INVINCIBLE x MADNESS x ASICS GEL-KAYANO 12.1: global release 29 August

INVINCIBLE x MADNESS x ASICS GEL-KAYANO 12.1: global release 29 August

• The first three-way collaboration between INVINCIBLE, MADNESS and ASICS on the GEL-KAYANO 12.1

• Colourway "Vanilla", style code 1203B150-250, retail price $170

• The global online raffle ran 18 to 20 August, with in-store sales across Asia on 23 August

• Global release lands 29 August through ASICS channels and selected retailers

• If the pair lands at ASICS on your market, going through Soleback returns 3 percent, which is $5.10 at the $170 retail price

What this is

Taiwanese retailer INVINCIBLE returns to ASICS after last year's GEL-NIMBUS 10.1 project. Not alone this time: Hong Kong label MADNESS joins, making this the first three-way collaboration in this line-up.

The project ties together three markets: Japan, where ASICS is based, plus Taiwan and Hong Kong. Each side brings something different. INVINCIBLE brings the reputation of a retailer whose projects tend to lift a silhouette rather than bury it. ASICS brings technical running heritage. MADNESS, running since 2014, brings a considered minimalism with a military lean.

Why the 12.1

The GEL-KAYANO 12.1 was developed with Ronnie Fieg's KITH and is a hybrid. The upper references the GEL-KAYANO 12 running shoe from 2006, while underneath sits a more modern sole unit borrowed from the GEL-NIMBUS 17.

That mix of visible tech in the sole and throwback runner character up top has turned the model into one of the brand's pillars. In 2026 alone, PACE, atmos with Albino & Preto and Liberaiders have all taken a turn on it.

Dolomite rock and ten materials

The starting point was the layered texture of dolomite rock. The team translated that literally into the build: the upper uses ten different materials, including a translucent mesh for breathability.

In practice an off-white mesh forms the base, with cream synthetic leather overlays on top. The toe box switches to a grid weave with suede running through it. Finishing it off are a beige outsole, an off-white midsole and a slightly yellowed GEL unit.

Branding is sparse and split evenly. INVINCIBLE and MADNESS prints sit on the tongue, while the woven collar logos are divided between the pair: one shoe carries INVINCIBLE, the other MADNESS. The rest is ASICS signature detailing, meaning the zigzag stitching, woven labels and contrast accents.

The dates

The launch is spread across three stages:

• 18 to 20 August: global online raffle, now closed

• 23 August: in-store sales at INVINCIBLE locations across Asia, including Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung, Shanghai, Chengdu, Beijing and Jakarta

• 29 August: global release through ASICS and selected retailers

Where to buy and what it costs

Retail is $170, or NT$6,680 at INVINCIBLE. No European or UK pricing has been published, and it should appear on product pages on 29 August.

The announcement points to ASICS channels and selected retailers, but no list of regional ASICS storefronts has been published, so check availability on your market on 29 August. If the pair is listed there, ordering through ASICS via Soleback returns 3 percent of the order value. At $170 that is $5.10, taking the real cost to $164.90. The sterling figure will calculate off the local price once it is listed. The click through Soleback needs to be the last one before the shop, and the cashback lands after the returns window closes.

If you are ordering direct from Taiwan, INVINCIBLE's terms are worth knowing: DHL Express shipping at NT$980 for all regions, roughly two weeks in transit, on DAP terms. Duties and taxes fall to the buyer, and on raffle orders the international shipping fee is charged without exception.

FAQ

When does INVINCIBLE x MADNESS x ASICS release?

The global release is 29 August 2026. Before that, in-store sales opened at INVINCIBLE locations in Asia on 23 August.

How much does it cost?

$170 at retail, NT$6,680 at INVINCIBLE. European pricing has not been given.

How much cashback is there?

3 percent of the order value through Soleback, so $5.10 at the $170 price.

What is the style code?

1203B150-250, with the colourway listed as "Vanilla".

How does the GEL-KAYANO 12.1 differ from a standard Kayano?

It is a hybrid: the upper comes from the 2006 model and the sole from the GEL-NIMBUS 17. It was developed with KITH.

Is the raffle still open?

No. The global online raffle ran from 18 to 20 August.

What happens next

The date to watch is 29 August and the global release. Anyone who missed the raffle and the Asian in-store launch gets a last shot at retail then.

If the pair appears at ASICS on your market, activate 3 percent cashback through Soleback first, which returns $5.10 on a $170 pair.