The brand we all know and love for its timeless fashion, Aritzia, has collaborated with popular sportswear and sneaker brand, ASICS, to release a new collection of its Gel-Kayano 14 sneakers!
As of today, August 10th, 2023, you can shop the first-ever collaboration between Aritzia and ASICS!
The duo reworked the classic Gel-Kayano 14 style sneakers in 3 new colourways; White/Leprechaun, Blanc De Blanc, and White/Black, featuring unique design elements exclusive to this collaboration.
The sneakers have a lace-up closure, rubber outsole, and are made from mesh and ASICS’ GEL technology for the supportive, all-day comfort that is expected in ASICS shoes. They also include both Aritzia and ASICS branding.
The Gel-Kayano 14 silhouette is having a major moment right now and is both stylish and practical. Something that both Aritzia and ASICS value in their products – making for the perfect collab!
Shop the Aritzia X ASICS collaboration here:
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If there’s anything that drives you to get outside and get active, it’s summer. Along with the heat comes the get togethers, BBQs, ice cream cones, and the shedding of layers, so if there’s any time to master a fitness regime, it’s now!
If you’re having trouble getting motivated, a confidence-boosting outfit might be just what you need inspire your next workout sesh. And like all good outfits, it all starts with a great pair of shoes. In addition to style, our roundup of summer running shoes provide all the comfort and support you need to hit the ground running this season.
Look and feel like a pro
When it comes to high performance athletic brands – or any successful brand, really – staying innovative and on top of the ever-competitive game means being sustainable and socially responsible.
In fact, being environmentally conscious has moved from a nice added bonus to something that is now expected in the retail world. At a time when many are making a move away from fast fashion and mass consumption, being eco-friendly is a major checkmark to fill for conscious consumers when considering where to drop their dollars.
In recent years, some of the world’s biggest athletic brands have been making shoes more sustainable by relying on alternative materials like recycled plastics from the ocean and plant-based dyes. But that doesn’t mean they’re compromising performance…
Here are how the world’s biggest athletic brands are making sneakers sustainable:
Reebok
This past May, Reebok went vegan with the launch of Cotton + Corn in Canada. The new vegan sneaker is made from things that grow; constructed from a cotton upper and a corn-based sole, with an end goal to create a shoe that is sustainable both in conception and decomposition. The shoe is the first Reebok USDA Certified Biobased Product and is presented in 100% recycled packaging. Available in unisex sizing, the all-new Reebok Cotton + Corn is now available online, retailing for $130 CAD.
Nike
Nike’s summer footwear collection – which will be released throughout the season – is filled with innovative talking points when it comes to forward-thinking ways to approach colour, construction, and materials used in its famous footwear. The Nike Plant Color Collection makes sneakers sustainable. It features the Air Max 95 and the Blazer Low and uses a plant-based dye. Meanwhile, the Nike VaporMax 2 Random uses excess Flyknit yard that would have otherwise ended up in a landfill to create this one-of-a-kind shoe. To mark Earth Day 2019, the Earth Day Pack line features products made with recycled leather scraps and sneakers designed in collaboration with artist Steven Harrington that showcase anthropomorphic images of the Earth.
adidas
adidas continues to make headlines in its efforts to better the environment. As part of adidas’ commitments to end plastic marine pollution, it maintains a strong partnership with Parley, a company that produces Parley Ocean Plastic; a range of materials made from upcycled marine plastic debris. adidas and Parley rework these various marine plastic waste materials into technical fibres that create the material framework of a durable and breathable fabric used for running shoes and apparel in their popular adidas/Parley Collection, making sneakers sustainable and stylish!
ASICS
The ASICS Dynaflyte 3 Sound Running Shoe offers a sustainable spin to their high-performance, shock-absorbing footwear line. The ultra-lightweight shoes are made with the brand’s new Flyefoam Lyte Technology, which uses waste products from sugar cane and organic fibres from wood pulp, as well as with a 50% recycled yarn and a water-based glue. A solid and supportive running shoe, the ASICS Dynaflyte 3 Sound Running Shoe features full-length gel cushioning, offering pavement pounding you can feel good about.
Sperry
Go-to boat shoe Sperry has taken a cue from other influential footwear brands and created a sneaker made from recycled ocean plastics. The brand’s recently-released Bionic line of sneakers are made from recycled ocean plastics and are actually refreshingly more affordable than a typical Sperry shoe. The shoe is the product of a partnership with Bionic Yarn, a textile company that turns marine plastics into fibres to make clothes and shoes. Available in a selection of styles and colours, each shoe is woven from an average of five plastic water bottles that have been recovered from marine environments.
