Summer is when ASICS really comes into its own. The brand's palette of creams, whites, silvers and soft muted tones was practically built for warm weather, and the mesh uppers keep things breathable. Here are the colourways worth reaching for. Shop the full ASICS collection at Shoe Religion.
Why ASICS works so well in summer
Two reasons. First, construction: most ASICS retro runners use engineered mesh through the upper, which breathes far better than leather or heavy suede when the temperature climbs. Second, colour: ASICS leans heavily on light neutrals, and light neutrals are exactly what summer outfits want.
Pair that with GEL cushioning for long days on your feet and you have a strong warm-weather shoe.
Creams and off-whites
The safest and arguably best summer choice. Cream reads warmer and softer than stark white and hides light wear better. Look at the GEL-NYC Cream Cloud Grey, the GEL-NYC Cream Oyster Grey and the GEL-Kayano 14 White Ivory.
Clean whites
If you want maximum crispness, white is unbeatable in summer. The GEL-1130 White Cloud Grey and White Pure Silver are about as versatile as it gets, and the Kayano 14 White Fjord Grey brings the same brightness with more visual detail.
Soft colour: teal, pink and blue
Summer is the season to take a small risk with colour. The GEL-1130 White Restful Teal adds a cool accent without shouting, Cream Blue is soft and easy, and the Kayano 14 Cream Sweet Pink has been one of the most popular Kayano colourways for good reason.
Silver and metallic
The metallic finishes catch summer light better than any other palette, which is part of why the Kayano 14 Silver Cream looks so good in the sun. See also the GEL-1130 Steel Grey Pure Silver. We cover this properly in why the silver finish works.
How to style them in summer
Light ASICS pair naturally with shorts, linen, light denim and cropped trousers. Keep the sock choice deliberate: a clean white crew or a low-cut sock both work, but mismatched heavy socks will undercut the whole look. More outfit ideas in how to style ASICS.
Keeping light colourways clean
Cream and white mesh will pick up dirt, there is no way around it. Treat them early with a suitable protector, brush off dust regularly rather than waiting, and spot clean rather than soaking. See how to clean ASICS mesh trainers for the full method.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best ASICS colour for summer? Cream and off-white are the sweet spot: bright enough for the season, more forgiving than pure white.
Are ASICS breathable? The mesh uppers on most retro runners breathe well, which suits warm weather.
Which ASICS is easiest to keep clean? Greys and darker colourways such as GEL-NYC Black Graphite hide wear best.
Related reading: How to Clean ASICS | Kayano 14 Colourways Ranked | Best ASICS to Buy