Clothing has long been regarded not merely as something that covers the body, but as an extension of it. For Miyake Design Studio (MDS), which carries forward the philosophy of Issey Miyake, the relationship between the body and design has been a central inquiry for decades. This time, that gaze turns toward the foot—arguably the part of the body closest to the ground, and one that demands both sensitivity and performance.

ISSEY MIYAKE FOOT, a collaborative project between MDS and ASICS, was launched to explore new possibilities in footwear design—starting from the body itself and moving beyond the conventional boundaries between fashion and sports, form and function.

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Why MDS and ASICS
The meeting of these two leading Japanese brands is no coincidence. It is rooted in a long-standing relationship built on mutual respect and shared values. MDS has consistently pursued design that draws out the body’s latent movement through form, while ASICS has devoted decades to studying human motion and foot structure through sports science and engineering.

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What unites them is a body-centered approach to creation. ISSEY MIYAKE FOOT is therefore not a one-off collaboration, but a long-term research-driven project—one that envisions the future of footwear through ongoing experimentation and dialogue.

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The ISSEY MIYAKE FOOT Project
Unlike conventional product development that follows seasonal cycles, this project places emphasis on process rather than immediacy. MDS and ASICS have carefully examined the structure, movement, and sensations of the foot, allowing time for testing, reflection, and refinement.

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ISSEY MIYAKE FOOT prioritizes exploration over finality. At its core lies a spirit of inquiry deeply rooted in Japanese craftsmanship, along with a profound respect for the human body.

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The First Product: HYPER TAPING
The project’s first release is HYPER TAPING. Inspired by the structure of athletic taping used to support the body, its design wraps the foot with dynamic lines that reinterpret the iconic ASICS stripes—achieving both visual expression and functional support.

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By integrating the upper and sole into a unified structure, the shoe blurs the boundary between foot and footwear, creating a sensation akin to wearing a part of the body itself.
This balance between fashion sensibility and advanced performance technology defines the essence of the design.

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Design Philosophy and Technical Details
The sole draws inspiration from wrestling shoes, offering stability through full-ground contact. A newly developed last supports natural foot movement and enhances overall comfort. Lightweight, responsive materials are used in the midsole, while an OrthoLite® insole provides cushioning suitable for everyday wear. From walking to daily movement, the shoe is designed to support the body without restriction.

The color palette remains minimal and timeless. Free from excess ornamentation, the design quietly conveys the philosophy behind the project.

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Toward New Expressions of the Body
ISSEY MIYAKE FOOT is more than a new footwear release.It is an attempt to reconsider the relationship between body, design, sensibility, and technology—beginning at ground level. How much potential lies within the simple act of walking? This project poses that question quietly, inviting the body itself to respond.

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