Kiko Kostadinov Launches Unique Tabi-Toe Sneakers with Asics

The highly anticipated collaboration between Bulgarian designer Kiko Kostadinov and Japanese sportswear brand Asics has reached retail. The new sneakers, known as the Kiko Kostadinov x Asics Ilargi FF, also referred to as the Tabi, feature a distinctive split-toe design that challenges conventional athletic footwear aesthetics.

This innovative release showcases a lightweight knitted upper combined with a FlyteFoam-cushioned midsole, enhancing both performance and comfort. The tabi-toe construction, which has gained popularity since the 2010s, adds a unique twist to the traditional running shoe. While the split-toe style is often associated with fashion-forward designs, this collaboration marks an intriguing intersection between high-tech running engineering and avant-garde fashion.

Historical Context and Artistic Collaboration

The design approach is not entirely new for Asics. The brand, originally known as Onitsuka Tiger, first introduced the Marathon Tabi shoe in 1953. This pioneering model was among the first mass-marketed tabi athletic shoes, specifically designed for marathon runners. The Ilargi FF echoes this legacy while presenting a contemporary interpretation of the split-toe design.

For the formal launch, Kostadinov enlisted American artist Ryan Trecartin to create a three-part campaign titled “Buckle Yup!” Each advertisement features a score composed by Trecartin, utilizing machine learning software to generate a chorus of artificial voices that narrate themes of delivery girls, romance, and online side-hustles. The campaign was filmed in Japan, involving over a dozen locations and 15 local actors, enhancing its cultural context.

Act 1, “Buckle Yup: Cue Shoes,” is set to premiere on February 23, 2024, in Los Angeles. Following this, Act 2, “Buckle Yup: Lip Sink Muzak,” will debut in Tokyo in April, and Act 3, “Buckle Yup: Voice-Undered Romantic,” will conclude the series in London in July.

Availability and Pricing

The Kiko Kostadinov x Asics Ilargi FF was officially released on February 23, 2024, at Kostadinov’s London store, initially available in striking blue and black colorways priced at $230. A broader release is slated for the same date on kikokostadinov.com, along with select stores in Los Angeles and Tokyo.

This collaboration not only highlights Kostadinov’s innovative design philosophy but also reinforces Asics’ commitment to merging high performance with unique aesthetic elements. The Ilargi FF represents a bold step in both fashion and athletic realms, inviting enthusiasts to embrace a new era of footwear that defies traditional norms.