For the first time, these two iconic Japanese brands are coming together with a new collaboration in footwear called HYPER TAPINGTM, launching during the Spring Summer 2026 season at ASICS, ISSEY MIYAKE and select retailers.
ASICS has a history of collaborating with partners that share the same values. And the same applies in this case with Issey Miyake. At its foundation lies the deep respect and unwavering trust built through both companies’ many years of creating and developing products in Japan. Along with a steadfast dedication to technology and craftsmanship.
ASICS, guided by its founding philosophy, “A Sound Mind in a Sound Body”, has continued to achieve an advanced integration of function and design, backed by research on the human body, movement, and footwear at the ASICS Institute of Sport Science. In this project, the MDS team worked with ASICS to study the human foot and develop footwear that brings new perspectives and proposals to everyday life, in a collaboration that draws out the potential of both teams, exploring new possibilities in footwear with a long-term vision for the future.
A design that gives form to the concept of “Taping”
First unveiled during Paris Fashion Week Men’s at the IM MEN Spring Summer 2026 show, “HYPER TAPING” was born from reconstructing the ASICS design icon—the “ASICS Stripes.” Inspired by its integration of structure and design, MDS conceived the concept of “taping,” which stabilizes the body and supports movement.
“HYPER TAPINGTM” incorporates this concept into its form through the combined knowledge and experience of both teams, elevating it into a new design expression. From adopting a wrestling outsole to redesigning the insole for everyday comfort and refining the combination of materials and colorways, the aim was to create footwear that is both new in concept and enduring in its universality.
Original fitting construction and stretch band design
The taping-inspired construction at the core of the concept is expressed through thick, original elastic bands that create a striking line wrapping around the foot. In addition, cushioned tongue wings and finely adjusted contact around the ankle enhance overall fit and comfort.
The first model to redesign an ASICS wrestling shoe into a sneaker structure
Creating the sensation of the foot being wrapped by taping, the design employs a wrestling outsole that extends to the lower part of the upper to provide secure hold and stability. Its design is inspired by the distinctive structure of a gecko’s foot, offering not only strong grip performance but also a striking visual expression.
Original mold and insole designed for enhanced comfort and fit
To support long hours of everyday wear, a new foot-shaped mold – the “last” in industry terms – was developed by widening the originally tight wrestling outsole shape. Paired with a responsive FLYTEFOAM PROPEL insole and a soft Ortholite® sock liner, the shoe pursues comfort even with its thin sole design.
Timeless design and colorways that blend seamlessly with various looks
The upper combines multiple types of leather and mesh and comes in three colorways: a signature fluorescent green, all-black, and all-grey; carefully developed to pair seamlessly with all kinds of life scenes.
