Asics and Foot Locker release student-designed shoe

By

Cassidy Mantor

Published
Sep 15, 2016

Asics has partnered with Pensole Footwear Design Academy students to create a new running shoe that will launch in limited edition at select Foot Locker stores globally.

18 students were selected out of a pool of 1,400 applicants to participate in the 3-week-long design class offered by Pensole.

"Through our partnership with Pensole, we are committed to fostering innovation and creativity in the next generation of footwear designers and we are thrilled to debut our first winning Asics design," said Andy Gray, vice president and general manager of Foot Locker U.S.

The winner was chosen by product and marketing teams at Asics as well as Pensole founder D'Wayne Edwards.

"The future of the footwear industry is reliant upon the type of creativity, innovation and originality displayed by this competition's winning team," said Edwards.

He explained, "At Pensole, we are committed to providing hands-on learning and training to tomorrow's design and business leaders. Our partnership with Foot Locker makes it possible for students to hone their craft, prepare themselves for their professional careers and see their vision become a reality."

The Asics Gel-Lyte III "Pensole Reflect" shoe is the final product of the first "Fueling the Future of Footwear" Master Class offered at Pensole Footwear Design Academy.

Asics is the first brand to partner with Pensole and Foot Locker in this new development project.

300 pairs of the limited edition model will be sold at select Foot Lockers including locations in LA, NY, Paris, London and Milan as well as online starting September 17.