together – and we were excited to take that inspiration to our GEL-LYTE III model.”
The ASICS x G.I. JOE shoes will be sold exclusively at FootLocker.com and select POP by Foot Locker locations.