The Issey Miyake Foot project marks a new chapter in contemporary footwear, as MIYAKE DESIGN STUDIO and Asics unite design research and sports science. With the debut of the HYPER TAPING series, the two Japanese powerhouses explore how footwear can support the body, enhance movement, and redefine the relationship between fashion, function, and innovation.
This collaboration is a significant development for both companies, who have spent years building mutual trust through product creation and development in Japan. This partnership is more than a typical collaboration; it is a dedicated research initiative focused on fundamental questions about how footwear interacts with the human body.
Asics is approaching the project with its “Create Quality Lifestyle through Intelligent Sport Technology” philosophy, which is backed by extensive research from the Asics Institute of Sport Science. The institute has spent decades studying human movement, body mechanics, and footwear construction. MDS brings its longstanding exploration of the relationship between the body and garments, beginning with the most basic element: a single piece of cloth.
This collaboration enables both teams to surpass their individual capabilities. Asics’ archives are given new meaning through MDS’s design perspective, and MDS’s techniques and technologies are advanced through ASICS’s technical expertise. The partnership also creates space for entirely new concepts that neither company would have explored independently.
The Taping concept: from athletic protection to footwear design
HYPER TAPING premiered at the IM MEN Spring/Summer 2026 show during Paris Fashion Week, offering attendees a glimpse of the project’s direction. The series takes direct inspiration from the Asics stripes, the brand’s iconic design element with dual functionality. Originally conceived to provide visual identity, the stripes also reinforce the structure of shoes and improve foot support.
MDS studied this functional approach and developed the “taping” concept, which is designed to stabilize the body and support movement. The term references the taping techniques used by wrestlers and other athletes to protect joints and enhance performance. By translating this protective strategy into footwear design, the team created a shoe that embodies form and function.
The goal was to produce something innovative yet universally wearable. Every component was scrutinized, from the wrestling-inspired outsole to the redesigned last. They reconsidered the insole for daily comfort and carefully selected materials, shapes, and colors to give HYPER TAPING its distinct character.
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Engineering the Shoe: structure, support, and movement
Thick elastic bands are the shoe’s most recognizable feature. They wrap around the foot, creating clear lines and providing structural support. These bands deliver on the taping concept’s promise by providing stability and establishing a bold visual signature. Padded tongues work with precisely engineered contact zones around the ankle to reinforce the shoe’s overall hold and comfort.
The outsole is inspired by Asics wrestling footwear and extends up the lower portion of the upper. This design choice references the image of a wrestler’s taped foot while providing enhanced hold and stability during movement. Inspired by the exceptional grip of gecko feet, the construction results in high traction and a strong visual identity.
Wrestling shoes usually have narrow profiles optimized for mat performance rather than streetwear. The HYPER TAPING development process included creating a new last by widening the original wrestling outsole silhouette. This modification makes the shoe suitable for daily wear without compromising the design’s core concept.
Despite its relatively thin sole, the shoe prioritizes comfort with an SPEVA midsole and a flexible Ortholite® insole. These components ensure wearability during extended periods and address the practical needs of everyday wear rather than specialized athletic performance.
Reworking performance silhouettes for everyday wear
The upper uses different types of leather and mesh for durability and breathability. Three colorways will launch: fluorescent green, all black, and all grey. The color selection received the same attention as other design elements, with specific shades and materials developed to coordinate with silhouettes across all Issey Miyake lines.
The fluorescent green option makes an immediate visual impact, while the black and gray options provide more versatile alternatives. This range ensures the shoe can be incorporated into various wardrobes and styling approaches while maintaining the project’s goal of universal wearability.
MDS and Asics representatives are remaining tight-lipped about future Issey Miyake Foot projects. They are focused on perfecting the HYPER TAPING launch before discussing next steps. This disciplined approach distinguishes serious innovation from fleeting industry trends. The footwear world is watching carefully as this partnership develops.
This first chapter of the Issey Miyake Foot project will launch in January 2026 at select global retailers and brand flagship stores, priced at 230 euros, offering technical innovation wrapped in a minimalist Japanese design philosophy.
