First Look: Above the Clouds x ASICS GEL-1130
Above the Clouds has unveiled its forthcoming partnership with ASICS on a reworked GEL-1130, featuring an Intrecciato-style woven leather construction and a measured palette of dark sage and khaki green. The teaser marks the first official preview of a collaboration arriving in 2026.
By Marcus Chen
The Japanese brand's 2000s-era running silhouette continues its resurgence as a canvas for contemporary design voices. This Above the Clouds iteration prioritizes material depth over bold color blocking—a direction increasingly common among collaborators seeking to elevate classic ASICS tooling into premium territory.
Design Direction
The woven leather upper draws visual and tactile complexity to the GEL-1130's upper, a deliberate counterpoint to the shoe's utilitarian DNA. Layered overlays in dark sage and khaki introduce restraint without sacrificing dimensionality, suggesting a palette rooted in earthy pragmatism rather than trend-driven saturation. This material-forward approach aligns with broader sneaker culture's pivot toward texture and craftsmanship over maximalist aesthetics.
Above the Clouds—the Singapore-based collective known for precise collaborations with established silhouettes—has positioned itself as a brand attuned to construction details and colorway subtlety. The GEL-1130 partnership continues that lineage, treating ASICS' heritage runner as worthy of the same editorial consideration typically reserved for Air Jordan or New Balance retros.
What to Expect
Full imagery and official details remain forthcoming, but the partial preview signals a shoe built for those who value material integrity and understated execution. ASICS GEL-1130 collaborations have historically commanded retail pricing in the $130–$150 range, though concrete pricing for this release has yet to surface. For context, the broader ASICS market is currently active with promotional inventory, averaging discounts near 40% across major retailers—though limited-edition collaborations typically hold closer to retail.
The 2026 timeline provides ample runway for additional information to surface through official channels.
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Release Info
Product: Above the Clouds x ASICS GEL-1130
Colorway: Dark Sage / Khaki Green
Release Date: 2026 (specific date TBA)
Retail Price: TBA
Availability: Details forthcoming via Above the Clouds official channels
