Still Wanting to Wear Velcro as Adults: Camiel Fortgens Transforms ASICS into Retro Brown Kids' Shoes
Three wide straps, deep brown leather, and irregular stitching.
Summary
- Building on the ASICS GEL-CUMULUS 16, Camiel Fortgens brings the Velcro strap design from kids' shoes to an adult silhouette.
- The brown version replaces traditional laces with three wide straps, combining mesh and leather panelling with raw, handcrafted details.
- The collection also includes a Mary Jane silhouette, with the brown Velcro model currently listed on the brand's official website for €250.
Heading out the door as a kid meant simply sticking down a few Velcro straps and taking off. Seeing that same design years later, the charm hasn’t faded. Partnering with ASICS, Camiel Fortgens swaps out the standard laces of the GEL-CUMULUS 16 for three wide straps, wrapping the familiar running silhouette in deep brown leather. Putting them on feels like bringing a piece of your childhood along for the ride.
Three Velcro straps give the running shoe the playful charm of kids’ footwear
images from/asics
The design draws direct inspiration from children’s shoes. In an interview, Camiel Fortgens noted that the three-strap shoes he wore growing up served as a key starting point for this release. Wide straps stretch across the instep, paired with the substantial sole of the GEL-CUMULUS 16 to give the athletic shape a rounded, grounded expression.
The brown colorway shown in the photos feels made for fall and winter. Dark mesh meets slightly reddish leather to build depth across the upper, pairing naturally with denim, gray trousers, or corduroy. Crop your pants slightly to let the three straps take center stage.
Look closely, and you’ll notice the leather edges are left intentionally raw
images from/asics
Beyond swapping the laces, the collaboration features layered leather, hand-cut panels, and irregular stitching, leaving behind marks that feel straight out of a design studio. ASICS’ signature side stripes remain clearly visible, yet the modified edges and seams give the familiar sneaker a more handcrafted feel.
The same collection also includes an open-instep Mary Jane variation, introducing elements of sandals and children’s footwear to the running shoe. The three-strap brown edition pictured is currently listed on the brand’s official site for €250. If you like retro sneakers and want a fresh detail for daily wear, these three Velcro straps are well worth a second look.
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