Mizuno

Mizuno Corporation was founded in 1906 in Osaka, Japan, by Rihachi Mizuno and his younger brother Rizo. The company began as a small shop selling Western-style sporting goods — including baseball equipment imported from the United States — at a time when baseball was just beginning to take hold in Japan. Mizuno quickly transitioned into manufacturing its own products, and by 1913 was producing handmade baseball gloves and uniforms that set the standard for quality in Japanese sports.

Throughout the 20th century, Mizuno expanded into nearly every major sport: baseball, golf, judo, volleyball, and table tennis. The brand became synonymous with Japanese craftsmanship and technical precision. In running, Mizuno pioneered Wave Plate technology in 1997 — a thermoplastic wave-shaped plate embedded in the midsole that provides both cushioning and stability without adding weight. The Wave Rider series, now in its 28th iteration, became one of the longest-running and most respected running shoe franchises in the world. Mizuno's running shoes are favored by athletes seeking a firm, responsive ride with a ground-connected feel that contrasts with the maximalist trend.

While Mizuno remains deeply rooted in Japanese sporting culture — it is the official supplier for numerous Japanese national teams — the brand has also cultivated a quiet presence in sneaker culture. Retro models like the Wave Rider 1 and Sky Medal have been reissued in premium collaborations with boutiques like KITH, Patta, and BEAMS, introducing Mizuno's heritage to a new global audience. The brand continues to operate with a philosophy it calls "Reach Beyond," emphasizing continuous improvement, innovation, and the belief that sports have the power to enrich lives.