Helen Kirkum for ASICS SPS: Crafts For Minds

ASICS has partnered with London-based artist and designer, Helen Kirkum to craft 30 pairs of GEL-1090™ sneakers to be released on NAKED CPH on February 25th, 2022. All proceeds from the crafted pairs will be donated to Right To Play, the global organization that protects, educates and empowers children to rise above adversity using the power of sports and play.

Kirkum is a pioneer of the deconstructed aesthetic within the sneaker industry and has redefined sneaker design by creating one of a kind, handmade sneakers from recycled materials. The partnership is the third in the series of ASICS’ Crafts for Mind program, which reinforces the craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into creating long-lasting products with purpose.

For this installment, Kirkum has transformed dead stock GEL-1090™ sneakers using post-consumer waste, reinvigorating the uppers into a protective layer that wraps around the lateral side, creating an exposed upper from the inside. Running routes from across the UK have been incorporated into the design, taking routes from the Helen Kirkum network, and seeing them embroidered onto the toe.

Typical Helen Kirkum details also feature, with the use of a unique lacing system that includes the back heel loop as a lace and a blanket stitch around the toe. The final touch is the armor applied to the top of the tongue which has also been created using postconsumer waste.

All the bespoke pairs have been handmade in-house at the Studio and each pair is unique with its own colorway.