SHUSHU/TONG’s Ballerina-Inspired Asics Gel-Kinetic Fluent Pack Releases August 2025
Published
High-fashion labels stole Asics’ signature design motifs for their footwear at the end of the 2010s and into the 2020s. While at the time the Japanese label wasn’t viewed in a favorable light by sneakerheads, they gained ground in the early parts of the new decade. With newfound interest in their mesh runners and techy sneakers, Asics hasn’t shied away from tapping avant-garde and fashion-forward brands to reimagine their sneakers. Leaning into the balletcorea and coquette trend, Asics has tapped Shanghai-based SHUSHU/TONG for a two-pack of Asics Gel-Kinetic Fluent colorways.
SHUSHU/TONG was first formed in 2015 by Liushu Lei and Youtong Jiang, who met at Donghua University. They eventually studied at the London College of Fashion before launching their brand on WeChat, expanding into storefronts like Dover Street Market over the last decade. With a focus on hyper-feminine designs, the label was ahead of the curve when it came to the recent coquette, soft girl, and balletcore aesthetics that have been pervasive in the fashion industry.
Lei and Jiang have applied their soft girl philosophy to Asics in the past, working on the GEL-MJ pack by adding bow-ties to the sneaker in a Black and a White colorway. Again, they’ve tapped into this aesthetic for their Gel-Kinetic Fluent project, which was first previewed during Paris Fashion Week in June.
In these official images, we can see the White Dive Blue and Black Blue Expanse colorways retain the traditional mesh and synthetic leather construction but add frilly lace details around the lace set and heel. The Chinese label also adds its name and logo to the tongue of the left shoe and the insole of the right. Finishing the sneakers are the foam and Gel-cushioned midsole and outsoles in tonal hues.
The SHUSHU/TONG x Asics Gel-Kinetic Fluent Ballerina Pack will release August 23, 2025, through Asics, SHUSHU/TONG, and potentially select retailers online and in-store. As of now, retail pricing has not been announced. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
SHUSHU/TONG x Asics Gel-Kinetic Fluent White Dive Blue
SHUSHU/TONG x Asics Gel-Kinetic Fluent Black Blue Expanse
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy attending concerts and catching the latest movies. Email: nick@soleretriever.com
