Asics and Empty Behavior Team Up on Hypersync Sneaker, Release Date

Asics SportStyle has teamed up again with experimental footwear brand Empty Behavior on the new Hypersync shoe.

According to the Japanese athletic brand, the new low-profile sneaker reimagines the streamlined wrestling silhouette with elements of the dance shoe.

Further drawing from classical dance skirts and ruff collars, the design team merges the reimagined construction and pleating with the shoe’s functional silhouette—resulting in a concept sneaker that balances performance with artistic expression, Asics noted.

The elements from dance skirts are subtly integrated into the tongue design, where soft textile textures contrast with the shoe’s rugged, wrestling-inspired structure. The lateral Asics Stripes feature pleats inspired by classical dance attire, secured by central double-stitching and fanning out into a layered look. The tongue features the shirring technique, with satin evoking the elegance of classical dancewear, while a built-in elastic structure enhances fit and comfort.

To promote the new launch, the duo teamed up on a campaign captured on the streets of Paris by photographer Daniel Roché, with the aim of creating a series of images that reflects the fusion of youth culture and a cool, rebellious edge, Asics said.

This new release follows a previous project between the two footwear makers, the Empty Behavior x Asics Gel-Nimbus 10.1 sneaker in a liquid silver metallic colorway.

The news also comes just weeks after the Japanese company disclosed that its board of directors voted to spin off the nearly 80-year-old Onitsuka Tiger brand into OT Group Corp., a new wholly owned subsidiary of Asics Corp., through an absorption-type company split, effective Jan. 1, 2027.

As far as how the split will work, Asics noted that it will spin off the Onitsuka Tiger business operated by the company, and its regional business entities in each country. In tandem, it will reorganize the structure so that OT Group will serve as the global headquarters for the Onitsuka Tiger business, with subsidiaries under its umbrella responsible for functions such as sales and manufacturing.

The new Asics x Empty Behavior Hypersync shoe will be available in white/silver and black/pink colorways through selected retailers and Asics channels from July 19.