One of the most interesting things I’ve found since I started working here at ASICS is the number of incredible pieces that just never saw the light of day for one reason or another. As a company that prides itself on creating the highest level of technical footwear, it often happens that a product is created in order to test a new technology but falls short and never goes into production.

Unlike other brands, if a sneaker can’t be used to improve an athletes performance, it won’t be released on looks alone. Of course as a sneaker head, this means that every now and then I’ll pass by someone’s desk or go to the sample shop and see something that makes my neck snap, only to be told it was a failed experiment and will never come out.
The shoes above (and below are the Gel Speedstar 5, and according to the tag it was developed to test proprioception running, which is focused on the body’s natural ability to balance itself on uneven and slippery surfaces. To that end the shoe is composed of one piece of soft mesh with a truss support on the heel. It’s so soft it almost feels like a sock with a foam sole similar to the California 78 or Nike Cortez.
I’m not sure how it fared under testing, or if it will ever be released in this form but I think I just found a go-to beach sneaker; cool, form-fitting and comfy

More pictures below: