How to Make ASICS' Dad Shoe Daddier? Make It a BBQ Sandal

Why It Matters

The GEL‑1130 CV could broaden ASICS’ appeal beyond traditional runners, tapping the lucrative resale market and the growing demand for unconventional, comfort‑focused footwear. Its success may signal a shift toward more hybrid sneaker‑sandals across the industry.

Key Takeaways

• GEL‑1130 CV adds open-toe, double straps for airflow
• Retains original cushioning while transforming into a summer sandal
• StockX listed original GEL‑1130 as 2025 best‑selling resale shoe
• Dad‑sandals lag behind sneakers, but toe‑shoe trend may boost demand

Pulse Analysis

The ASICS GEL‑1130 has become a poster child for the "dad shoe" phenomenon, evolving from a modest 2000s running shoe into a resale powerhouse. Its understated grey aesthetic and reliable cushioning resonated with suburban consumers, eventually propelling it to the top of StockX’s 2025 best‑selling resale list. This trajectory mirrors a broader cultural shift where nostalgic, utilitarian sneakers are reclaimed as fashion statements, fueling a secondary market that now rivals primary retail volumes.

With the summer 2026 rollout of the GEL‑1130 CV, ASICS is betting on the next logical step: a hybrid that blends sneaker comfort with sandal breathability. The design retains the original’s signature EVA midsole and gel cushioning, while introducing an open toe, medial cutout, and double straps that echo the oversized sandals popularized by Balenciaga and the high‑priced Visvim slides. By positioning the CV alongside New Balance’s sneaker‑sandals, ASICS taps into a niche yet growing segment of consumers who prioritize both performance tech and avant‑garde aesthetics for warm‑weather outings.

If the CV captures the imagination of sneakerheads and casual shoppers alike, it could reshape resale dynamics and encourage other heritage brands to experiment with open‑footed hybrids. The current market shows a willingness to pay premium prices for novelty—Visvim’s four‑figure slides are a case in point—so a well‑executed, comfort‑driven sandal could command strong resale premiums. Moreover, the rise of toe‑shoe trends suggests that even the most unconventional silhouettes can achieve mainstream traction, potentially ushering in a new era where the line between sneaker and sandal blurs permanently.