Asics creates custom running shoe for L.A. Marathon

To mark its inaugural sponsorship of the Los Angeles Marathon -- and acknowledge the fact that it’s taking place on St. Patrick’s Day -- Irvine-based Asics has released a limited-edition running shoe.

The commemorative kicks are a version of the brand’s GEL-Lyte33 2 with uppers in a holiday-appropriate shade of green with either purple or orange accent colors on the outsole and lining.

In addition, both versions have what from afar looks like a confetti-covered midsole but upon closer examination is actually a colorful map-like graphic (think a smudged page from an old Thomas Guide map book, if you remember those) peppered with the names of neighborhoods along the marathon’s route (Hollywood, WeHo, Santa Monica and Westwood among them).

The best part is, the wearing o’ the green isn’t limited to those with the intestinal fortitude to run the marathon. The running shoes (suggested price $90) are available to all at more than a dozen retailers across the Southland including Foot Locker, Sport Chalet and Finishline.

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