Zach Harris is a writer based in Philadelphia. His work has appeared in Rolling Stone, Vice, Complex, High Times, and more. He is obsessed with skateboarding and bowling. He is still looking for his first 300. For tips, reviews, and anything in size 10.5 - zach.h@soleretriever.com
New Orleans has a rich sneaker tradition. From the Reebok obsession in the 90s to classic Mardi Gras SB Dunks from Humidity and voodoo-inspired Zion Jordan 1s repping the local culture. When it comes to exclusive releases and hard-to-find pairs, Sneaker Politics is the undisputed champ of the Big Easy, and Louisiana in general, with stores in Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and two locations in Texas.
For a new Asics Gel-K1011 based on the live oak trees that protect Louisiana from hurricane-force winds, there was only one store to turn to. The Sneaker Politics exclusive colorway of the K1011 combines the dark brown of the bark, green of the leaves, and fuzzy grey of the branches that hang down, swaying in the wind like tendrils for a complete representation of the live oak, also known as the tree of life. Mixing varying shades of suede and open knit mesh across the upper, the grey suede gets a hairy treatment while hits of yellow and icy blue add some color to the earth tone palette.
Asics Gel-K1011 Live Oak (Sneaker Politics Exclusive)
Sneaker Politics has had a long relationship with Asics, and had another exclusive drop with a Nancy Regan “Just Say No” themed Kayano 14 earlier this year. As Asics continues to establish itself as a major player in the boutique retail landscape, the Japanese brand has pushed a handful of shop exclusives with regional retailers like Lapstone & Hammer and Social Status.
The Asics Gel-K1011 Live Oak will be released October 18, 2025 exclusively through Sneaker Politics in-store and online. Available in men’s sizing, the retail price is still TBD. For all the latest Asics drops and boutique collab news, don’t forget to download the Sole Retriever mobile app.