Feel blessed because 2018 was a huge year for store openings! Following closely in the footsteps of 2017, international retailers like Muji and Uniqlo continued to expand, while brands like Oomomo and Nordstrom Rack set up shop for the first time.
And while the number of new international retailers may have slowed down, it’s clear that their Canada-wide takeovers haven’t. 2018 was the year of store expansions and off-price retailers, with Japanese dollar stores and Nordstrom Rack ruling the market.
You can guarantee that the top 11 store openings of 2018 are worth a visit.
Designer Shoe Warehouse
Instagram/ @dswcanada
Off-price retailers really had a moment in 2018, including Designer Shoe Warehouse who opened three new stores this year. According to Retail-insider, the company opened one in Edmonton, while the other two stores opened in the GTA bringing DSW’s North American store count up to 27 on March 1st, 2018. The new stores also include 1,500 square feet dedicated to women’s handbags as it grows its accessory business. Watch out! Before you know it, DSW will be your new go-to for off-price accessories too.
Aritzia Outlet
Facebook/Toronto Premium Outlets
During the fall of 2018, Aritzia opened its first North American outlet right here in the GTA. The store opening was part of the Toronto Premium Outlet’s much-anticipated expansion, and was joined by other new and exciting outlets like Gucci, Prada, Jimmy Choo, and more.
Nordstrom Rack
Image: StyleDemocracy
Nordstrom Rack is essentially Nordstrom’s version of Winners or Marshalls where you can expect to find incredible deals (up to 70% off) on some of the most coveted brands including Theory, Kate Spade, Rebecca Minkoff, Ted Baker and more. With six stores across Canada including the downtown Toronto location, get ready for more! Nordstrom Rack has made it clear they’re not slowing down anytime soon – expect to see up to 15 new stores in the next several years.
Levi’s Flagship
Instagram/ @levis
While Levi’s may already be one of our favourite denim brands, the retailer just opened their first downtown flagship store at CF Toronto Eaton Centre this summer. Although stores like Urban Outfitters and Aritzia distribute Levi’s, the flagship has several perks. Here, you can find Levi’s Authorized Vintage for the first time in Canada, not to mention tech-supported touch points with call buttons. Shopping has never been made easier.
Miniso
Instagram/@miniso.canada
Miniso burst into the scene beginning in 2017, and since then has opened countless Canadian stores. The brand even announced their plan to open 500 stores in Canada within three years, with their latest store openings happening this fall in Quebec, Vancouver, and Ontario. While the name Miniso might not spark the same surprise effect, expect to continue seeing news about one of Dollarama’s biggest competitors.
Uniqlo
Image: StyleDemocracy
Another one of the biggest international retailers to enter Canada and continue opening stores at an unbelievable rate is none other than Uniqlo. While Torontonians got the first taste of the affordable apparel retailer in 2017, the Japanese lifestyle brand just opened four more stores between the months of September to November of this year. The first store opening took place in BC, while the others graced the GTA area (Vaughan Mills, Markville, and Mississauga)… I think it’s safe to say that Canadians aren’t getting tired of Uniqlo yet.
Asics
Instagram/ @asicscanada
Queen Street West is renowned for having some of the coolest shops in Canada, including Asics’ first North American stand-alone store. Along with the innovative store being a whopping 4,400 square ft, it also houses two of the Asics family brands: ASICS and ASICSTIGERTM. The first of its kind, the Queen West store introduced Canadians to the new direction of the brand when it opened its doors to the public this past March.
Casper
Instagram/ @casper
Casper, one of the most innovative sleep companies out there, opened their first “Casper Sleep Shop” at CF Sherway Gardens this past summer. The location no doubt signals the brands initiative to interest premium shoppers meaning the brand will likely continue to expand into more upscale malls. My, my has Casper come far since 2016! They recently opened a Queen St. West location, too.
Oomomo
Image: StyleDemocracy
Apparently, the Japanese dollar store craze can only get crazier. Oomomo is the newest international variety store to enter the Canadian market, however, the main difference being that Oomomo carries the ever-popular brand Daiso. Having two Canadian stores as of now (Edmonton and Toronto), the retailer has plans for a major Canada-wide expansion. Check out our inside look at the Don Mills and Lawrence store here, and get excited.
OVO Store
Instagram/@hieuzus
If you’ve been keeping up with SD news, then you’ll know that OVO’s newest store was a major hit. Opening in Square One Shopping Centre this past November, the store represents the third GTA-installment. If you don’t believe the hype, just check out the crowd that showed up to support our boy Drizzy at the Mississauga store opening. Clearly, OVO still hasn’t lost its status as it continues to grow in North America.
