Brand Spotlight: Mizuno

Hello again 605! Sorry it has been awhile but we are back with our Brand Spotlight. Taking center stage today is Mizuno. Mizuno is a Japanese company with much more than just making running shoes on their mind!

History
In 1906, Rihachi Mizuno and his brother, Rizo, founded Mizuno Brother L+D in Osaka, Japan. Interesting fact: Mizuno actually didn’t start out making running shoes. The Mizuno Brothers started out producing baseballs. Mizuno was set on producing sporting goods. Starting with baseballs and baseball gloves. Then progressing to golf clubs and skis. In 1940, Mizuno set records for altitude and flight duration of a Type 30 Soarer Glider. The Mizuno Brothers started with a dream to be bigger than just a single sport company. It wasn’t until 1982, when Mizuno released their RunBird athletic shoes and from there is where is when Mizuno really progressed in the running industry. In 1996, developed Cat-Plus technology that enhanced forefoot functionality in their running shoes. Just one year later they created wave shoes with improved stability and cushioning. “Infinity Wave” the sola with new technology is developed for running, in 2007. 

Unique tech
Wave Plate- disperses energy from impact to a broader area providing a stable and smooth front ride.

Fan Plate- Provides support in the are around the arch to keep you centered in the shoe.

Infinity Wave Plate- Delivers a responsive and lively feel, allowing for an optimized heel-to-toe transition and a smoother running experience. 

605 Best Seller
Here at the store the best seller in the brand of Mizuno is actually a tie! Hard to believe but the favorites are the Mizuno Wave Rider and Wave Inspire. When you look at the technology of each shoe it actually isn’t that surprising. They are actually pretty much the same shoe with only one difference! Both the Wave Rider and Wave Inspire utilize the same materials for the upper and midsole. To be honest if you look at both shoes you would probably say that they are the same as well. The only difference is that the Wave Inspire is the support version of the Wave Rider. When you look on the medial side of the Inspire you can see that there is more plastic in the sole. That is called the Fan Plate. As described above the Fan Plate uses the idea of a medial post to provide its support.

Happy Running,

​Nick Lawson 

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