Verdict from +100 user reviews
10 reasons to buy
- The majority of this brand’s fans describe the Asics Gel Lyte V’s feel on feet as extremely comfortable.
- This low-top running-inspired shoe is liked by many for its unique design.
- “Cool”, “stylish” and “sleek” are words commonly used by Asics’ fans to describe the Gel Lyte V’s aesthetics.
- The shoe, which is built with ample padding and support, does not need additional cushioning, a significant number of wearers, including those with flat feet expressed.
- More than a handful appreciate the sneaker’s lightweight.
- Others say that it is well-made.
- The shoe’s upper is indeed breathable, some purchasers have confirmed.
- A few people have tried using orthotics with this sneaker as the insoles are removable and replaceable.
- A couple of users observe that the Asics Gel Lyte V remains clean for a long time.
- A handful of Asics Gel Lyte V reviews mention that the users are satisfied with the arch support and internal feel of this retro-runner.
3 reasons not to buy
- A large number of buyers think the shoe fits a bit too tight.
- Several reviews state that the color of the shoe in person is different from what is advertised online.
- Few individuals remark that the Asics Gel Lyte V looks bulky.
Bottom line
When it comes to creating the best sneakers, the Japanese footwear brand Asics is considered as among the leaders of innovation. Among Asics’ best creations is the classic Gel Lyte V. The low-top shoe is well known for its aesthetically pleasing silhouette and its superior performance.
The Gel Lyte V shoe's slimmed-down upper is nitpicked for its narrow build. Regardless, this sneaker maintains its status with its timeless looks and lasting functionality.
Good to know
Expect this low-top lifestyle sneaker, built with a mono-sock liner, to hug your feet comfortably in all the right places. It also provides enhanced ankle support. The Asics Gel Lyte V streamlined forefoot, however, offers minimal toe space.
Perceived by many sneakerheads as a must-have, this versatile shoe goes well with various casual clothing. This includes jeans, shorts, leggings and joggers.
This sneaker is also offered in numerous stunning colorways. Thus, finding a model that matches your style and personality is going to be easy. Monochromatic tones are available for those who wish to keep it simple and clean. Those who are free-spirited and adventurous, on the other hand, can opt to buy the kicks outfitted in fun and playful color schemes.
To top it off, this shoe is equipped with a breathable upper and the renowned Gel technology. The former gives the shoe improved ventilation and the latter provides it with all-day and lightweight comfort, thereby, making the Asics Gel Lyte V popular everyday footwear.
Sneakerheads worldwide will surely notice this shoe’s retro yet fashion-forward and street-ready silhouette. Moreover, the Gel Lyte V is also distinguished for its attached tongue, which gives the sneaker a sock-like fit, as well as the famed Gel Technology embedded in the shoe’s heel and ball that provides the shoe with better cushioning and improved shock absorption.
Despite its many achievements, Asics never stopped its pursuit of perfection. Aiming to provide fitness lovers, regardless of sport, as well as casual walkers with the best footwear and apparel possible, this company unceasingly pushed their limits to meet and exceed the demands and needs of their loyal followers.
As a result of divergent thinking, Asics’ Research and Development team came up with the idea of incorporating Alpha Gel in their shoes. This material, also used in ballpoint pens and rockets, when injected in the EVA midsole, provided the sneaker with superior cushioning.
The famous Gel Technology led to the production of various innovative footwear. The Gel Lyte series houses the most popular shoes that feature this tech. The first model in this line entered the scene in 1987. However, the most enduring entry is arguably the Gel Lyte V. It is hailed, not only for its optimal comfort but also for its intimidating lightweight construction.
Launched in 1993, this model combined its predecessors' innovative tech into a sleek, performance-boosting silhouette. Featuring a P-Gel cushioning at the forefoot and a V-Gel padding around the heel as well as a stability insert and a mono-sock liner to provide 360 degrees of comfort, this proved to be a great addition to the already famous collection.
However, despite its prominence in the market during that time, this disappeared from the spotlight and left its fans craving for more. Fortunately, after 20 years of unending wait, Asics finally re-released the Gel Lyte V in 2013. Soon after, designers, artists and sneaker retailers across the globe connected with the brand to revamp the shoe in various materials and colorways. Some of the most sought after collaborations in the sneaker world used the Gel Lyte V as its platform.
