A landmark in ASICS innovation and GEL™ technology, the 1986 ASICS GT-II™ returns for 2021 as a faithful recreation of the original model.
The 2021 GT-II™ is an homage to the original performance runner from 1986. The first globally available ASICS model to feature GEL™ technology, the GT-II™ takes its name from the grand tourer (gran turismo) sports cars, capable of high speed and long-distance driving.
ASICS Sportstyle is celebrating the 35th birthday of the GT-II™ with a reintroduction of the model’s original colorway in “White/Monaco Blue,” as well as an additional anniversary colorway in “Glacier Gray/ASICS Blue.” The 2021 version also features several sections of the upper being composed of recycled materials, which includes mesh and synthetic suede.
GEL™ technology also appeared in a Japanese-exclusive model, the Freaks α. The GT-II™ was introduced as the first globally available model to feature ASICS GEL™ cushioning technology.
ASICS footwear developer Kazuki Toba said, “We went to great lengths to ensure this 2021 version is nearly identical to the original, in terms of shape. The upper shape and the fit are both a faithful recreation of the version from 1986. The new model also uses recycled materials for the upper, making it more sustainable. My favorite detail of the 2021 version is the cut of the ankle collar.”
