The new ASICS X VIVIENNE WESTWOOD GEL-KAYANO™ 26 sneaker collaboration is inspired by the sack shoes which first showed up in Vivienne Westwood's third Buffalo/Nostalgia of Mud/the Worlds End collection in 1982.

This goes in line with the tribute paid by the first ASICS X VIVIENNE WESTWOOD collaboration last year to the designer’s early creation years during the New Romantic era (1981-1987).

Sack shoes are derived from a footwear style featuring a whole piece of leather to wrap feet, and are also associated to the way of cargo loading used in maritime trade during the W colonial period, echoing the brand's Victorian world view at the time.

Andreas Kronthaler, creative director of Vivienne Westwood, has specially selected the latest model in ASICS's professional running shoes series GEL-KAYANO™ - the GEL-KAYANO™ 26, as the base style for this year’s collaboration.

The original double-layer engineering mesh upper is replaced by a complete piece of Ripstop anti-tear nylon, and the lace system is also simplified to an elastic webbing structure for easier wear.

The pull and draw mesh covering the upper, while paying tribute to the Vivienne Westwood's iconic sack shoes, highlights the ASICS logo with mesh and straps delivering a sense of modern technology.

The signature Orb Saturn logo is embedded in the METACLUTCH™ external heel counter, a finishing touch in combination with heel reflective shields at rear.

The ASICS X VIVIENNE WESTWOOD GEL-KAYANO™ 26 sneaker is available are select partners in black/ black and birch/ white, SRP €240 / £200