The intersection of high-performance kinetics and avant-garde aestheticism has found a new, definitive expression in the first collaborative project between ASICS and Miyake Design Studio (MDS). Unveiled during the IM MEN Spring Summer 2026 show in Paris, the HYPER TAPING™ sneaker represents a profound dialogue between two pillars of Japanese industry that share a core dedication to the research of the human form. This partnership is rooted in a long-term vision that transcends seasonal trends, focusing instead on how footwear can propose new perspectives for everyday life through a rigorous study of movement and anatomy.
The conceptual blueprint of the collection draws its primary inspiration from a radical deconstruction of the “ASICS Stripes,” a registered trademark that has long defined the brand’s visual identity. Rather than treating these lines as mere ornamentation, the MDS team reinterpreted them through the lens of medical and athletic taping—a practice designed to stabilize the body and support fluid motion. This transition from “graphic” to “functional” serves as the narrative core of the project, echoing the studio’s previous exploration into 3D-knitted structures for Apple; in both instances, Miyake’s signature approach turns a symbolic or static element into a high-performance structural system that actively interacts with the user.
At the heart of the shoe’s technical architecture lies a striking original fitting construction that prioritizes both security and elasticity. Thick, original elastic bands wrap around the foot in a rhythmic sequence, mimicking the tension and release of physical taping. To ensure that this firm “hold” does not sacrifice the sensory experience of comfort, the designers integrated cushioned tongue wings and finely adjusted contact points around the ankle. The result is a tactile sensation of being securely “enveloped” rather than merely shod, providing a level of stability that feels both biological and engineered.
A bold move into cross-disciplinary engineering saw the team adapt an ASICS wrestling outsole for a contemporary lifestyle context. This specific choice was informed by the distinctive biomechanics of a geco’s foot, translated here into a sole that extends upward toward the lower part of the upper to provide a superior grip and a “locked-in” feel. To bridge the gap between the mat and the street, a new “last”—the industrial mold for the shoe—was developed in Kobe, Japan, widening the traditionally narrow wrestling silhouette to accommodate the demands of long-duration, everyday wear.
The material palette further elevates the sensory profile of the sneaker, blending multiple types of leather and mesh to create a surface that is both breathable and resilient. Hidden beneath this sophisticated exterior is a layered cushioning system featuring a responsive FLYTEFOAM PROPEL insole and a soft Ortholite sock liner. This internal engineering allows the shoe to maintain a low-profile, “thin sole” aesthetic while delivering the impact protection required for urban environments. The collection is presented in three distinct colorways: a signature fluorescent green, a minimalist all-black, and an all-grey.
Launching globally on January 22nd, 2026, for a retail price of $220, the HYPER TAPING sneaker stands as a testament to the enduring philosophy of “A Sound Mind in a Sound Body”. By merging the lifestyle category of ASICS SportStyle with the unwavering “piece of cloth” concept pioneered by Issey Miyake, the collaboration offers a glimpse into the future of functional footwear. It is a project that does not just look back at heritage, but moves forward with a universal design language that feels timeless and deeply considered.