Griff Gives Her ASICS GEL-Cumulus 16 Collab a Ruffled Remix

Griff’s first ASICS collaboration arrives with a clear sense of contrast. The British singer-songwriter has taken on the ASICS GEL-Cumulus 16, turning the reintroduced runner into something that sits at the intersection of performance nostalgia, ballet-coded styling, and her own softer-edged approach to personal style.

The Griff x ASICS GEL-Cumulus 16 keeps the model’s early-2000s runner shape intact, but the detailing changes the entire read of the shoe. A black and metallic grey base provides the pair with its technical foundation, while glossy overlays and the model’s familiar paneling keep it rooted in ASICS Sportstyle’s current retro-running lane. From there, the collaboration adds a much more personal layer.

Ruffled fabric trims appear around the tongue, forefoot, and heel, giving the shoe a handmade, almost deconstructed finish. The white tongue and matching laces cut sharply through the darker upper, while the lace setup can be styled with oversized ribbon ties for a more ballet-inspired look. It is a small change with a big visual effect, shifting the GEL-Cumulus 16 away from pure sport and into something more expressive.

Griff’s touch comes through in the smaller choices. The black-and-silver base keeps the GEL-Cumulus 16 grounded, while the ruffled trims, soft lace contrast, and ribbon-like styling give it a more personal edge. It does not feel like ASICS simply added a name to an existing runner; it feels as if the shoe has been styled from Griff’s own wardrobe.

The Griff x ASICS GEL-Cumulus 16 will release on June 12 via ASICS and select retailers worldwide. ASICS will also host a launch pop-up in Hackney, London, from June 12 to June 14.

To set yourself a release reminder for this drop, make sure you download the House of Heat° App.

For more sneaker news, check out the Nike Air Max lineup.