Asics and Issey Miyake have announced their first-ever footwear collaboration, unveiling the Hyper Taping, a design-forward sneaker that merges sport science with fashion minimalism. The project builds on a shared Japanese heritage and a longstanding commitment to technology and craftsmanship, aligning Asics’ “Sound Mind, Sound Body” philosophy with Issey Miyake’s material-led design inquiry. First shown during Paris Fashion Week Men’s at the IM MEN Spring/Summer 2026 runway, the Hyper Taping translates Asics’ iconic Stripes into a new “taping” architecture intended to stabilize the body and support movement.
Developed in partnership between Issey Miyake’s MDS team and Asics, the shoe explores long-term possibilities in everyday footwear. The model reimagines an Asics wrestling shoe into a sneaker structure, using a wrestling-inspired outsole that wraps into the lower upper for secure hold and stability. The outsole pattern, influenced by the gripping dynamics of a gecko’s foot, pairs with thick elastic bands that visually and functionally “wrap” the foot. Comfort is addressed through a widened, foot-shaped last, cushioned tongue wings, a responsive FlyteFoam Propel insole, and a soft OrthoLite sockliner to maintain comfort despite the low-profile sole.
The upper combines multiple leathers and mesh, arriving in three colorways—Black/Black, Gray/Gray, and Green/Blue—tuned to blend into daily wardrobes while emphasizing the shoe’s structural lines. Aimed at style-conscious wearers who value comfort and stability for all-day use, the Hyper Taping launches globally on January 22 through asics.com, select Asics stores, Issey Miyake channels, and chosen retailers at a suggested price of $220.
The collaboration underscores mutual respect and trust between the brands, refined through years of product-making in Japan, and offers a fresh, durable expression of functional design for everyday life.