Lack of Guidance's ASICS GEL-Quantum 360 VIII Is Rooted in Japan's Football Heritage

Over the past handful of years, ASICS has joined sneaker rotations of some of the boldest, fashion-forward dresses across the globe–thanks in part to experimental collaborations with the likes of Kiko Kostadino and Cecilie Bahnsen. The storied Japanese brand has also tapped smaller, independent boutiques and creatives for exciting new takes on its expansive archive. The latest crew to join the lucky bunch is Amsterdam's Lack of Guidance, which has decided to rework the GEL-QUANTUM™ 360 VIII.

On its official channels, Lack of Guidance has shared that the ASICS project is its "debut footwear release". Out of all the silhouettes the European label could've landed on, it decided upon the GEL-QUANTUM™ 360 VIII, a model that's also been reimagined by Dime and C.P. Company. Technical in all aspects of the word, the sneaker features some of ASICS' most modern technology–including 5D-printed details across the upper; FF BLAST™ PLUS ECO cushioning; and DIVISION SPACE™ midsole. Lack of Guidance's collaboration keeps all these components intact, but injects a narrative into the package.

Clad predominantly in a black and red-orange color palette, the project draws inspiration from the Japanese Men's National Football Team–specifically the Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi's goalkeeper kit from the 1998 World Cup in France. Also produced by ASICS at the time, the long-sleeve jersey made a statement (even if the football team didn't) on the beautiful game's biggest stage with its all-over flame graphics. Lack of Guidance has been referencing and celebrating football and its culture since its founding in 2016. The brand's GEL-QUANTUM™ 360 VIII is just another example of this.

Enjoy a closer look at the pair ahead–courtesy of @hartcopy on Instagram. Lack of Guidance will launch its debut ASICS collaboration on Friday, Jan. 31, at its storefront in Amsterdam (Oudekerksplein 22) as well as its website. A wider retailer release will take place a week later on Feb. 9, although a list has yet to be shared.

For more sneaker news, check out the Joe Freshgoods x New Balance 992 'Aged Well' collaboration.