The Sweetest Drop: Dig In to Foot Locker’s Exclusive Striper-Designed ASICS GEL-QUANTUM ‘Açai’ Pack

What looks like a dolled-up soft serve, tastes like nature’s candy, and brings Western Sydney to its knees? It’s the açai bowl, and it’s the antioxidant-laden inspiration behind a new trio of dubbed the ‘Açai’ Pack – exclusive to Foot Locker.

‘Açai shops and trucks are on almost every corner,’ say Foot Locker’s Stripers, referring to the burgeoning popularity of the pureed and chilled Amazonian berry, ‘so why not design a shoe that feels just as vibrant and crave-worthy as the culture around it?’

And that’s the difference between other examples of on-foot heat inspired by culinary fare and ‘Açai’ Pack. The Stripers have grasped the movement and spun it local, delivering three designs honouring a dish that’s become the unofficial sigil of leisure-folk from Parramatta to Penrith. Channelling that cold, bliss-in-a-bowl energy, the pack features new 'fits for ASICS’ GEL-QUANTUM 360 I, GEL-QUANTUM 360 V, and GEL-QUANTUM 360 VIII, each highlighting the silhouettes' tech with fresh hues while staying grounded in the granola.

First on the spoon is the GEL-QUANTUM 360 I, stepping out with a juicy purple heel – a direct salute to the açai berry itself. The Stripers have highlighted those 360 degrees of GEL with ripe violet, light blue and misty grey. It's a dreamy combo befitting the 2015 model, the first ASICS ever kitted out with the tech – now widespread across the Japanese brand's catalogue. The jacquard upper keeps the breathability factor high, and its pearly shade is complemented by pops of breezy aquamarine to the laces, tongue branding and Tiger Stripes.

The GEL-QUANTUM V shows up for the açai enthusiast who likes a little stealth in their stride – that is, a bias for black. The exterior heel and entirety of the inner lining are blacked-out along with the Tiger Stripes, but don't forget that design goes arm-in-arm with performance on this model. TRUSSTIC tech enhances stability and offers extra cushioning, while the multi-directional-stretch upper – drenched in a dewy teal – wraps your foot with a fit as satisfying as the perfect açai swirl. Rounding it all out, the black GEL midsole receives a chia-seed sprinkling of teal-drops.

Last in the lineup is a tasty GEL-QUANTUM 360 VIII, bathed in hues of airy grey on the base, mint on the toe box detailing and curved eyestays, and a lush green on the Tiger Stripes’ edges – as well as the midsole’s sectioned DIVISION SPACE tech. FF BLAST ECO cushioning creates resilience and comfort underfoot, while TRUSSTIC technology boosts stability – exactly what you need while waiting in line for your textured treat.

As a whole, the pack aims to express the spirit of the açai-loving community. ‘The concept became about more than just colour,’ the Stripers say of the development process. ‘It was about capturing the energy, the lifestyle, and the flavour of Western Sydney.’ The layered builds were directly inspired by the stacked açai tubs that teeter on the counters of local shops and trucks, while the shoes’ clean white accents wink to the smatterings of coconut flakes and yoghurt which top the tastiest bowls.

If you’re dreaming of getting some açai joy whilst donning one of these belters, Foot Locker are a sweet step ahead. They’ve partnered with açai specialists Thirsty Monkey to bring you a gift with purchase: a delicious collaborative açai bowl, up for offer until November 21 or while stocks last.

Dig in – 'cos like a spoonful of blitzed berry, the ‘Açai’ Pack will be gobbled up in five seconds flat.