The EX89 sneaker blends the heritage influences of the GEL-EXTREME basketball shoe from 1989 with modern cushioning properties.​ It was originally created by Toshikazu Kayano in the late 1980s as his first design project with ASICS. The upper's layered leather construction is also met with spirited colour blocking that matches the era's iconic NBA team uniforms. ​ These technologies are met with a sculpted heel shape to improve shock absorption during everyday scenarios.​ The outsole's layout is meant to mirror the view of a city from the sky. This functional grip feature was initially inspired by the designer's first business trip to the United States in 1987.