words and pics via Oinitsuka Magazine
The ASICS SOFT MARTY features uppers with environmentally-friendly chrome-free leather.
It’s not made with the regular leather tanning process, which involves metal parts and therefore poses a risk of injury to the people making it, so chrome-free leather is safer, and also more environmentally-friendly.
A technique called micro-knifing is also used, so each pair made has uppers with fine detailing like the raised-hair fibers, for a slightly more dressed-down touch overlaid, on plain tones.
The Soft Marty released internationally, but you can ASICS in a similar style on eBay on sale now.