ASICS Sportstyle proudly announced the launch of the EX89 sneaker. This style was inspired by the GEL-EXTREME basketball shoe from 1989 and converted into a low-top silhouette. It was originally created by Toshikazu Kayano as his first design project with Asics. Kayano was, perhaps, more well-known for his GEL-KAYANO running shoe series. This silhouette became a milestone that would pave the way with technology breakthroughs for ASICS footwear.

During the late 1980s, performance basketball shoes were primarily covered with white bases. The EX89 sneaker's ancestor, the GEL-EXTREME, became one of the first renegades to emerge with spirited color blocking, influenced by basketball team uniforms.