Muji Atrium
Twitter/@neverfallapart
Muji was BIG news in 2017, so it’s no wonder that the brand decided to make another splash in 2018… just in case you forgot. Introducing Muji Atrium, situated across from the Toronto Eaton Centre, the new store is not only the flagship but is also the largest Muji store outside of Asia. Don’t believe us? It’s 19,000 square ft and has special features like a coffee counter, aroma bar, and digital printing service. Muji Atrium is truly impressive.
Featured image: Instagram/ @karen.is.me
ASICS has just launched the brand’s newest HYPERGEL™ footwear franchise, unveiling the HYPERGEL-KENZEN™ exclusively with Foot Locker, Inc. The new line of footwear combines street style with high-performance GEL technology proprietary to ASICS, for all day and all night comfort.
HYPERGEL-KENZEN x Aoki launched their campaign featuring well-known DJ and producer Steve Aoki in stores nationwide. The campaign celebrates those who are constantly on the go, and in search of inspiration – the creators who thrive on always creating, thinking and progressing.
WOMEN’S:
ASICS HyperGEL (Women) – $160.00
ASICS HyperGEL (Women) – $160.00
MEN’S:
ASICS HyperGEL Kenzen (Men) – $159.99
ASICS HyperGEL Kenzen (Men) – $159.99
Featured Image: Instagram/@asicscanada
What do you think of the ASICS HYPERGEL™ footwear? Let us know in the comments.
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The sneaker scene in Toronto continues to grow with the opening of the first ASICS Canadian flagship store in downtown Toronto on March 9th. This multi-storied store will be your go-to stop for all Asics products, whether you are looking for footwear, apparel, or accessories. Both floors of the space feature floor to ceiling windows with each a different theme on each floor.
Image: Sean Go
The performance footwear and apparel are located on the main floor with the matching theme of nature and the outdoors. It features wooden detailing and plants, some things that may be seen on an outdoor run. The second floor is occupied by the lifestyle options, the ASICSTIGER line, and it features a minimalistic and clean aesthetic to correspond with the products.
Image: Sean Go
This store is the latest addition to the sneaker retailers in the city of Toronto to help continue to develop the community. You can find the ASICS Toronto Flagship store at 364 Queen Street West near the intersection of Spadina and Queen Street West.
Image: Sean Go
Image: Sean Go
Image: Sean Go
Have you visited the first Asics store in Toronto? Let us know in the comments!
Featured image: Sean Go
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Exciting news for Toronto athletes and sports enthusiasts: the iconic sports performance brand ASICS will be opening its first Canadian store in Toronto. The store is set to open its doors on Friday, March 9, 2018 and will be located at 364 Queen St. W. (Queen St. W. and Spadina Ave.)
The store will feature two brands in the ASICS family- ASICS and ASICSTIGERTM.
“Our first Canadian flagship store represents a larger brand shift. After launching our I MOVE METM brand campaign last fall, growing our Canadian presence was inevitable, “said Richard Sullivan, President of ASICS Canada.
If you didn’t know, ASICS is the acronym for ‘Anima Sana In Corpore Sano’, which translates as “A Sound Mind in a Sound Body” in Latin. This concept perfectly reflects the brand’s values to encourage the pursuit of mental and physical health and well- being. According to official information, the new Asics store will offer an innovative and elevated shopping experience where both the mind and body are inspired.
“The flagship store represents the new direction of the brand, offering consumers a brand experience aimed at celebrating movement while offering them the best of our products across both performance and lifestyle, better catering to their needs,” said Sullivan.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BZ68UAZhK7D/?taken-by=asicscanada
Are you excited for Asics to open in Toronto?
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In recent years, there’s been a rising emphasis on the importance of artists and lifestyle influencers in sneakers. Traditional athletes are taking a back seat, and brands are coming to realize, you’re only as cool as your celebrity endorser.
And just recently, ASICS announced their very first celebrity partnership; a partnership that calls on Grammy-nominated DJ, international producer, and fitness fanatic, Steve Aoki.
In a new campaign dubbed I Move Me, Aoki shows how his creativity-fuelled lifestyle connects with the Japanese rooted footwear and apparel brand ASICS, otherwise known as Anime Sana In Corpore Sano (Latin for Sound Mind, Sound Body).
With a soundtrack of Aoki’s new track Kolony, the video is set in the creative mastermind’s home and various locations in New York and Los Angeles. Watch below as ASICS interweaves stories of different athletes and creatives, including Aoki, inspirational movers Kinjaz, Overthrow and Cobra Fitness Club, and ASICS sponsored athletes like four-time World Champion Wrestler and 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist, Jordan Burroughs, and World Champion track and field athlete, bobsledder and three-time Olympian Lolo Jones.
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