Kiko Kostadinov's ASICS sub-label Novalis is just the tip of the iceberg as his tie-ups with the runner brand expand into new territory. Now the London-based designer's other brand OTTO 598 joins Kostadinov's running list of ASICS partnerships with the new Protoblast-CMLVIII.

The lesser-known label's mascot reflects its playful affinity for the absurd, depicting a eerie masked man with digitally-enlarged eyes, staring blankly at the camera in each campaign. The brand's last shoe collaboration with Suicoke aligned with its exploration of strangeness with a divisive FiveFinger slip-on style boasting a large O insignia.

However, the Protoblast-CMLVIII is anything but absurd. Remaking one of Kostadinov's favorite ASICS models with a simplified upper, it evokes a fittingly normcore aesthetic. The model sits atop the same geometric midsole as Kostadinov's HN2-S Protoblast, but trades the cross-directional overlays for a singular chrome stripe adorning the green leather uppers. Elsewhere, black leather accents trace the collar, eye stays and heel counter, matching with the black mesh tongue. Touches of green reprise peeking out from the outsole and knitted textile lining.

At every angle, the sneaker features cobranding from both ASICS and OTTO 589: a black "OTTO 598" appears embroidered into the lateral panels and the brand's minimal "O" logo sits atop the toebox in green. For ASICS, branding is found in the usual tongue placement and also appears along the collar's green embroidery.

The OTTO 598 x ASICS Protoblast-CMLVIII is set for release on Tuesday, November 26, exclusively at the OTTO 598 web store.

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