Asics’ Sportstyle Kinetic sneakers are among the most technical in the brand’s lifestyle lineup. With their ample sculpted Gel cushioning and intricate mixed-material uppers, there are few other shoes like them on the market, particularly in the everyday category. Now, Asics is taking the detailed design a step further with a new sequel to the franchise that’s due out Friday.

The Asics Gel-Kinetic 2.0 picks up where the Gel-Quantum Kinetic, Gel-Kinetic Fluent and Gel-Kinetic SP sneakers left off, adding even more layers to the upper and restructuring the shoe’s signature Scutoid Gel pods. 

The three-dimensional, geometric Scutoid Gel pod cushioning has been moved directly underfoot on the sequel, which Asics says better distributes force from ground contact for improved comfort. The Gel pods have also been reconstructed to make them softer and more responsive. But it’s not the Gel alone that delivers cushioning as Asics has paired it with its FF Blast Plus foam, the same compound used in many of the brand’s high-end running shoes. 

But that’s not all, as the Japanese sportswear manufacturer has also added a TPU Trusstic cage around the Gel cushioning, which the brand says adds further cushioning and stability. The TPU caging also provides a new level of protection for the Gel pods, which can otherwise be prone to abrasion and damage.

The Gel Kinetic 2.0’s upper also received an overhaul. Drawing from the brand’s Gel-Kinetic and Gel-Frantic franchises running, the multi-layered upper features a mesh base with synthetic overlays and a molded polyurethane cage which adds structure and helps emphasize the model’s modern design language.  

The Asics Gel-Kinetic 2.0 will debut in a Pure Silver/Blue Coast style when it’s released Friday from asics.com and select retailers for $250. Some stockists, such as Toronto’s Capsule, have already released the new model along with a Clay Green colorway.