Sneaker of the Week: ASICS leans into texture with its best Skyhand OG yet

Not all colourways are created equal. The ‘Spice Curry’ colourway feels exactly like its name suggests: warm, rich and surprisingly moreish. 

The fastest way to ruin a good sneaker is with an underwhelming colourway. Fortunately, that’s not a problem the ASICS Skyhand OG has to worry about. While the retro court silhouette has arrived in no shortage of solid releases, ‘Spice Curry’ feels like the one that finally lets the design breathe.

Texture does most of the talking on the ASICS Skyhand OG. Before you even notice the gum sole, your eye lands on the brushed suede upper, whose warm cinnamon-brown finish gives the sneaker a richness that’s difficult to ignore.

Originally introduced as an indoor handball shoe in the early 1990s, the Skyhand OG has returned with a careful balance of heritage and refinement. ASICS hasn’t treated it as a museum piece, nor has it attempted to modernise it beyond recognition. The familiar low-profile shape remains intact, while subtle updates beneath the surface make it more comfortable for everyday wear.

The ‘Spice Curry’ colourway is particularly well judged because every element feels connected. The tonal suede upper is complemented by off-white leather ASICS stripes, matching laces and a soft yellow Hornet heel tab that lifts the palette without overwhelming it. Even the gum outsole feels integral to the design rather than a nostalgic finishing touch, grounding the shoe in its sporting origins while adding warmth to the overall look.

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There’s also something refreshingly disciplined about the Skyhand OG’s proportions. The toe box sits neatly, the profile stays close to the ground and the sole avoids unnecessary bulk, allowing the materials to become the defining feature.

ASICS has also updated the sneaker where it matters. An EVA heel wedge improves underfoot comfort without altering the shoe’s original character, making the Skyhand OG feel as practical as it is considered. It’s a subtle improvement, but one that reflects the brand’s understanding that archival design doesn’t have to come at the expense of wearability. The result is a sneaker that slips easily into a daily rotation.

The Skyhand OG ‘Spice Curry’ is a reminder that thoughtful design rarely needs embellishment. Every detail, from the buttery suede to the understated colour blocking, feels deliberate, giving the sneaker a subtle boldness that becomes more apparent with every wear.

Price + availability:

R1999 at ASICS + Shelflife online

This article was not sponsored and contains no affiliate links. All opinions expressed are those of the editorial team.