Following a decade-long partnership, Australian boutique Highs And Lows have reunited with ASICS to collaborate on the GEL-1130™. After 16 years in the game, 2021 marked a new chapter for Highs And Lows; founder Matthew Thomas and designer/creative director John Bouquet partnered up to launch a new project titled “HAL STUDIOS®” — a multi-faceted creative house dedicated to the examination of design concepts.

The project embodies a ‘Design Thinking’ approach to questioning and problem-solving. It is an ongoing conversation, a series of case studies and collaborative projects.

On the ASICS GEL-1130™, HAL STUDIOS® has taken a ‘maximal minimalism’ approach to the design by stripping back the usual characteristics and aesthetics of a traditional sports shoe. Instead, they have chosen to highlight the retro-futuristic form and shape of the archival running silhouette through the use of beautiful textures and tones.

The chosen palette reflects natural earthy hues found on trails of our home planet. Breathable mesh underlays contrasted by hairy suede and faux leather overlays deliver a highly wearable performance walking shoe for day-to-day use.

Branding is kept to a minimum with subtle transparent tags on the back heels — the left shoe bearing the words “HAL” and the right “STUDIOS”. The ASICS spiral logo has been embroidered on the lateral sides of the hairy suede Tiger stripes. Lace options are abundant with two different coloured rope laces, and one flat lace option available for a more casual style.