# Japan-Inspired Luxe Leather Sneakers ASICS Unveils the Japan Collection of Running Shoes By Amy Duong | Published 2019-10-23 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/japan-collection References: [highsnobiety](https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/asics-japan-collection-release-date-price/) & [asics](https://www.asics.com/jp/ja-jp/mk/japancollection) ASICS introduces its new Japan collection made up of three running shoe models in total -- this features the Metarun SPS, the GEL-Kayano 25, and the GEL-Kinsei. Every design boasts a construction of luxe leather materials, serving to those who prefer to wear the footwear casually. The traditional iterations of the sneakers are more performance-driven but the new construction elevates the design in a more casual approach. The KEL-Kinsei and the GEL-Kayano 25 sneakers are complete in a Kobe leather for a supple finish -- it is offered in a navy blue hue. The Kayano 25 is also available in navy blue with contrasting branding accents, sitting on a soft cushioning system and a FlyteFoam midsole foundation. The Metarun SPS is made from Japanese white leather with gold and red detailing. Image Credit: ASICS ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.1/10 - Popularity: 11% | Activity: 44% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Life](https://www.trendhunter.com/life) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Luxe Leather Materials:** Opportunity for luxury brands to incorporate high-end materials in their product designs. - **Casual Approach:** Opportunity for performance-driven brands to expand into the casual footwear market. - **Traditional Iterations:** Opportunity for heritage brands to modernize their classic designs with new materials and construction techniques. ### Who This Affects Most - **Footwear:** The footwear industry can explore innovative ways to incorporate luxe leather materials into their products. - **Luxury Brands:** Luxury brands can leverage the casual approach trend to create high-end sneakers with a more relaxed aesthetic. - **Athletic Brands:** Athletic brands can tap into the traditional iterations trend by updating their performance shoes with new materials and design elements. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Metallic Color-Blocked Tech Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gel-kayano-14-sneaker.md) - [Stylish Technical Running Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/small-wins-add-up.md) - [Retro Aesthetic Lifestyle Trainers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gelsekiran.md) - [Metallic-Accented Lifestyle Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gelkayano-14-6.md) - [Leather-Lined Luxe Collaborative Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gel-quantum-360-viii.md) - [Natural Tone Runners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gelkayano-14-organic-beauty.md) - [Trail-Inspired Neutral Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gelnunobiki.md) - [Metallic Red-Tinged Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gelkayano-121.md) - [Urban Cushioning Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gelquantum-kinetic-sp.md)