ASICS are gearing up to release the second iteration of their popular Metaride AMU project in collaboration with renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. The upcoming running shoe, which drops mid-March, gets much of its aesthetics from traditional Japanese bamboo knitting, but most interestingly, the upper and sandy biege colour scheme is inspired by Kuma’s pervasive love of the Sahara Desert.
The first Metaride AMU arrived in 2019, also defined by Japanese bamboo knitting and white synthetic strips. Whereas this second is much more dramatic and almost too theatrical to look like a running shoe. Yet it functions with ASICS’ usual high-performance design, with a monosock knit upper providing a flexible, highly breathable fit that keeps the foot in place.
The latticed aesthetic is worked up with layered leather strips that criss-cross the upper to provide extra structure and uniquely twist to form the signature ASICS Tiger tripe on both the lateral and medial sides of the Metaride AMU.
Borrowing an idea from hiking shoes, the new ASICS Metaride AMU features a toggle lacing system across the top of the foot to offer a better fit. The inclusion nods to Kuma’s architectural flair, which is also reflected in other features like co-branded cork insoles, for cushioning, and a midsole that’s split into an almost wood-derived, almost woodgrain-like textile Flytefoam finish, and a white shade using Flytefoam Propel technology. On the heel is a thin layer of shock-absorbing material gel.
The new ASICS Metaride AMU will be available online via ASICS Japan from March 12th for ¥39,600 (~AU$482). A local drop in Australia is yet to be confirmed.
