There’s something quietly powerful about collaborations that don’t shout. When two brands with deep histories and shared values come together, the result often feels less like a moment and more like a statement—one that lingers. That’s exactly the case with HYPER TAPING™, the first footwear collaboration between ASICS and MIYAKE DESIGN STUDIO (MDS), set to launch at the end of January 2026.

At its core, the project is a meeting of philosophies. ASICS, founded in Japan in 1949, takes its name from the Latin phrase Anima Sana In Corpore Sano—“a sound mind in a sound body.” It’s a belief that has guided the brand for over seven decades, shaping its approach to performance, innovation, and the everyday relationship between movement and wellbeing. MIYAKE DESIGN STUDIO, established by Issey Miyake in 1970, is equally rooted in a clear design ethos: clothing (and objects) should begin with the body, honouring both form and freedom. HYPER TAPING™ is where those ideas converge.

First unveiled at Paris Fashion Week Men’s during the IM MEN Spring/Summer 2026 show, the sneaker draws inspiration from one of ASICS’ most recognizable design elements: the iconic ASICS Stripes. Rather than treating them as a purely visual signature, MIYAKE DESIGN STUDIO reimagined the stripes through the lens of “taping”—a technique used to stabilize the body and support natural movement.

The result is a shoe that doesn’t just sit on the foot but appears to wrap around it, offering both physical support and visual tension. Thick, elastic bands sweep across the upper in bold lines, creating a sense of dynamic containment. It’s a design that feels athletic without being aggressive, sculptural without being stiff.

This taping-inspired structure is paired with thoughtful details that prioritize comfort: cushioned tongue wings, finely adjusted ankle contact, and a fit that feels secure yet forgiving. It’s a shoe designed not just to be worn, but to move with you.

One of the most distinctive elements of HYPER TAPING™ is its foundation. The design reinterprets an ASICS wrestling shoe, transforming it into a sneaker built for everyday life. The outsole—traditionally compact and close to the ground—has been reworked to extend upward into the lower portion of the upper, reinforcing stability and grip.

Its structure takes cues from nature, specifically the anatomy of a gecko’s foot. The result is a sole that delivers strong traction while adding a striking, almost architectural visual element. It’s technical, yes—but also quietly expressive.

To make the silhouette suitable for long hours of wear, ASICS developed a new, foot-shaped last by widening the originally narrow wrestling form. Inside, a FLYTEFOAM PROPEL insole provides responsive cushioning, complemented by a soft Ortholite® sock liner that enhances comfort despite the shoe’s slim profile.

While the sneaker’s origins are rooted in performance and research—much of it informed by the ASICS Institute of Sport Science—the final result is intentionally versatile. The upper blends multiple types of leather with mesh, striking a balance between structure and breathability. The overall design is clean, purposeful, and surprisingly adaptable.

HYPER TAPING™ will be released in three carefully considered colourways: Black/Black, Grey/Grey, and a bold Green/Blue that nods to ASICS’ heritage while injecting energy into the collection. Each palette is designed to transition seamlessly across settings, from city streets to more styled, fashion-forward looks.

More than a one-off collaboration, HYPER TAPING™ reflects a long-term dialogue between ASICS and MIYAKE DESIGN STUDIO—one built on mutual respect, Japanese craftsmanship, and a shared curiosity about how design can enhance daily life.

By merging sports technology with fashion sensibility, the project lives squarely in the space where performance becomes lifestyle. It’s footwear that doesn’t ask you to choose between comfort and expression, function and form. In a world that’s constantly in motion, this collaboration is a reminder that the best design doesn’t force movement—it supports it.

HYPER TAPING™ sneakers will launch globally on 22nd January 2026, available on asics.com, at selected ASICS stores, and at select retailers worldwide, priced at $220.