Vivienne Westwood’s collaborative relationship with the Japanese sportswear giant ASICS may only be two years old, but since the inaugural release we’ve been treated to some incredibly daring pairs, most notably the net-covered GEL-Kayano 26. Now the duo presents its latest offering in the form of two GEL-Kayano 27 sneakers, serving up colorways including “White/Lichen Rock” and “Liche Green/Brown.”The GEL-Kayano 27 is one of ASICS’ most advanced running shoes, featuring an engineered mesh upper that keeps feet cool and a flexible sole unit that aids a natural gait cycle. However, there’s much more going on with the shoe than what initially meets the eye. For example, flex grooves in the sole absorb and isolate the initial impact of your foot hitting the ground to make for a smoother run, while DYNAMIC DUOMAX™ technology has been included for those whose feet roll inwards too much to increase a runner’s stability. Elsewhere, SPACE TRUSSTIC™ technology decreases the overall weight while increasing stability even more, while elements of the design also put runners at the forefront.As for Vivienne Westwood’s involvement, the shoe sports a predominantly white upper with a black toe (that’s lined with a disappearing net system as it works its way around the shoe), as well as hits of pink and blue on the heel and tongue respectively. Reflective materials have been included to make runners visible at night, while Westwood branding can be seen on the eyestay and mid panel, rounding out the design.The “Liche Green/Brown” iteration features all of the same tech, but sports an upper comprising an orange toe cap, a green-brown mesh base layer, a white rear-quarter to heel section, and blue tones on the tongue, collar, and lining, all alongside the same placement of Westwood branding.Take a look at the Vivienne Westwood x ASICS GEL-Kayano 27 above, and pick up both pairs from stockists such as Wood Wood on April 30. The sneaker is set to cost £220 GBP (approx. $305 USD).In case you missed it, check out Versace’s all-new Greca sneaker.Click here to view full gallery at HYPEBEAST
