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Sneaker FAQ

The Ultimate Mizuno FAQ

July 30, 2023 5:00 PM
The Ultimate Mizuno FAQ
Updated at
April 15, 2025

The History of Mizuno

The Mizuno corporation was founded in Osaka, 1906, by Rihachi Mizuno and his younger brother Rizo. To begin with, the store sold various Western sports products, including baseball equipment. But within a short period, Mizuno grew into a true sports brand, selling custom-made sportswear.

mizuno & bros original shop

Both brothers had a passion for the sport of baseball, focusing on producing baseball clothing and accessories in a bid to bring to the sport over to Japan. Moving the business to Umeda-Shinmichi in Osaka and calling it ‘Mizuno Shop’ in 1910, they started making the performance-enhancing items in 1913.

The brand later expanded into other sports, designing the first golf clubs made in Japan in 1933 with the ‘Star Line’. Only two years later, Mizuno’s golf showroom became the largest in the world.

Continuing to expand, the brand opened its first factory in 1934 in Osaka, focusing on multiple sports now including skiing and tennis.

In the early 1960s, more opportunities opened up for the Japanese sports brand. The 1964 Olympic Games came to Tokyo and Mizuno was given the opportunity to sponsor them. The same applied to the Winter Olympics in Sapporo in 1972.

Mizuno's international reputation as a manufacturer of the highest quality sporting goods was established in the 1970s when the company began exporting its golf clubs to Europe. Mizuno also established a factory in Europe, Mizuno Corporation UK Ltd.

In 1987, Rihachi’s grandson Masato Mizuno became the head of the brand. He brought new ideas and marketing knowledge, turning the brand to focus on lots of sports in order to satisfy the needs of as many people as possible. It was around this time that Mizuno launched their first serious running shoes, incorporating new materials and technologies.

original mizuno running sneaker

Mizuno’s famous Wave technology first appeared in 1997. Different from Nike’s Air technology, the Wave technology places a synthetic and flexible Wave plate under the heel for superior cushioning.

Today, Mizuno sells products for running, tennis, football, handball, volleyball, hockey and much more.

Since the founding of Mizuno over 100 years ago, the brand has gained global recognition, attracting many collaborations on their sneakers with well-known brands including Patta, Highsnobiety, Hanon, Footpatrol, and Carefree.

Patta x Mizuno Sky Medal 'Ivory Red Green'
Patta x Mizuno Sky Medal 'Ivory Red Green'
HANON x Mizuno Sky Medal 'The Angels Share'
HANON x Mizuno Sky Medal 'The Angels Share'

Mizuno: Answering Your Questions

What does Mizuno mean in Japanese?

'Mizuno' translates literally to 'Water Field' or 'Water Meadow'. It symbolises a connection to nature, and is a fitting name for a company that has a strong focus on craftsmanship and quality.

What is the Mizuno symbol?

The logo of Mizuno is called the 'Runbird'. Before this logo existed, the shoes had a large 'M' on the side. The logo was designed in 1982, and the Runbird collection was launched a year later. These shoes had a mesh upper with an EVA foam midsole and a rubber outsole.

Where are Mizuno products made?

​Mizuno manufactures its products in various countries, including Japan (baseball gloves, golf clubs, some premium running shoes), China and Vietnam (running shoes and sportswear), and Indonesia and Cambodia (some footwear and apparel).

Most product development occurs in Mizuno's headquarters in Osaka, Japan, with some also conducted at their facilities in the U.S.

Is Mizuno a good brand for running shoes?

Mizuno are a great brand for running shoes, with their Wave Plate Technology providing stability, shock absorption and energy return. The high-quality materials used in the construction of their shoes mean they're extra durable, while the uppers are lightweight and well-ventilated.

Are Mizuno shoes good for walking?

With excellent arch and heel support, durable outsoles, breathable uppers and the Wave Plate Technology providing shock absorption, Mizuno sneakers are a good choice for walking in as well as running.

