The GEL-NYC has become one of those models you see everywhere, which naturally raises the question of whether a new colorway still brings anything to the table. In this case — the ASICS GEL-NYC “Cream / Umeboshi” (1203A383-121), released in early August — I think it does, mainly because the colors are so soft and understated.
What you’re looking at
The base is cream: mesh on the sides and tongue, with cream-colored suede on the toe box and along the lower edge. Over that sit panels in a muted reddish brown, somewhere between dusty pink and brick red. The ASICS stripes are cream and run across the reddish brown, keeping the contrast visible without making it harsh. The heel piece is gray with the ASICS logo, the midsole is cream with a gray upper layer, and there’s a brown GEL window in the heel.
Four shades, then, but they all belong to the same warm color family. I think that’s the difference compared with the brighter GEL-NYC colorways: nothing clashes here.
Would I wear it myself?
Yes, and for me it mostly comes down to how often. A cream-colored shoe with suede on the toe box requires some upkeep, and you have to factor that in. I wouldn’t choose it for a rainy Wednesday, but I would wear it on days when I’ll be walking a little longer and still want to look put-together.
It’s easier to style than it looks. It works immediately with jeans, pairs well with beige or brown, and stays understated with gray too. What I wouldn’t do is wear it with something black and formal — that would suddenly turn the reddish brown into a random accent instead of part of the overall look. The ASICS GEL-NYC already has plenty of presence thanks to its tall, layered sole; there’s no need to add anything on top.
As for the fit, I’ll only say what I know for sure: this is a broadly built model with plenty of volume around the instep. If you’re between sizes, this is a shoe to try in store or order from a retailer with a good return policy.
One more practical observation: the cream-colored mesh shows dust and street dirt more quickly than a gray or black version. I’d therefore see this pair more as the clean option in your rotation than as the everyday shoe you can throw anything at. If that’s exactly what you’re looking for, you’ll be better off with a darker colorway of the same model.
Availability
This is a good situation for anyone who simply wants to buy a pair: there are thirty active listings. A sizeable group of stores is selling it for around 149 to 150 euros, which is also the lowest price. From there, prices rise through 160 and 170 to 190–200 euros, where the selection mainly consists of individual sizes.
In other words: the shoe is widely available, and you’ll only pay more if your size has sold out at the cheaper stores. That’s exactly when it pays to compare instead of checking out at the first shop — compare the ASICS retailers, see where your size is still available for 150 euros, and order there.