Asics’ Affordable Sneaker Has a Killer New Streetwear-Friendly Look

For nearly two decades, the Asics Gel-Challenger line has been one of the best value options for recreational tennis players.

Sitting between the basic Gel-Dedicate and the competitive Gel-Resolution, the Gel-Challenger is the dependable workhorse of the bunch. It hovers right above the $100 mark while still boasting high durability, solid lateral stability and Asics’ famed Gel cushioning.

Regardless of the shoe’s performance prowess, it’s never even kind of been a crossover model. But now, thanks to a collaboration with an up-and-coming brand, you might view these sneakers in a different light.

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A perfect tennis

Setinn (an anagram for “tennis”) launched just a couple of years ago by fashion curator for Beams, Shingo Arai. The Tokyo-based firm has already become well regarded for how it brings an urban tinge to on-court gear.

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It’s now done just that with the Gel-Challenger 15, giving us a tuxedo colorway of the sneaker. The synthetic upper is covered in a deep shade of black, contrasted heavily with an aggressive white Tiger Stripe logo on the outside.

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Arguably the biggest change to the silhouette is the giant spiral “a” on the outside of the left shoe (it’s also on the inner foot of the right shoe). The logo draws instant attention to your feet, whether on or off the court.

The sneaker sits above a similarly stealthy midsole and outsole, tying the look together.

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Still built for the court

It’s safe to say this is the most streetwear-friendly version of the mid-level tennis shoe we’ve ever seen. Nevertheless, this is still a tennis shoe first and foremost.

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Currently in its 15th generation, the Gel-Challenger has gotten more updates over the years than its court-ready counterparts. This latest iteration of the sneaker improves impact absorption in the forefoot and has better side-to-side lockdown with Wingwall support that prevents the side walls of the shoe from collapsing.

It’s also built with a high-abrasion rubber outsole, Ortholite insole and standard lacing system. None of these have changed for the Setinn collab.

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White the contrast

On the complete opposite end of the spectrum, the collaboration also features a very white take on the Gel-Challenger 15. Certainly designed for the sport, this White/Peacoat variant swaps the color arrangement from the tuxedo model while adding some gray elements underfoot and on the tongue.

Unlike other black-and-white Gel-Challengers, this one uses aggressive forms of its colors without any of the performance-looking effects.

Availability and pricing

Priced at ¥16,500 (~$103), the Asics x Setinn Gel-Challenger 15 is available now from Asics Japan. Both colorways are still up for grabs.

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Asics x Setinn Gel-Challenger 15

• $103 at Asics

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