The Gel-1130 has been the biggest catalyst of Asics’ lifestyle surge, accounting for 57 percent of the brand’s sportstyle revenue in 2024 and topping StockX’s list of best-selling sneakers in 2025. And as we head into the summer, the retro runner’s range will expand by undergoing a big reduction.
The Asics Gel-1130 Mule will debut soon as a backless version of the synthetic and mesh hit. Everything about the sneaker is the same but for the lopping off its heel, allowing for it to be slipped on and off with ease. Three colorways will usher in the new mule era, including the top-selling black and silver treatment, along with a full silver and grey look and another adding bronze branding amid a greyscale theme.
After its first life as a more affordable alternative to the Gel-Kayano 14 launched in 2008, the Gel-1130 was revived in 2021 amid the “dad shoe” trend and has been on the ascent ever since. Its aesthetic is an exemplar of the aughts running aesthetic, with synthetic overlays coursing over a mesh base and often appearing in metallic silver. And with its typical price tag of $100 to $120, the Gel-1130 accessible roots are even more relevant today.
Sneaker-mules cater to a more niche audience but have nonetheless been popping up across the brand landscape for much of this decade. An Adidas Samba mule is set to make its debut this summer, and Nike is making the Total 90 3 backless in collaboration with Kids of Immigrants near the end of May. They’ll join a field of mule offshots that’s included the Air Jordan 1, New Balance 2002R and Vans Slip-On.
The Asics Gel-1130 Mule doesn’t yet have a firm release date but will touch down at some point during the summer season. Pricing will likely keep around $110.
Asics Gel-1130 Mule in black and silver [1203B048-101] (pair)
Asics Gel-1130 Mule in black and silver [1203B048-101] (lateral)
Asics Gel-1130 Mule in black and silver [1203B048-101] (heel)
Asics Gel-1130 Mule in silver and grey [1203B048-020] (pair)
Asics Gel-1130 Mule in silver and grey [1203B048-020] (lateral)
Asics Gel-1130 Mule in silver and grey [1203B048-020] (heel)
Asics Gel-1130 Mule in silver, white and bronze [1203B048-101] (pair)
Asics Gel-1130 Mule in silver, white and bronze [1203B048-101] (lateral)
Asics Gel-1130 Mule in silver, white and bronze [1203B048-101] (heel)
