Mizuno Running: The Quietly Understated Brand
Mizuno Running, the quietly understated brand, goes about its business, well, quietly. Few may realise how big Mizuno is, even how many sports they are involved in and the respect they garner from those that know.
A Brief History…
Formed in Osaka, Japan in 1906 by the brothers Rihachi and Rizo. Life began as a retail store “Mizuno Brothers Ltd” before manufacturing began. Of all things, Baseball clothing that was easy to move in.
The history of Mizuno is exactly the history of the pursuit to make something great.
It was not until 1928 that the development of Track & Field spikes began. This was not before the operation including developing equipment for baseball, ski-ing and also the golf market.
In 1983 Mizuno Launched their new Run Bird shoe and was the first product to incorporate the logo we know today.
That is a mark of the shoes which expresses “an orbit of a planet.” It is named “RunBird” for its shape. Now it is the corporate logo of Mizuno and carries a vital role as the symbol of the company’s brand.
Yet it was not until 1997 that the first Wave Rider (pictured) was launched, with its distinctive ‘Wave Plate’ Technology.
Today, Mizuno, continue to strive for excellence in all that the do and spend a higher % of their earnings on research compared to many of the so-called big-players. Their science is usually based around how materials and products affect the human. Most importantly they really do their research on the benefits for the user. They are about more than just some ‘some super’ item that does this and that, they look at the impact.
Does this help the athlete wearing and using the item? The range of sports they are involved with is mind blowing.
They are today a multi national company with regional head quarters dotted around the globe, including here in the UK.
Mizuno Running: Wave Rider
Today the best known shoe in the Mizuno range remains the Wave Rider. It is very much a go to running shoe for many. Also, it has been a flag ship shoe for Mizuno for many years. The Wave Rider continually encapsulates a blend of everything good about Mizuno Running Shoes. Great cushioning combined with a responsive feel. Lightweight upper materials blend breath-ability and support. Plus technologies that enhance the running experience.
The Wave Plate remains. The Wave Plate is a unique material that increases stability, propulsion and also cushioning. Many have found this also helps maintain the cushioning properties of the shoe for longer. Which can be no bad thing. The rest of the cushioning comprises ‘Mizuno Enerzy’. This material provides plush impact protection coupled with excellent rebound properties. This also helps to extend the life of this key component.
Find Out More:
Mizuno Wave Rider Women’s >> Men’s >>
Mizuno Running: Wave Revolt
Unusually, Mizuno Technology often trickles down into their more competitive price offerings. At £90 the Wave Revolt is an excellent fitness running shoe. It boasts such technologies as the Mizuno Enerzy cushioning and durable X10 outsole. We still believe that this to be an 800km shoe and one of the best value shoes we have seen in a while.
Find Out More:
Mizuno Wave Revolt Women’s >> Men’s >>
Mizuno Running: Wave Sky
At the other end of the spectrum the Wave Sky is another offering that feels light and floaty to run in.
Featuring MIZUNO ENERZY Core and MIZUNO ENERZY Foam, it provides an even softer landing and amazing energy return. Combined with Mizuno Wave technology to ensure stability.
Find Out More:
Mizuno Wave Sky Women’s >> Men’s >>
Mizuno Running: Wave Diachi
The latest newcomer to the stable this is a brand new Trail shoe – OK, more of a complete overhaul of the Mizuno Wave Diachi. This door to trail (hybrid shoe review Here >>) has proved to be extremely popular, selling through very quickly – thankfully more stock due imminently!
It’s easy to see why. Great Grip. Flexible and comfortably soft upper that just molds itself to your foot. Add in the cushioning of the road shoe range and we have a go anywhere shoe. Quite possibly one of the best updates we have seen in 2022.
Find Out More:
Mizuno Wave Diachi Women’s >> Men’s >>
Mizuno Going Forward
We are extremely excited by the updates coming through towards the end of this year and going into 2023. Mizuno are often seen to be behind the curve. Not really. They do their research to ensure great products and this takes time. We feel this is a value that should be respected.
Having seen the 2023 range we will be expanding the range stocked, especially the new Rebellion Range. Therefore you can expect some well researched, tested and developed running shoes for fast running. Yes, a serious carbon plated offering that we think could be one of those hidden gems.
We really like the fact that Mizuno continue with a great ethic towards product development, sustainability and social responsibility. They may appear to take their time, yet they really do like to get things as good as they believe they can.
If you have never tried Mizuno Running Shoes before then we suggest that they are well worth adding to your list of shoes to try. They come, from us at least, highly recommended…
About Run Stu
Accelerate Performance and Healthy Run Coaching, Heart rate, Periodisation, Strength & Stability. Business owner @accelerateuk Coach to #TeamAccelerate The open road, fell, moorland and high places. Sunny days, days the wind blows and rain is horizontal - 'You're Alive!' Twitter and Instagram: @RunStuCoachThis entry was posted in Buzz by Run Stu. Bookmark the permalink.