The GEL-NYC 2055 sneaker sources design influences from various archived running shoes that released in the early 2000s.​

Its upper construction references the GT-2050 and GT-2060 running shoes. Key details from these silhouettes are configured onto the shoe's ASICS Stripes, heel counter, and eyelet structure.​

The tooling contrasts the upper's retro influences by using the GEL-CUMULUS 16 shoe's tooling system. Through a combination of lightweight foams and GEL technology inserts, this midsole formation helps create advanced underfoot comfort.