Get ready to rethink everything you know about sneakers, because Issey Miyake and Asics are flipping the script on footwear design—and the results are nothing short of revolutionary. In a bold collaboration dubbed Issey Miyake Foot, these two powerhouses are teaming up to create shoes that don’t just look good but fundamentally reimagine how footwear interacts with the human foot. But here’s where it gets controversial: their first release, the Hyper Taping sneaker, isn’t just a fashion statement—it’s a functional masterpiece inspired by athletic taping and gecko feet. Yes, you read that right.
Unveiled during the IM Men Spring/Summer 2026 show at Paris Men’s Fashion Week, the Hyper Taping sneaker is set to drop next month, and it’s already sparking conversations. The design reimagines Asics’ iconic Stripes, originally introduced in 1966 with the Limber Leather model, not just as a visual element but as a structural powerhouse. Miyake Design Studio, a longtime Asics collaborator, explains that the Stripes were initially designed to protect the Achilles tendon and enhance the shoe’s upper strength. But this new iteration takes it a step further by incorporating thick elastic bands that mimic athletic taping, providing unparalleled stability and support. And this is the part most people miss: the outsole is inspired by a gecko’s foot, extending up the shoe’s upper to deliver a grip that’s as close to nature as you can get.
Here’s the kicker: the shoe’s last was completely redesigned, widening the traditional wrestling outsole shape for a more comfortable fit, while pairing it with a responsive SpEVA midsole and an Ortholite insole. The upper combines multiple types of leather and mesh, available in three striking colorways: fluorescent green, all-black, and all-grey. But at its core, this project is about Issey Miyake’s mission to seriously pursue shoemaking by merging their creative vision with Asics’ sports engineering expertise. It’s a partnership that asks: Can fashion and function coexist without compromise?
The Issey Miyake Foot project will officially launch for the Spring/Summer 2026 season, available at Issey Miyake, Asics, and select retailers. The Hyper Taping sneaker drops on January 5, and it’s not just a shoe—it’s a statement. But here’s the question: Is this the future of footwear, or just a high-fashion experiment? Let us know what you think in the comments—we’re all ears!
