ASICS Gel-Nunobiki White Putty: reviews and sizing

How many sneakers do you know that are named after a waterfall trail? The ASICS Gel-Nunobiki White Putty take their name from Nunobiki, the waterfall trail in Kobe, the Japanese city where ASICS was born, and translate that landscape into an urban trail silhouette that has been popping up for months in sneakerhead feeds and on "what to wear this fall" lists.

The ASICS Gel-Nunobiki White Putty is a sportstyle sneaker with an early-2000s trail look, built with references to two models from the brand's archive —the GEL-KAHANA 3 and the GEL-TARGET— and finished in an off-white over putty tones colorway. GEL cushioning in the forefoot and heel, a trail-pattern outsole and matte and semi-gloss synthetic overlays.

Side view of the ASICS Gel-Nunobiki White Putty with an off-white upper and putty-tone overlays — Side profile of the ASICS Gel-Nunobiki White Putty: synthetic overlays in off-white and sand.

What the ASICS Gel-Nunobiki is and where the model comes from

The GEL-NUNOBIKI isn't a straight retro: it's a new model that pays tribute to the mountain silhouettes of twenty years ago. ASICS dug into its archive, brought back elements of the GEL-KAHANA 3 and the GEL-TARGET to build the upper, and reworked them with today's materials.

The result is a sportstyle sneaker with outdoor DNA. Not a chunky shoe that takes up half your foot, and not as flat as a classic runner: it sits right in that middle ground that works just as well with cargos as with baggy jeans.

The White Putty colorway: why it's the easiest to wear

The upper mixes synthetic overlays in matte and semi-gloss finishes, a contrast designed to evoke the rough, arid textures of mountain terrain. On the White Putty colorway that interplay looks way better than on the dark tones: since everything is neutral, the stitching and the layered overlays become the real design element.

Off-white over putty, sand and soft greys. It's a colorway that doesn't fight with your outfit, which explains why the ASICS Gel-Nunobiki White Putty have become the go-to pick for anyone who already owns too many sneakers with loud logos.

Close-up of the ASICS Gel-Nunobiki White Putty upper with layered matte and semi-gloss overlays — The matte and semi-gloss contrast on the upper, only visible when the light hits it.

Materials and tech: what you're really wearing

Upper: matte and semi-gloss synthetic overlays in white and putty tones, with reinforcements on the toe and sides.
Interior: textile lining, removable padded insole and low-profile padded collar.
Cushioning: GEL units in the forefoot and heel to spread out impact.
Outsole: dedicated trail pattern, designed to grip on varied surfaces —wet cobblestones included.

The detail you'll appreciate most day to day is the removable insole: if you use your own orthotics, they slide in without a fight.

Real reviews: what owners are saying

The consensus across reviews and sneaker communities is pretty consistent. Three compliments keep coming up: lightness, comfort for long days on the street and easy maintenance —the synthetic cleans up with a damp cloth, which is key on a light colorway.

The most common criticism is just as clear and worth mentioning: several users describe the forefoot cushioning as basic. It's a lifestyle sneaker with GEL tech, not a training shoe; for walking all day it does the job, for running it's not in its element.

How do the ASICS Gel-Nunobiki fit? Sizing guide

The general rule is true to size: the last follows the standard ASICS pattern in the midfoot and heel. That said, there are a few nuances that come up again and again in reviews.

Medium-width feet: your usual size.
Wide feet: go half a size up; some report a long and slightly narrow last.
Narrow feet: the toe box is slightly roomy, so go half a size down if you like a snug fit.

You can check the stock and available sizes before you decide.

Outsole of the ASICS Gel-Nunobiki White Putty with a trail pattern for grip on varied surfaces — The trail pattern on the outsole, straight out of the 2000s mountain silhouettes.

How to style the ASICS Gel-Nunobiki White Putty

The sand and off-white tones call for technical, neutral clothing. These are the combos that work best on foot:

Beige cargos + oversized white tee: the tonal monochrome look, the most photographed one.
Grey joggers + windbreaker: sporty vibe without looking like you just left the gym.
Baggy raw jeans + charcoal grey sweatshirt: here the putty breaks up the cold block.
Black technical pants: maximum contrast, the sneaker takes the lead.

It's a transitional-season colorway that, thanks to the way the overlays are laid out, gets dirty less than it looks at first glance.

Top-down view of the pair of ASICS Gel-Nunobiki White Putty showing the reinforced toe and lacing — Top-down view: reinforced toe and low-profile padded collar.

Where to buy the ASICS Gel-Nunobiki White Putty in Spain?

At Next Step you get them 100% new and authentic, with 14-day returns (calendar days) from the moment you receive your order and fast shipping to Spain and the rest of Europe. If you're torn between this colorway and another, check out the full ASICS collection.

👉 ASICS Gel-Nunobiki White Putty: pick your size and grab your pair before the core sizes sell out.

Rear view of the ASICS Gel-Nunobiki White Putty with the heel and side reinforcements in sand tones — Heel and side reinforcements in sand tones, where the rear GEL unit sits.

FAQ

Do the ASICS Gel-Nunobiki White Putty run big or small? +

For most people they fit true to size, with the standard ASICS last in the midfoot and heel. If you have wide feet, several reviews recommend going half a size up because the last is somewhat long and narrow; if your feet are narrow, the roomy toe box may call for half a size down.

Can you run in the ASICS Gel-Nunobiki? +

It's a sportstyle model, not a running shoe: ASICS places it in its lifestyle line with a trail look. It has GEL units in the forefoot and heel that spread out impact over long days on the street, but several users describe the forefoot cushioning as basic for training.

What does Nunobiki mean and why are they called that? +

Nunobiki is the name of a waterfall trail in Kobe, the Japanese city where ASICS was born. The model takes that name as a tribute to the brand's natural surroundings and carries the idea into the design through textures that evoke mountain terrain. It's a nod to the brand's origins, not a limited edition.

How do you clean white sneakers like these? +

The upper is synthetic with a matte and semi-gloss finish, so it cleans up with a damp cloth, mild soap and a soft brush for the stitching. Owners specifically point out how easy it is to keep them looking fresh. Take out the removable insole to air it and always let them dry in the shade, never with direct heat.

Are the ASICS Gel-Nunobiki White Putty from Next Step authentic? +

Yes: at Next Step this pair is sold 100% new and authentic, with 14-day returns (calendar days) from the moment you receive your order and fast shipping to Spain and the rest of Europe. You can check the available sizes directly on the product page before completing your purchase.