# Athlete-Centered Research Labs ASICS Partners with the University of Michigan to Develop Footwear By Mursal Rahman | Written with AI assistance | Published 2026-10-27 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/athlete-centered-research-labs References: [prnewswire](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/asics-opens-its-first-industry-academia-rd-lab-for-running-innovation-with-the-university-of-michigan-302918595.html)  ASICS has established athlete-centered research labs through a new collaboration with the University of Michigan, connecting scientific exploration with practical athletic product development. Located in Ann Arbor, AMSI Lab brings together researchers, engineers, and athletes to investigate technologies that could improve [running performance, comfort, and movement efficiency](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aidriven-gait-analysis). The facility supports six research projects covering biomechanics, robotics, materials, and design. Researchers are exploring video-based movement tracking, lightweight footwear structures inspired by [Japanese kirigami](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gelkiril-3), and wearable systems that store and release energy during running. Athlete feedback will help evaluate these concepts beyond controlled laboratory environments. For ASICS, the $25 million collaboration strengthens its [North American research presence](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/innovation-efforts) while connecting academic discoveries with commercial product development. Findings are expected to influence running footwear and performance products beginning in 2028, potentially expanding the company's offerings through specialized materials and personalized athletic solutions. Image Credit: ASICS ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.6/10 - Popularity: 18% | Activity: 21% | Freshness: 100% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/shoes) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Athlete-led Product Testing:** Real-world athlete feedback is becoming a stronger bridge between laboratory research and commercially viable performance gear. - **Biomechanics-driven Footwear:** Advanced movement analysis creates opportunities for shoes that adapt more precisely to individual running mechanics and efficiency needs. - **Energy-returning Wearables:** Wearable systems that store and release kinetic energy point to new forms of performance enhancement beyond traditional footwear design. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Athletic Footwear:** Scientific collaborations are reshaping running shoe development through specialized materials, biomechanics data, and personalized fit systems. - **Sports Technology:** Integrated sensors, robotics, and motion-tracking tools are expanding how performance products are researched, validated, and commercialized. - **Academic Research:** University-industry partnerships are turning experimental discoveries into market-ready innovations with clearer pathways to consumer adoption. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Immersive Movement Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gelkinetic-20.md) - [Technical Footwear Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hyper-taping.md) - [Next-Gen Footwear Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/puma-nitro-lab-in-los-angeles.md) - [Fashion-Driven Performance Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/asics-and-fp-movement.md) - [Artisanal Running Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gelcumulus.md) - [Entrepreneurial Pitch Competitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/asics-ventures.md) - [Experiential Running Shoe Shops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sportsshoes.md) - [Tailored Athletic Joint Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fall-winter-collection.md) - [Branded Sport Science Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/institute-of-sport-science.md)