Asics is bringing back the GEL-Cumulus 16 with a new collaborative release from British singer Griff. The partnership marks another chapter in the brand’s resurgence with the classic running silhouette, which originally launched in 2014 as a premium long-distance running option before being shelved in 2018. Asics revived the model in early 2025, and it has since become one of their most sought-after collaborative canvasses.
The GEL-Cumulus line has long been recognized as a reliable workhorse in Asics’ running portfolio. The Cumulus 16 specifically featured an open-mesh underlay for breathability paired with new-sew paneling and glossy synthetic overlays to provide structure across the shoe. The model prioritized performance over fashion, making it a staple for distance runners. Its return to the market has introduced it to a new audience, with designers like Cecillie Bahnsen helping reposition the silhouette for contemporary appeal.
Griff’s interpretation of the GEL-Cumulus 16 takes a distinctive creative direction. The colorway features a black and grey build with white tongue and lace detailing. What sets this collaboration apart are the ballet-inspired ribbon accents applied to the tongue and heel counter, creating a softer, more artistic aesthetic on the performance runner. The construction swaps the typical diamond-gauge mesh underlay for a thinner textile that appears semi-translucent at the midfoot and toe areas. The no-sew overlays come in black with a glossy patent leather finish on the outermost layer, giving the shoe a polished look while maintaining the runner’s original DNA.
Griff, a 20-year-old British pop star, has built significant momentum in the music industry since her 2019 debut with the single “Mirror Talk.” She won a Brit Award in the Rising Star category and released her debut studio album in 2024, which peaked at number three on the UK albums chart. Her foray into sneaker collaboration adds another dimension to her creative presence beyond music.
The Griff x Asics GEL-Cumulus 16 releases on June 12, 2026, with an expected retail price of $180. The shoe will be available through the Asics website and select retailers. Style code 1203B038-001.
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