ASICS Skateboarding x Late Nite Stars: A New York-Texas-Japan – Drops Soon

ASICS Skateboarding has been steadily building momentum since its formal launch in 2020, quietly translating decades of Japanese performance engineering into skate-specific designs that respect board feel, durability, and street aesthetics. Now, the brand is making a bold statement through a collaboration with one of New York City’s most influential crews: Late Nite Stars (LNS). This partnership feels like a natural evolution—blending LNS’s raw, DIY video-making ethos with ASICS’ technical heritage.

Late Nite Stars emerged in 2019 in NYC, founded by a trio of Texas transplants: Chase Walker, Trung Nguyen, and Zak Anders. What started as a group of friends filming and skating quickly snowballed into one of the most exciting collectives in modern skateboarding. Their videos—full of chopped-and-screwed soundtracks, inventive spot selection, and a mix of technical and creative skating—have earned cult status. Projects like Big Parody, Respectfully, Still, and ◯ (The Circle) showcase not just tricks but a vibe: late nights, city exploration, and unfiltered camaraderie. LNS turned New York into their playground while keeping strong Texas roots and a global outlook.

 

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For their ASICS linkup, LNS has reworked three key silhouettes from the ASICS Skateboarding lineup: the Leggerezza FB, Japan Pro MT (mid-top), and GEL-FLEXKEE Pro 2.0. These aren’t just colorways—they’re thoughtful reinterpretations that nod to LNS’s style while enhancing performance. The collection drops via the crew’s webstore (latenitestars.com) and NYC’s Labor Skateshop on May 22, with additional wider availability potentially following (some sources mention May 29).

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Kicking things off is the Leggerezza FB (“lightness” in Italian), originally designed in collaboration with legendary skater Gino Iannucci. LNS has given it a crisp Oyster Grey/Black suede treatment. The upper mixes premium suede with tonal overlays for a clean, low-profile look that suits both park sessions and street missions. Two-tone laces add subtle contrast, while metallic pops on the heel provide a flash of personality without overpowering the minimalist vibe.

Late Nite Stars Are Dropping a Mega ASICS Skateboarding Collection – Releases

This shoe emphasizes lightweight construction and board feel—key for a crew known for filming fluid, creative lines across urban environments. The GEL cushioning and reinforced toe area deliver the durability skaters demand, while the silhouette remains true to its performance roots. It’s a shoe that looks as good kicking back at Tompkins as it does during a heavy session.

 

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Next up is the Japan Pro MT in mid-top form, featuring a newly streamlined tongue design for better fit and comfort. LNS dubs the colorway “Gurple”—a grey-purple mix that blends neutral street tones with pops of vibrancy. White/cream bases contrast with black and purple accents, creating a versatile shoe that works with everything from jeans to techwear. The mid-top offers extra ankle support without sacrificing the low-top agility many street skaters prefer.

Late Nite Stars Are Dropping a Mega ASICS Skateboarding Collection – Releases

ASICS designed the Japan Pro line with input from real skaters and Japanese foot shapes in mind, incorporating GEL technology for impact absorption and a flexible outsole for grip. LNS’s version feels like a love letter to both NYC street skating and the crew’s upcoming international adventures. The streamlined tongue reduces bulk, making it ideal for long days of filming and pushing.

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Rounding out the trio is the GEL-FLEXKEE Pro 2.0, an original ASICS Skateboarding model that’s already earned praise for its asymmetric construction, lace protection, and excellent board feel. LNS keeps it grounded with a signature colored midsole (tan/brown tones), hints of grey across the upper, and those signature purple accents that tie the collection together. Suede and synthetic overlays ensure durability where it counts—ollies, grinds, and repeated sessions.

The FLEXKEE Pro 2.0 builds on its predecessor with an updated toecap, outer heel reinforcement, and enhanced GEL cushioning. Reviewers note its flexibility, shock absorption, and how well it maintains foot contact with the board. For a crew like LNS, who film high-volume content across varied terrain, this reliability is crucial.

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The collect extends well beyond footwear. LNS and ASICS are premiering a trip video shot across Korea and Japan—destinations that align perfectly with the crew’s filming roots and ASICS’ Japanese heritage. Expect the same high-production, vibe-heavy editing that defines LNS videos, now with international flair. Skaters from the crew (Chase, Trung, Zak, Alan Bell, Nico Marti, and others) will showcase the new shoes in real-world settings.

A special activation at the legendary Tompkins Square Park Skate Park in NYC is also planned. Tompkins has long been a hub for NYC skating culture—raw, community-driven, and full of history. Hosting an event here cements the collab’s street credibility and gives local skaters a chance to connect with the crew and try the shoes.

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This partnership represents more than product. ASICS Skateboarding continues to prove that performance heritage (GEL tech, decades of running and court shoe innovation) can translate successfully to skateboarding without chasing hype. LNS brings authentic youth culture, video storytelling, and a bridge between Texas DIY spirit and New York’s relentless energy.

In an era where many skate collabs feel purely commercial, this one feels organic. Chase Walker’s filmmaking, the crew’s tight bond, and ASICS’ technical focus create synergy. The shoes look clean enough for daily wear but are built to handle real skating—exactly what today’s skaters want.

As the May 22 drop approaches, expect buzz in NYC shops and online. Whether you’re a longtime LNS fan, an ASICS enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates well-made skate shoes with personality, this collection delivers. Keep an eye on latenitestars.com and Labor Skateshop. And watch for that Korea/Japan video—it’s bound to inspire the next generation of late-night sessions.