Boston-based retailer Concepts has had the pleasure of teaming up with various footwear partners over its storied history, including Asics. Just recently, Deon Pointe took to Instagram to tease a new collaboration between Asics and Concepts on the Gel-Kayano 14, though these images only showcase the tongue. While this pair is to remain a sample (or a friends-and-family color), the duo has crafted a colorway on the model inspired by the Miami Tiger Beetle.
With the Kayano 14 itself taking inspiration from the stag beetle, it's only fitting that Concepts takes inspiration from an animal in the same family for its debut collaboration on the sneaker. What makes this extra fitting is that the brand is soon set to open its Miami storefront, likely tying in the grand opening to the sneaker's launch.
Digging into the history of the Miami Tiger Beetle shows some intriguing lore. The animal was first discovered in 1934 by Frank Young, who originally found the beetle in the North Miami area where Berry University now sits (which is only 5 miles from CNCPT's upcoming Miami storefront). Shortly after their discovery, the species went missing for decades, largely due to the fact that the pine rockland habitat that they reside in was being destroyed. Today, less than 1.5% of the original pine rockland range remains in the Miami-Dade area. It wasn't until 2007 that the beetle was rediscovered, with only a small colony of around 100 being found. Today, the area where the species resides is designated as a Critical Habitat, and the species is marked as endangered.
As for the sneaker itself, we see shades of cream land on the leather panels along the mudguard, eyestays, and heel, with the Miami Tiger Beetle's red and green hues applied across various portions of the upper. This rings true around the piping of the mudguard and along the Asics tiger stripe, heel overlay, and tongue tag. Branding for Concepts is found on the left sneaker's tongue and the right sneaker's lateral heel, with the opposite areas hosting Asics logos. Inside, the sneakers again come with split branding on the mismatched insoles. Underfoot sits a white Gel-cushioned midsole with gold Gel details and a black, white, and cream outsole.
The Concepts x Asics Gel-Kayano 14 Miami Tiger Beetle will release in 2024 through Concepts online and in-store. We may also see a release via Asics and select retailers online and in-store. Coming in men’s sizing, the retail price is set at $160. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Concepts x Asics Gel-Kayano 14 Miami Tiger Beetle
Images via Asics
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. Concerts, music, trying new restaurants, and catching the latest movies are some of the things I enjoy when not writing for Sole Retriever. Email: nick@soleretriever.com
