First revealed more or less this time last year in the form of some intriguing BTS imagery, the ASICS GEL-LYTE III CM 1.95 now looks set for imminent arrival, appearing on the brand’s official website. Why does this matter? Well, good question.

If you’re not familiar with the GEL-LYTE III CM 1.95, you’re probably thinking, “So what? ASICS release new sneakers all the time.” And you’d be right to think that. You’d also be right to suggest that, in that constant drop cycle, the Japanese label isn’t always hitting the mark on sustainability.

All relevant points, for sure. The GEL-LYTE III CM 1.95, however, could well be a game-changer.

Billed as “the lightest CO2 emissions sneaker on the market,” the CM 1.95 takes its name from the 1.95kg of CO2e generated per pair of the sneakers. It may not claim carbon neutrality in the same way that the Allbirds M0.0NSHOT does, but – as Go Suzuki, Executive Officer, Senior General Manager for ASICS SportStyle notes, “Not only is the GEL-LYTE™ III CM 1.95 sneaker the lightest CO2e emissions sneaker on market, but we are also confident that it is one of the most aesthetically compelling shoes.” Which, characteristically, the Allbirds shoe is not.

Unlike the M0.0NSHOT – and unlike a few of the brand’s more recent fumbles on this front – the GEL-LYTE III CM 1.95 also entirely eschews any animal-derived elements whatsoever. There’s not a scrap of unnecessary leather or wool to be found anywhere on the sneaker – a move which feels very much like a lesson learned.

Instead, the upper and sockliner mesh are made with low-impact, recycled and solution-dyed materials, while the midsole and sockliner foam are able to claim carbon negativity thanks to a sugarcane-derived, bio-based polymer known as SEPTON™ BIO-series and manufactured by Kuraray.

Here we have it, then: an ASICS shoe that can make legitimate claims about its planet-friendlier credentials, is entirely vegan friendly, and which manages to look good in the process. Proving – to themselves if no one else – that, while it may not always be the easiest option, it can be done.

Releasing in a single “Cream/Glacier Grey” colorway on September 22nd, the GEL-LYTE™ III CM 1.95 will be available via the ASICS website and in select stores, retailing at $150 USD.

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