Get ready to rethink everything you know about footwear—because ASICS and Miyake Design Studio (MDS) are teaming up to challenge the status quo with their groundbreaking project, ISSEY MIYAKE FOOT. But here’s where it gets controversial: what if the future of shoes isn’t just about style or performance, but about fundamentally rethinking the human foot itself? This bold collaboration aims to do just that, blending ASICS’ sports science expertise with MDS’s avant-garde design philosophy to create something entirely new.
At the heart of this partnership is the debut product, the HYPER TAPING, set to launch on January 5, 2026. Inspired by the concept of athletic taping, this shoe reimagines an ASICS wrestling shoe with a twist—elastic bands wrap around the foot for stability, while a newly designed last ensures all-day comfort. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just a shoe; it’s a statement about how footwear can adapt to the body, not the other way around. Available in fluorescent GREEN, all-BLACK, and all-GREY, the HYPER TAPING is a visual and functional marvel.
But let’s dive deeper. The project isn’t just about creating a single product; it’s about merging two powerhouse brands’ core philosophies. ASICS brings its decades of sports innovation, while MDS contributes its unique approach to design, rooted in exploring the relationship between the body and clothing. Together, they’re asking: Can footwear be both high-performance and deeply human-centric? The HYPER TAPING, first unveiled at the IM MEN Spring/Summer 2026 show during Paris Fashion Week, is their answer—a shoe that’s as much a work of art as it is a tool for movement.
Here’s the kicker: This collaboration isn’t just for sneakerheads or fashionistas. It’s a conversation starter. Is the future of footwear in rethinking the basics, or is this just a high-concept experiment? Let us know what you think in the comments. Whether you’re team innovation or team tradition, one thing’s for sure—ASICS and MDS are stepping into uncharted territory, and we’re here for it.
