The chunky 2000s runner is officially back — and ASICS is leading the charge. After years of low-profile retros ruling the rotation, 2026 belongs to the maximalist gel runner: mesh uppers, sculpted soles and visible gel pods you can actually see doing the work. Here's why it's happening, and which pairs are worth buying in Australia right now.
“Think sporty meshes and shapes inspired by nature, pulled together with ‘vintage’ tech in the sole for added all-day comfort, like visible gel pods.”
— Joshua Chait, Senior Buyer at Hype DC, via Fashion Journal
Why 2000s runners are back
The pendulum has swung. The Y2K aesthetic that took over fashion has finally reached its natural footwear conclusion: the technical, gel-cushioned runner that defined the early 2000s. Where Dunks and retro-basketball silhouettes owned the last few years, buyers now want something with more volume, more tech and more comfort — exactly what a Gel Kayano or Gel Quantum delivers. Australian buyers in particular have leaned into it hard, and the momentum isn't slowing.
Why ASICS is winning the trend
No brand is better positioned for a gel-runner revival than the one that literally named its cushioning “GEL.” ASICS spent decades perfecting the tech runner, and its archive is stacked with exactly the silhouettes the trend is asking for. The Gel Kayano line — originally an elite stability running shoe — has crossed fully into style territory, helped along by loud, collectible colourways that photograph beautifully and sell out fast.
The colourways worth buying
- Gel Kayano 20 ‘Illuminate Mint’ — the icy mint that started the frenzy. Our single fastest sell-out of 2026; if it's in stock, don't wait.
- Gel Kayano 20 ‘Tiffany’ — the muted teal take on the same silhouette. Cleaner and more wearable day-to-day.
- Gel Kayano 20 ‘Banana’ — the bold yellow statement pair for anyone who wants their runners seen.
- Gel Quantum 360 — 360 degrees of visible gel in the sole. The most literal expression of the trend you can buy.
Straight from the UNTIED floor
This isn't just a forecast for us — it's what our sales data already shows. The Gel Kayano 20 ‘Illuminate Mint’ sold out faster than any other pair we stocked this year, gone before we could secure a restock, and Kayano colourways keep moving the moment they land. As with the rest of our range, the men's US 8–US 12 sizes go first. If a colourway is in stock, treat it as now-or-never.
How the Gel Kayano fits
The Gel Kayano is built on a genuine performance-running last, so it fits true to size with a secure midfoot and a slightly structured feel through the arch. If you're between sizes or have a wider foot, go up half a size. Coming from a Dunk or a 550, take your usual size — the cushioning does the rest.
Shop the trend
Browse every pair in stock in our ASICS collection — 100% authenticity guaranteed, shipped Australia-wide. Want to know what else is moving right now? See the sneakers that sell out fastest at UNTIED, or browse the latest New Arrivals.
Gel Runner FAQ
Are ASICS Gel Kayano back in style in 2026?
Yes. The 2000s technical runner is one of the defining sneaker trends of 2026, and ASICS — with its GEL cushioning and deep archive — is leading it. Loud Gel Kayano colourways like the ‘Illuminate Mint’ are among the fastest-selling pairs in Australia right now.
Why are 2000s runners popular again?
The Y2K aesthetic has moved from clothing into footwear. Buyers want more volume, visible tech and all-day comfort — mesh uppers, sculpted soles and visible gel pods — which is exactly what early-2000s runners deliver.
What is the best ASICS gel runner to buy?
For the trend, the Gel Kayano 20 is the pick — the ‘Illuminate Mint’ is the standout, with ‘Tiffany’ the more versatile everyday option. For maximum visible gel, the Gel Quantum 360 is the most literal expression of the look.
Do ASICS Gel Kayano run true to size?
Yes — they fit true to size on a performance-running last. If you're between sizes or have wider feet, go up half a size.
