The first joint project between NEEDLES and ASICS: Based on the high-end basketball shoe EX 89, which was launched by ASICS in 1989, this collab features a distinctive purple color contrast on the seams and lining.

ASICS SportStyle x Needles EX89 - White/Purple/Grey - 1201A942-100
ASICS SportStyle x Needles EX89 - White/Purple/Grey - 1201A942-100

The tongue and heel are decorated with the Needles Papillon motif, as well as the logos of the two brands.

ASICS SportStyle x Needles EX89 - Black/Purple/Grey - 1201A942-001
ASICS SportStyle x Needles EX89 - Black/Purple/Grey - 1201A942-001

The EX89 sneaker combines the traditional influences of the GEL-EXTREME basketball shoe from 1989 with modern cushioning properties.

ASICS SportStyle x Needles EX89 - White/Purple/Grey - 1201A942-100
ASICS SportStyle x Needles EX89 - White/Purple/Grey - 1201A942-100

It was originally created by Toshikazu Kayano in the late 1980s as his first design project for ASICS.

ASICS SportStyle x Needles EX89 - Black/Purple/Grey - 1201A942-001
ASICS SportStyle x Needles EX89 - Black/Purple/Grey - 1201A942-001

Back then, the multi-layered leather construction of the upper material was decorated with bold color blockings that matched the iconic NBA team wear of the era.

By the way, the EX89's damping system has been updated with ASICS FF BLAST technology.

ASICS SportStyle x Needles EX89

The ASICS x Needles collab is available October 7th via 43einhalb, a.plus, Allike, AFEW Store and Asphaltgold.

ASICS SportStyle x Needles EX89 - Black/Purple/Grey - 1201A942-001
ASICS SportStyle x Needles EX89 - Black/Purple/Grey - 1201A942-001

ASICS SportStyle x Needles EX89 - Black/Purple/Grey - 1201A942-001
ASICS SportStyle x Needles EX89 - Black/Purple/Grey - 1201A942-001

ASICS SportStyle x Needles EX89 - Black/Purple/Grey - 1201A942-001
ASICS SportStyle x Needles EX89 - Black/Purple/Grey - 1201A942-001

ASICS SportStyle x Needles EX89 - Black/Purple/Grey - 1201A942-001

ASICS SportStyle x Needles EX89 - Black/Purple/Grey - 1201A942-001

ASICS SportStyle x Needles EX89 - Black/Purple/Grey - 1201A942-001

ASICS SportStyle x Needles EX89 - White/Purple/Grey - 1201A942-100
ASICS SportStyle x Needles EX89 - White/Purple/Grey - 1201A942-100

ASICS SportStyle x Needles EX89 - White/Purple/Grey - 1201A942-100
ASICS SportStyle x Needles EX89 - White/Purple/Grey - 1201A942-100

ASICS SportStyle x Needles EX89 - White/Purple/Grey - 1201A942-100
ASICS SportStyle x Needles EX89 - White/Purple/Grey - 1201A942-100

ASICS SportStyle x Needles EX89 - White/Purple/Grey - 1201A942-100

ASICS SportStyle x Needles EX89 - White/Purple/Grey - 1201A942-100
ASICS SportStyle x Needles EX89 - White/Purple/Grey - 1201A942-100

Photos via ASICS