Does Mizuno use real leather?

Mizuno uses real leather in most of their products, however they also incorporate synthetic materials in many of their shoes. The brand have also been incorporating more eco-friendly and vegan materials in recent years.

Is Mizuno true to size?

For the full guide on how different Mizuno sneaker models fit, check out our Mizuno Sizing Guide here!

How do you tie Mizuno sneakers?

For guidance on tying your Mizuno laces, check out our Ultimate Sneakerjagers Lacing Guide!

How do I clean my Mizuno sneakers?

A Mizuno sneaker should be cleaned by hand. For the best results, remove the laces, then use a toothbrush to remove obvious dirt from the surface. Mix a mild detergent with some water and use a sponge or cloth to gently scrub harder stains, or for suede, use a suede brush (water can damage suede). Use a damp cloth to wipe off the residue, then let them air-dry.

For a smelly sneaker, you can sprinkle baking soda inside the shoe, then leave overnight. The powder will absorb moisture and neutralise the smell. Shake out the excess before wearing again. Alternatively, you can use silica gel or activated charcoal bags for the same results.

Laces can be cleaned with a mild detergent and rinsed afterwards, or you can put white laces in a 1:5 bleach and water solution for a few minutes and then rinse thoroughly with clean water.

In addition, we do not recommend putting your shoes in the washing machine. Sneakers made of leather and suede can come out damaged. With shoes made of canvas or cotton, the risk is less, but the chance of damaged sneakers remains. So we recommend always washing your sneakers by hand. If you do put them in the washing machine, then place the shoes in an old pillowcase beforehand.

Where can I buy Mizuno?

Do you have your eye on this brand? With our sneaker search engine, you can browse Mizuno at different retailers and at different prices. Our release calendar also keeps you up to date on Mizuno restocks and new releases!

orange white mizuno sneakers

Popular Mizuno Models

Wave Rider

The Wave Rider was introduced in 1998 and is one of Mizuno’s most famous sneakers. It’s received several variants throughout the years, using new technologies. The Wave Rider 10 was released in 2007, with a more futuristic design.

The Wave Rider Neo is a successor to the original model, popular amongst runners, while the Wave Rider Premium offers a chic look with leather, suede and mesh.

Wave Rider

Wave Rider Beta

The Wave Rider Beta is the successor to the Wave Rider, adding the sole of the Wave Rider 27 to the iconic silhouette.

The sneaker combines the latest running technology from the brand with the silhouette first introduced in 1997, combining mesh, leather, and suede materials in the upper.

Wave Rider Beta

Wave Inspire

Staying close to the DNA of the brand, the Wave Inspire focuses on running, using various technologies that provide cushioning and comfort. The use of Energy foam in the midsole and a Wave Plate in the sole make the model a favourite of sprinters and marathons runners.

Since its introduction, the model has had many successors – the Wave Inspire 2e, 17, 17d, 17 2e, 18, and 16 2d are all well-known.

Wave Inspire

Sky Medal

Introduced in 1993, the Sky Medal is one of the best-known sneakers from Mizuno. After athletics legend Carl Lewis wore it during the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, it became a favourite amongst many athletes and is often worn on the running track.

The Sky Medal S is an update on the original with a more modern twist, using premium materials for a chic look.

Sky Medal

Contender

The design of the Contender was the priority, followed by function. Introduced in 1995 as a running shoe, the lightweight model is characterised by its stability and support.

The silhouette was succeeded by the Contender S in 2021, which stays close in design but provides additional cushioning and comfort through the EVA foam technology in the midsole.

Contender

MXR Sport

Inspired by the classic Wave Rider 10, the MXR Sport combines a retro aesthetic with modern innovations.

Featuring an upper made of breathable mesh and synthetic leather, the model ensures comfort and durability. The sole is constructed from multiple rubber components for extra grip.

MXR Sport

For more FAQs on your favourite sneaker brands and models, visit the Sneaker FAQ page.

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