As a newer brand on the size? roster, we thought you should get to know Mizuno a little better. A label that’s always been on the edge of innovation, Mizuno is a proudly Japanese company founded by two brothers in 1906. It all started with Rihachi and Rizo’s love of baseball and the desire to spread the sport across Japan. By 1910 they had developed their first baseball shoe that was sold in the Mizuno shop (Mizuno Shoten), they were covered entirely in leather, had no spikes and were shaped like a boot.

Just like Nike has the Swoosh and adidas has its 3-Stripes, Mizuno has the instantly recognisable Runbird logo, which first appeared in 1981. The design concept is rooted in the Japanese ideology of a universal approach to sports, a shared human culture with unlimited space and energy.

The brand does quality and innovation like no other, earning a solid reputation in the sportswear market –  in baseball, table tennis, golf, running, football, Formula 1 – the list goes on. By pursuing development and peak performance, the label is accustomed to creating the best of the best with 49 different technologies developed across its range of footwear – and counting.

You may already know Mizuno as a sportswear titan, but it’s the lifestyle side of things that’s piqued our interest. Let’s take a look at some of our favourite silhouettes from the brand that are already in demand in 2024.

Mizuno Wave Rider B

One of Mizuno’s top lifestyle silhouettes is a tribute to tradition and innovation. Last of the SPS collection, the Wave Rider B draws on its ancestors from the Rider range to combine the craftsmanship of quality materials with modern technology to offer a modern trail design in a premium package.

The sole unit is the thing that makes the difference in this design, a chunky midsole, injected pieces, and the brand’s latest WR26 outsole make for a comfortable ride.

Mizuno Contender

The Mizuno Contender is an archival design originally launched in ‘95 as a running silhouette created for entry-level runners. Designed to insert itself seamlessly into everyday life, the design opts for a lived-in look that’s elevated by premium materials like suede and textured mesh.

Well cushioned, the shoe is injected with EVA foam in the chunky midsole for shock absorption, providing you with something you can happily wear all day. Mizuno’s commitment to a personal sense of style shines through, offering a range of considered colourways.

The contender has been at the epicentre of sought-after packs and collabs – take the Mizuno x Rijksmuseum Contender honouring Vemeer’s ‘The Milkmaid’, or the Parisian outfit, SHINZO’s collab of 2022, for example. Or the more recent denim-clad pair, inspired by Nikkapokka workwear pants worn by construction workers in Japan, the design even includes reflective elements and a ‘Safety First’ label – quality attention to detail.

Mizuno Wave Mujin TL GORE-TEX

Blending the worlds between trails and running, the Wave Mujin TL GORE-TEX harmonises fashion and the outdoors perfectly. The upper was inspired by an unreleased sketch by renowned artist and designer, Tuan Le, who depicted the distinctive midsole wave in his designs.

Updated with explorers in mind – or those who live in wetter climates – Mizuno swaps out leather used on the previous version with technical thermo-transfer layering and GORE-TEX. Underfoot you can expect ultra-soft cushioning, solid grip and high stability from the wavy sole unit.

Check out the full range of Mizuno at size?