Founded by brothers Rihachi and Rizo, Mizuno started life in Osaka, producing basebell wear in an effort to promote interest in the brothers' favourite American sport. Subsequent iterations of the company saw them producing gliders (I know, talk about brand extension) and tennis rackets. The introduction of the M-Line shoes in 1972 and the 1981 release of their Runbird model cemented their reputation in the Japanese sports shoe market. A reputation which continues today. For men we're focussing on the Contender (an archive silhouette from 1995) and the Wave Rider (a proper running shoe for everyone from recent adopters and enthusiastic marathon eventers).

February sees the launch of the Wave Mujin, a waterproof trail shoe with Gore tex upper (check out our film showing how it’s perfectly suited to inclement weather). Contender and Wave Rider are back for the Spring.