Kith x ASICS Super Villains Collection: A Marvelous Fusion of Fashion and Fandom

The sneaker world has always been a fertile ground for collaborations, but few pairings are as exhilarating as when fashion giants team up with beloved pop culture icons. The latest offering from Kith, in collaboration with ASICS and Marvel, is a testament to this trend. Dubbed the “Super Villains” collection, this Kith x ASICS release celebrates some of Marvel’s most infamous antagonists, reinterpreting their unique aesthetics into limited wearable art.

Kith’s Ronnie Fieg has a long-standing love affair with comic books, which has been reflected in past collaborations with Marvel. The most notable of these was the X-Men collection released in 2023, which transformed iconic members of the mutant team into a series of highly sought-after sneakers. This year, the collaboration goes darker, with a focus on the villains who make Marvel stories so compelling.

The Kith x ASICS “Super Villains” collection is a celebration of Marvel’s 85th anniversary whilst also serving as a visual and thematic dive into what makes these characters so immediately identifiable and legendary in their infamy. As a result, these sneakers are statements and verifiable wearable works of art – cleverly celebrating the yin to every heroes yang.

The collection is comprised of ASICS models like the GT-2160, Gel-1130, and Gel-Kayano 14, with each pair of sneakers reimagining the personas of villains like Magneto, Green Goblin, and Venom, while also making room for a surprising inclusion — Spider-Man.

Kith x ASICS Spider-Man & Venom GT-2160

• Spider-Man — This model channels Spider-Man’s iconic red and blue colors in a gradient print on the mesh upper.
• The ASICS Tiger Stripes are crafted from premium leather and feature blue hues.
• Venom — Referencing the dark look and nature of the character, this shoe features mostly black hues with pops of blue. Crafted from mesh with synthetic leather overlays.
• Both models have heel badges asymmetrically branded, with the left featuring the Marvel logo and the right bearing the Fieg logo.
• Custom-printed insoles displaying the character artwork.
• SRP: US$ 350 | AUS $543

Kith x ASICS Green Goblin GT-2160

• Dark greens and bright yellows are seen on the mesh upper alongside grey and black accents.
• The model is complete with the collaborative Kith for Marvel logo on the tongue and Fieg branding on the heel.
• Custom-printed insoles displaying the character artwork.
• SRP: US$ 175 | AUS $272

Kith x ASICS Silver Surfer GEL-Kayano 14

• This colorway channels its namesake character’s aesthetic silver palette for the upper.
• Explore complementary blue accents on the mid and outsole.
• The model is complete with the collaborative Kith for Marvel logo on the tongue and Fieg branding on the heel.
• Custom-printed insoles displaying the character artwork.
• SRP: US$ 190 | AUS $295

Kith x ASICS Magneto GEL-1130

• This model stands out as the only 1130 in the offering.
• It features a mesh upper with leather overlays and distinct co-branding with a Kith logo at the eyestay and sockliner.
• Designed with a special Marvel label on the heel.
• Custom-printed insoles displaying the character artwork.
• SRP: US$ 155 | AUS $241

Each sneaker in this Kith x ASICS collection is a masterclass in design, reflecting the distinct characteristics of its associated villain. The Gel-1130, for instance, channels the formidable presence of Magneto, using a colour palette blending deep reds and purples. This design is not just an aesthetic choice, but a visual representation of Magneto’s magnetic and rebellious nature, making the sneaker a wearable symbol of one of Marvel’s most complex characters.

The Gel-Kayano 14, on the other hand, draws inspiration from the Silver Surfer, one of the more enigmatic figures in the Marvel Universe. The shoe’s sleek metallic design, complemented by cosmic blue accents, captures the otherworldly and ethereal nature of the character. It is a design exuding both futuristic and timeless feelings, much like the Silver Surfer himself.

Unlike the other ASICS on this list, the GT-2160 comes in multiple variations, each paying homage to different characters. The Green Goblin edition features a vibrant mix of green and purple, echoing the villain’s chaotic and mischievous energy. Meanwhile, the Venom iteration – a personal favourite – dives into the darker side of Marvel’s universe with a symbiote-inspired black and blue design. Strangely, the inclusion of Spider-Man in this collection adds an interesting twist, especially since he is the lone hero in a lineup otherwise dedicated to villains. In contrast to the others, the Spider-Man design is a bold red, blue, and white, creating a stark juxtaposition to the more sinister tones of the other sneakers (it is also only available as a bundle with the Venom sneakers).

Beyond the sneakers themselves, the Kith x ASICS “Super Villains” collection is set to include a range of collectible elements, similar to 2023’s X-Men collection, which featured PSA-graded trading cards and other limited-edition items. This approach not only appeals to sneakerheads, but also to the vast community of Marvel fans who revel in the lore of these characters. In this sense, each sneaker in the collection will include a single PSA graded comic of the villain in question (no guarantees to rarity or PSA level). Needless to say, these sneakers will also be produced in a limited quantity, but the size of the production run has not been revealed.

The collection will be released on the 9th of August 2024, with pre-orders available through Kith’s online store and physical locations from the 7th of August 2024. Given the success of the previous collaborations and the enduring popularity of Marvel’s villains, this release is expected to sell out quickly. As such, it is important to note how Kith often employs a ‘draw’ and ‘invite’ system to allow every interested party a valid chance of making a successful purchase. Registrations are currently open in the Kith app (currently the only way to register), and will close several before the sneakers are due to go on sale on the main website and in brick and mortar Kith stores. I have currently placed entries for the Venom and Spider-man bundle, as well as the Silver Surfer.

The Kith x ASICS “Super Villains” collection is a celebration of storytelling, design, and the enduring appeal of comic book culture. Whether you are a sneaker aficionado, a Marvel enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the fusion of art and fashion, the “Super Villains” collection is a release demanding attention. It is a bold statement on how fashion can intersect with pop culture to create something truly unique and memorable.