‘French Blue’ Graces the ASICS GEL-1130

ASICS product names are among some of the most cryptic in the industry. Usual notation is the GEL-[insert word and/or number here], a system that only the brand’s product line managers and real sneakerheads can decipher. The essential info is that GEL and word-number means good shoes. For example, the GEL-1130 is having a strong revival with both colabs and general releases. Out now is the ‘French Blue’, an example of the latter.

It’s impressive how ASICS have done a complete 180 (in this case, an 1130) on some of their back catalogue, taking models from performance runner to street staple. The GEL-1130 actually started life as a budget model, but its styling has been prescient enough to be revived as a collaborative re-entry by likes of HAL STUDIOS. And these inline editions, while channeling the OG silver synthetic and mesh pairings of typical ASICS shoes, introduce new colours not used during its late-2000s run. The namesake ‘French Blue’ of this pair is more of a dark navy, and it creates a stark look as it coats the deep mesh underlays on the upper, laces and the dab of GEL in the heel.

The GEL-1130 in ‘French Blue’ is available now from ASICS.