Are These Tabi Asics the First It Sneakers of 2026?
Kiko Kostadinov just unveiled his most daring Asics collaboration yet.
February 23, 2026
Courtesy of Kiko Kostadinov
Since their initial collaboration in 2018, Kiko Kostadinov and Asics have forged one of the most exciting and fruitful partnerships in the sneaker world. Asics, the Japanese sportswear giant, has given Kostadinov, a renowned designer known for his bold and experimental approach, free rein to push the brand's boundaries. This has resulted in a series of groundbreaking designs, ranging from high-voltage runners to futuristic sci-fi mules.
Now, Kostadinov has unveiled his most daring creation yet: the Kiko Kostadinov x Asics ILARGI FF, featuring a unique split-toe design. While Kostadinov has previously experimented with tabi silhouettes, notably in his fall-winter 2025 collection, the ILARGI FF is the first such design to be publicly released.
The ILARGI FF pays homage to Asics' history, drawing inspiration from the brand's 1953 release of the Marathon Tabi, the first-ever running shoe with a rubber sole, canvas construction, and split-toe design. Kostadinov has seamlessly integrated this heritage into what could become one of 2026's most coveted sneakers.
The ILARGI FF boasts Asics' signature lightweight FlyteFoam midsole, a technology commonly found in the brand's practical road and trail-running shoes. This performance-oriented base is complemented by a simple, no-frills knitted upper, available in two colorways: a sleek all-black version and a blue option with black accents.
The Kiko Kostadinov x Asics ILARGI FF is now available for $230 at Kiko Kostadinov stores in Los Angeles, Tokyo, and London, as well as online at kikokostidanov.com.
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Tres Dean, a contributing writer for GQ specializing in sports, fashion, and their intersection, often covering sneakers, has also profiled athletes, defended controversial directors, and interviewed Travis Scott.
