At the crossroads of fashion, sport and research, certain collaborations go beyond mere stylistic exercises... They question the body, movement and our relationship with everyday objects. With Issey Miyake Foot, footwear becomes a veritable design laboratory. Conceived as a long-term project, this dialogue between two iconic Japanese fashion houses explores new territory. Here, function feeds aesthetics and redefines the contemporary sneaker.
Issey Miyake Foot, a joint exploration of the body and movement
Developed for Spring-Summer 2026, Issey Miyake Foot is a continuation of Miyake Design Studio's collaborations with partners who share a strong commitment to technology and aesthetics. The project was born out of a relationship of trust built up over many years in Japan, bringing together the scientific expertise of Asics, from the Asics Institute of Sport Science, and the conceptual approach of Miyake Design Studio, based on exploring the link between the body and clothing. Together, the two brands view footwear as an object of research in its own right, designed to accompany movement and be part of a sustainable vision.
‘Hyper Taping’: when structure becomes design
The first concrete expression of the project, ‘Hyper Taping’ is inspired by the iconic Asics Stripes, originally designed to reinforce the structure of the shoe while asserting a strong visual identity. Taking up this alliance between function and aesthetics, MDS has developed the concept of taping, designed to stabilise the body and support movement. The design features wide elastic stretch bands that wrap around the foot, combined with padded tongues and a precise fit around the ankle, offering support and comfort for everyday wear.
A hybrid sneaker, combining sporting heritage and everyday use
A reinterpretation of an Asics wrestling shoe, ‘Hyper Taping’ adopts a sneaker structure adapted to the city. The outsole, extended over the lower part of the upper, ensures stability and grip, inspired by the morphology of the gecko's foot. The silhouette has been redesigned to be more spacious and suitable for everyday use, combined with a SPEVA midsole and Ortholite® insole. Available in fluorescent green, all black and all grey, the shoe has a timeless design, designed to complement the entire Issey Miyake range.
The Issey Miyake Foot ‘Hyper Taping’ collaboration is available in Issey Miyake boutiques, at Asics and on their website, priced at €230.
Translated by Bethszabee Garner
Article written by Lohanne Mollo
