Nice Kicks Exclusive: David Z x Asics Gel Lyte III Preview & Interview
| While in NYC last December we were fortunate enough to get a little sneaker peak as well as a few hints of what was to come by Asics and Manhattan based David Z.For those of you outside of NYC, you may not have heard of David Z, the founder, David Zaken opened his first shop more than 22 years ago and the rest is history. They just opened up a shop in Las Vegas too.
It wouldn’t have been right to just throw the pics of these shoes up without giving you the full story behind them, so for that, we caught up with Ronnie Fieg, manager and buyer for David Z, who designed all three of the upcoming exclusive Gel Lyte IIIs. Ronnie is only 25 years old, but has been working for David Z and in the shoe industry for 12 years! Yeah, do the math. Full interview after the jump. [click here] Update: These are now available online at DavidZ.com! |
Matt - Nice Kicks: I got to see a little sneak preview last time that I was in New York, pictures are up now thanks to Complex Magazine, tell us all about where the inspiration came from for the shoe.
Ronnie - David Z: The objective was to make a shoe that you are actually getting your money’s worth. I wanted to create something fresh and something new, but most importantly something different. I wanted to make a sneaker that people could appreciate as a whole and not feel that they have to grab something by the usual brands to have something dope.
Asiscs and David Z have worked together in the past to create shoes, but nothing like this. We have a really good relationship with Asics and glad that this has all come together.
Matt: This may be the first time that people have heard of the Gel Lyte, what can people expect from a pair of these shoes?
Ronnie: It’s a runner, so it’s a really lightweight shoe. And for those who don’t remember, all Gel cushioning is what Asics has been putting in their shoes for a really long time. They would have it in the front and back of the shoe similar to what Nike was doing with Air Max.
The shoe looks like a new shoe, but with some old school flavor. With the uppers, I put different textures together that pop out, which gives it that new feel on and old shoe. I feel that this shoe puts Asics where it should be in the minds of a sneakerhead or a collector. I feel that Asics deserves that respect. They make comfortable shoes, they look great, and they’re great quality, so when you have those three things together you get a $90 shoe that is actually worth $90. In addition to the shoes, David Z will be throwing in a free T shirt that looks really good with the shoes.
Matt: The first thing I noticed when I saw the shoes in person was the split tongue, that’s definitely a unique feature.
Ronnie: Yeah, that is something that makes the shoes so unique, and to me, its what makes the shoe so special. I feel that is something that separates this jogger from the rest. When you wear them, it really gives you a comfortable fit. You know, sometimes on a shoe the tongue either moves sideways, is too short, or too long. You don’t have that problem with this shoe - they fit like a glove. They are honestly one of the most comfortable shoes I have ever had.
Matt: This is honestly one of the first times that I have been hearing a lot of sneakerheads buzz for Asics. That is sort of ironic since Blue Ribbon Sports got their start importing Onitsuka Tiger products. Do you feel that Asics isn’t getting as much love from sneakerheads as history of shoes would?
Ronnie: It’s been a long time coming. I don’t think that Asics has done anything quite in this magnitude with a shoe like a Gel Lyte, like taking it to the next level. I couldn’t really answer why it’s been like that, but this is something that I decided to do a very long time ago. There are several others bringing out their version of the Gel Lyte, all of which look great. I feel that there is a bright future for Asics as it is for a couple other companies. People are starting to take notice of other brands that is very important for the sneaker game.
Matt: Now this isn’t the first collaboration between David Z and a major footwear company right?
Ronnie: Oh no, not the first. We have done collaborations with many companies in the past including New Balance, Adidas, Timberland, back in the day we did some with Diadora, and even Clarks. If you look back at the collaborations we have done you will see that all have done extremely well for us.
Matt: Now I know a lot of my readers will want to know this. Will any pairs be available online for those who are not located in New York?
Ronnie: Yes, there will be some made available for purchase online at DavidZ.com. The release dates are set, the first ones are dropping May 15th, and the second and third colorways release July 1st.
Matt: Was there any inspiration behind the color choices?
Ronnie: I’m a big fan of ‘color-pop.’ In the past couple of seasons, colors have been really big, especially downtown. The inspiration really came from older sneakers that I collect myself. They had a million colors tand a million different textures to choose from. I felt that some patent leather pops would be nice, so I did those for the second two, but the first ones have a nice combination of nubuck and suede that look amazing in person.
Matt: Now you have mentioned a few times your collection of shoes. How long have you been collecting sneakers?
Ronnie: It’s been a long time. I think I started in ’97, so about 10 years now.
Matt: Where does the Asics Gel Lyte rank in your top favorite sneakers
Ronnie: It’s definitely in the top three. It’s really a great shoe that people need to check out.
Matt: Do you have any other projects that you are working on personally?
Ronnie: Yeah I do have something in the works. I have started my own personal clothing brand, kith. The first products will be launching in about a month so be on the look out. You know I will keep you in the loop.
Matt: No doubt. It has been a pleasure talking to you and getting some more insight on these shoes. I’ll leave you with the last word about what’s going on with shoes and the culture these days.
Ronnie: Thank you. I have seen a lot of shoes, but right now its quite depressing to be completely honest. There is too much saturation of shoes on the market. Hopefully collectors and sneakerheads can decide between what shoes the personally like themselves and what shoes they should pass on. There are just so many shoes coming out that the average collector just can’t collect everything that is dropping. The main message I want people to hear is to keep buying what you like, and don’t buy the hype.
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