Asics keeps releasing genuinely interesting, sick-looking new kicks, and one of the models helping to push the brand’s roll down the path to skate shoe staple status is the Gel-Flexkee Pro 2.0.
Built to combine technical skate performance and durability with a creative look, its distinctive asymmetrical, gridded toe design has quickly earned its reputation as one of the most unique skate shoes available right now.
So since Asics has teamed up with the Late Nite Stars (LNS) crew to release a fresh take on the model, we’ve spent the last few months shredding the LNS Gel-Flexkee to do the same to find out everything that you need to know about them before going out and picking up a pair yourself.
(1.) – Design: ASICS x Late Nite Stars Gel-Flexkee Purple
Texas transplants turned New York natives, the Late Nite Stars crew have been closely tied to Asics skateboarding since near the start of the brand’s skate program, and this collaboration brings that history full circle.
Rather than reinventing the Flexkee, the LNS edition redefines it with a handful of eye-catching changes that give the shoe its own identity while keeping the high-quality of skate performance and durability that made the original such a solid skate shoe.
The first new addition you’ll notice is the LNS Flexkee’s Graphite Grey/Black colourway, with an oatmeal-ish gum coloured outsole, but also that it features an embossed purple Asics logo on the tongue, with purple chosen as the signature accent colour throughout the collaboration.
The light purple detailing all over the shoe gives the collaboration its own personality without overpowering the clean overall design.
(2.) – Upper: “Clean and Bold”
The LNS Flexkee continues to use a high-quality suede upper, but instead of the regular stitched Asics Logo, there is an embossed Asics Tiger logo that is carefully worked into the material itself rather than sitting as a separate patch as it did on previous models.
This embossed construction’s grippy layering looks more bold than the original, feels more structured, and, by adding another subtle protective layer onto the side of the shoes, helps the model to maintain its look and shape after lots of heavy skate sessions.
As in the previous Gel-Flexkee Pro 2.0 models, reinforced double stitching runs throughout all the high wear areas in the upper.
(3.) – Outsole and Sole: “Still Treads Groovy”
The LNS Flexkee carries over the standard Flexkee 2.0 groove outsole construction, but with this version released in a dope gummy, light brown with the signature LNS purple detail featuring on the inside padding of each of the four main groove pieces on the toe box.
The LNS Gel-Flexkees also come with a pair of slim black insoles with a purple Asics logo on the heel side that give you all the protection you need out of the box, but if you are going to skate a high drop or a double set, some more heavy-duty insoles in these wouldn’t hurt.
(4.) – Toe: “Built to Last”
Like the original Gel-Flexkee Pro 2.0, the reinforced rubber toe remains one of the standout features of this model.
Its pointed-profile toe delivers crisp flick on your flip tricks while offering outstanding protection against repeated abrasion. You can do 100 Kickflips or more in one session, and you won’t see any form of major dent or tear in these.
Unlike traditional suede toe panels that can quickly wear through, the rubber toe is constructed to withstand a high level of wear and tear, and it also holds its shape remarkably well from the first session to your 100th one in these without registering much more than a blemish.
Micro-embossed detailing across the rubber adds texture without interfering with board feel, while the asymmetrical shape naturally positions the flick point exactly where it needs to be. The Flexkee easily has one of the most durable toe constructions available in skateboarding right now.
(5.) – Laces “Proper Lace Management”
When it comes to lacing up your shoes, few models protect their laces as effectively as the Flexkee. As we mentioned in our previous review, the Gel-Flexkee’s internal lacing allows you to tuck your laces fully into the shoe for extra protection and an even cleaner look.
The offset eyelet placement moves the laces further away from grip tape contact, while having internal lacing fully lets you choose the foot placement that suits your skating without worrying about snappage, while the plastic collar overlay acts as another handy protective barrier in an area prone to wear and rippage.
The embossed ASICS Tiger logo reaches the side around the lace area, adding another bold touch to this model, and if you do want to add them, some spare black laces that complement the colours of the tongue, toe and logo, are also included in the box.
(6.) Heels: “Solid and Reliable”
The heel carries over the standard solid Flexkee 2.0 sole build; however, the main difference is that above the signature Asics gel heel cushioning poking out on the bottom of the inside heel area, there is another purple colored stripe of rubber flanking it, bringing another subtle but unmissable design note to the collaboration.
(7.) – Skateability: Fit
The LNS Gel-Flexkee Pro 2.0’s fit is consistent with the standard Flexkee 2.0 we skated before. True to size with a snug, glove-like feel.
(8.) Skateability: Break-in Time
Break-in time with this version of the Gel-Flexkee Pro 2.0 models also follows the same pattern as the standard release; initially firm and stiff out of the box, these durable and comfortable shoes will easily soften up and become very flexible over the first couple of sessions.
(9.) – Skateability: Streets and Transition
The Gel-Flexkee is great for street skating. The pointy toes are fantastic for flip tricks; the gel cushioning works exactly as it needs to, it protects your feet in the most important areas, and when you wear these on your board, your feet always feel secure and ready to shred.
Initially designed for transition skating, the tight grip it gives to support your feet on both sides of the toes helps to give you even more contact on the board in a place that the majority of other shoes on the market have not considered and are not doing anywhere near as well. If you ever have issues with the board landing on your toes, or hitting you in the front of the foot, these are for you, for sure.
(10.) – Colorways
The LNS Gel-Flexkee Pro 2.0 is released as one part of a three-piece pack of shoes, which mainly use this Graphite Grey/Black colourway with purple accents throughout, featuring the crew’s reworked takes on the Leggerezza FB and Japan Pro MT.
Check our reviews of the Asics Leggerezza FB and the low Japan Pro to find out what they are like to shred.
(11.) – Price: (UK and USA)
UK –£135
US –$135
(12.) – Rating: 7.5/10
A well-constructed shoe from Asics Skateboarding, the Late Nite Stars touches add flair and character without sacrificing anything that made the Gel-Flexkee Pro 2.0 work incredibly well in the first place.
So the LNS Gel-Flexkee Pro 2.0’s standout durability, excellent lace protection, reinforced toe, and signature gel heel cushioning give its distinctive styling a rarely seen great deal of longevity, making it an easy recommendation to any skaters who want a high-quality skate shoe that performs great out of the box and much further down the road, while looking different from any other skate shoe out there.
