KUALA LUMPUR (ANN/THE STAR) — In a creative tribute to one of Malaysia’s most beloved snacks, SneakerLah and Asics have teamed up again to unveil the Asics Skyhand OG ‘Mamee Monster’ sneaker, blending nostalgic design with Malaysian street culture.
Described as a “unique fusion of street style, nostalgia, and Malaysian culture,” the sneaker’s design is inspired by Mamee Monster, a crunchy noodle snack adored by Malaysians across generations. This marks the fourth collaboration between SneakerLah—Malaysia’s premier sneaker event—and Asics, with previous releases including designs inspired by iconic cultural symbols like nasi lemak, teh tarik, and the Petronas Twin Towers.
The sneaker’s design draws from SneakerLah founder Bryan Chin’s fond childhood memories of Mamee Monster. “As a small kid, to a teenager, all the way up to adulthood, it’s the one snack I have constantly bought and eaten,” Chin shared. “This project, like the previous ones, is my way of telling stories from my childhood and sharing how these icons shaped my life.”
Reflecting this nostalgia, the shoe features playful, noodle-like laces in pale yellow, while various shades of yellow on the panels mimic the snack’s color palette. A speckled midsole represents the seasoning powder, with the back heel displaying the iconic seasoning packet design. Additional touches include a blue insole, referencing Mamee’s mascot, Blue the Monster, and a deubré lace lock for added flair. Blue the Monster even makes an appearance on the insole, holding the “LAH” symbol as a nod to SneakerLah.
One hidden design element is a noodle pattern beneath the first canvas layer, which must be cut open to reveal. “It’s bold and unique but requires daring to uncover,” Chin explained. The design process, he noted, came with challenges, including crafting the noodle-like laces and selecting the perfect shades of yellow to authentically capture the look of Mamee Monster.