Asics Gel Lyte V colorways, collaborations
The resurfacing of the Asics Gel Lyte V OG colorway in 2013 sparked renewed interest into the 20-year-old silhouette that is now equipped with an updated GEL cushioning material and foot-hugging inner sleeve. The design of the OG Asics Gel Lyte V comes in a combination of white mesh and suede with contrasting Asics black branding detail with hits of green and deep purple.
Keeping up the interest on the retro running shoe, the Asics Gel Lyte V also came up with a “Brasil” colorway that features a green upper with a yellow tongue. Accents of yellow and blue are found at the heel and lining over a white midsole with the design releasing early 2014 in anticipation for the 2014 FIFA World Cup to be held in Brazil.
Other colorways that also dropped in 2013 include the Asics Gel Lyte V grey/purple, Asics Gel Lyte V white/purple/teal, Asics Gel Lyte V white/fiery red, and Asics Gel Lyte V off white/purple colorways.
It was also in 2013 that shoe retailers started collaborating with the Japanese brand to create some memorable iterations of the Asics Gel Lyte V sneaker. First in the line is Kith founder and shoe designer Ronnie Fieg who came out with the Ronnie Fieg x Asics Gel Lyte V “Volcano” colorway. First look at the design shows an upper that blends shades of red with a beige tongue and branding stripes with a set of dotted rope laces.
Another sneaker shop Extra Butter from Long Island, New York also collaborated on Gel Lyte V iteration together with other shoe models from the brand. The result of the collaboration is the Extra Butter x Asics Gel Lyte V “Snake charmer” comprising a premium saddle brown leather and black suede upper with a purple paisley neoprene inner lining, and a glossy black snakeskin brand logo.
In 2014, the collaborations continued with the Ronnie Fieg x Asics Gel Lyte V “Cove” with a Miami Beach-inspired blue tonal colorway. Another variant is the Ronnie Fieg x Asics Gel Lyte V “Mint Leaf” that shows a tonal upper with a contrasting outsole with mesh portions in the upper for breathability.
Other sneaker retailers also came out with their take on the Asics Gel Lyte V that includes UBIQ x Asics Gel Lyte V “Midnight Bloom” with Philadelphia-based sneaker retailer UBIQ. The design consists of pink paneling at the back and midsole with white at the front and navy nubuck at the heel counter.
One of Boston’s best sneaker shops Bodega also came out with a collaboration on the retro running shoe with a bright purple, yellow, grey, red, and cream colors on the heel panel. The upper also features Gore-Tex all over the sneaker which comes handy especially during the rains of spring all the way to winter. For the Fall/Winter 2014, the Asics Gel Lyte V “Gore-Tex” was also dropped for a winter-ready waterproof sneaker.
The year 2014 seems not enough for Ronnie Fieg who also dropped two more colorways of the Asics Gel Lyte V called the “Rose Gold” and “Sage” colorways. UK’s Offspring sneaker retailer also came up with a design together with Asics and its subsidiary Onitsuka Tiger for the Offspring x Asics x Onitsuka Tiger 2014 Summer "Desert" Pack.
LA’s premium sneaker boutique Undefeated also released the Undefeated x Asics Gel Lyte V “False Flag” for a winter drop. The black leather upper with speckled grey midsole comes with a military orange heel cap with insoles decorated with vintage military zonal maps and coordinates and comes in reflective woven laces.
Several other sneaker shops and brands also collaborated on the Gel Lyte V that includes Highs and Lows, Diamond Supply and Co., Whiz Limited, Commonwealth, Mita Sneakers, Naked, SBTC and Kicks Labs, and Saint Alfred.
The years 2016 to 2018 also ushered new collaborations with United Arrows & Sons, Offspring, Colette, Size?, Limited Edt, as well as other regular collaborators like Kith, Concepts, Sneakersnstuff among other brands making the Asics Gel Lyte V sneaker as among the most collaborated shoes of the Japanese footwear brand.
- Depending on price and colorway, the shoe’s upper can be made of mesh, synthetic suede, nylon and others or a combination of various materials.
- Plush comfort is achieved with the Gel Lyte V’s airy neoprene lining and cushioned footbed.
- Some colorways feature a reflective “V” on the shoe’s heel. This is added for better visibility at night.
- The sneaker’s traditional lace-up closure helps improve the Asics Gel Lyte V’s fit.
- The insoles are removable.
- These kicks come with extra laces.
- Common to this model, the Asics branding can be found on the shoe’s tongue and heel. The Gel Lyte V callout can also be located on the lateral side of the sneaker.
