Asics Teams Up with Naruto Shippuden to Launch Exclusive Uzumaki Clan Sneakers

Athletic footwear brand Asics has teamed up with the beloved anime Naruto Shippuden to create a fresh sneaker style inspired by the renowned Hidden Leaf shinobi.

Unveiling its latest collection, called the GEL-NYC, this week, the brand also announced an exciting collaboration with the anime. As part of this collaboration, a special limited edition pair of shoes will be released exclusively. These sneakers boast a sleek black design with striking orange and black soles and laces, adorned with iconic imagery from the show. The tongue of the shoe showcases an intricately embroidered Uzumaki Clan symbol, while a decorative metal piece featuring the emblem of the Hidden Leaf Village, Naruto's place of origin, is positioned just below the laces.

The company states that the shoe's symbolism is inspired by the "Pain" arc from the anime, which showcases Naruto's role in preventing a devastating attack on his village. This arc is widely recognized and loved by fans, featuring intense character battles and marking a significant turning point in the show's storyline.

Asics' GEL-NYC shoe offers a fresh perspective on the series, incorporating symbolic elements relating to Naruto and the broader world it portrays. These sneakers are scheduled to be released in Europe on December 11th. This collaboration is not the first time that Asics, the Japanese sportswear brand, has partnered with the anime, as they previously launched the GEL-LYTE III sneakers that featured iconic symbols associated with Naruto himself.

Naruto Shippuden, an anime series from 2007, follows the story of Naruto Uzumaki, a young shinobi who is an orphan and desires to become a renowned master ninja and leader of his village, the Hidden Leaf Village. Serving as a sequel to the original Naruto anime adaptation in 2003, Shippuden takes place several years later, after Naruto's training under his mentor, as he returns home to face new threats and search for his missing best friend and rival, Sasuke Uchiha, who has taken a dark path seeking revenge.

Since its conclusion in 2017, the series has maintained its popularity. A spin-off series called Boruto: Naruto Next Generations features Naruto's teenage son as the main character, embarking on his own ninja adventure. Characters from the series have also made appearances in video game tie-ins and the popular free-to-play battle royale game Fortnite, where players have the option to purchase in-game cosmetic skins based on these characters.

Asics' GEL-NYC x Naruto Shippuden sneakers are set to release at the European retail store Courir on Dec. 11 both in-store and online.

Source: SneakerNews

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I am thrilled about the collaboration between Asics and Naruto Shippuden. The new GEL-NYC sneakers inspired by the Uzumaki Clan look amazing, and I appreciate the intricate detailing that references key elements from the anime. The black and orange color scheme is striking and instantly recognizable to any Naruto fan. I would definitely consider purchasing these sneakers as a way to show my love for the series and add a unique piece to my sneaker collection.

The symbolism behind the design is also very meaningful to me as a fan. The "Pain" arc is one of my favorite storylines in the series, and it's great to see it represented on these sneakers. The Uzumaki Clan symbol and the emblem of the Hidden Leaf Village are both iconic images that hold a lot of significance for Naruto and his journey. Overall, I think this collaboration is a great way to celebrate the enduring popularity of Naruto Shippuden and offer fans a stylish and collectible item.