Aside from the snoafer, it’s hard to think of more polarizing footwear than barefoot trainers. Whether it’s the insane toe shoe, or something a little tamer, aimed at improving foot health, lots of people have lots of opinions about them.

But we see some value there. Of course, we’re not doctors, so we can’t comment on the physical benefits, but from a purely aesthetic perspective, the barely-there sole units are fire. Don’t believe us, let’s start with the ASICS Hypersync.

We’ll kick this off by saying that this silhouette has already been co-opted by Issey Miyake, so it’s certainly doing something right. But we can see why it might not be everybody’s idea of a beautiful shoe.

It’s ultra thin. The sole unit is essentially only an outsole, so don’t expect any cushioning here. Instead, ergonomic treads provide traction and protection at essential points throughout the outsole.

The upper of the shoe follows the brand’s usual MO: functional minimalism. A mesh base lays the foundation for technical overlays which see the ASICS logo integrate with the lacing system.

So far, we’ve only seen a handful of colorways ranging from sporty silver versions to minimal all-black iterations. Whatever the palette, though, the ASICS Hypersync is all about the silhouette.

As the sneaker market becomes saturated with updates and retro revivals, it’s exciting to see a new silhouette that rewrites the rules and pushes the boat out. 

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