Mizuno

Self-initiated concept inspired by my time working at Runnersworld. I noticed that while the Wave Inspire performed well, its old-school design limited appeal among style-conscious runners.

This project explores how modernizing the aesthetics: higher stack height, visible technology, segmented tooling and a more dynamic silhouette, could unlock new market potential for a modern, stability-focused athlete.

Futuristic Mizuno Wave Inspire 22 concept shoe with sleek design and gradient colors, presented on a blurred background with Mizuno logo in the top left corner.
A webpage featuring Mizuno running shoes, specifically the Wave Rider 29, with a storefront and outdoor seating area in the background.
Comparison of two running shoes with annotations criticizing their design: the top shoe is labeled as too similar to another model, outdated, and not fashionable; the bottom shoe is identified as visually distinct and appealing.
Market analysis of running shoes by Mizuno, showcasing high drop stability shoes with high stack height and visible tech, along with popular styles featuring progressive last, dynamic shape, segmented coding, and aggressive toe spring.
A presentation slide about a modern hybrid athlete, featuring photos of athletes in running gear, a city sidewalk scene, a collection of running accessories, and a persona card outlining the target age group, interests, desires, and running styles.
A Mizuno Wave Inspire 22 running shoe with a grey and green design, featuring a visible Mizuno logo, next to a description of design goals including category differentiation, technology, modern geometry, hybrid appeal, and brand DNA, with support, surface, stack height, and drop specifications listed.
Mizuno technical analysis of running shoes with annotated features, including exposed wave plate, full-length rubber outsole, small lugs with flex grooves, medial support, dual foam midsole cushioning, jacquard mesh upper, and heel strike suggestions.
Sketches and images of Mizuno running shoes showcasing new segmented tooling and design features like wave plates, stability signaling, and lateral and medial support.
Concept exploration of Mizuno running shoes showing quick sketches on the left and AI-enhanced design iterations on the right with annotations for material and design features.
Collage of various athletic shoe materials, including fabrics, mesh, and rubber in multiple colors, associated with Mizuno brand.
Diagram of a Mizuno athletic shoe with annotations highlighting features like vent holes, dynamic painted midsole, lateral and medial views, heel clip for stability, visibly segmented tooling, reflective elements, and more visible technology.
A person running, wearing pink socks and white athletic shoes, part of a lifestyle mock-up for Mizuno brand.
Comparison of old and new Mizuno Wave Rider shoes, showing two pairs of athletic sneakers with text highlighting their differences in style and design.
A white running shoe with purple, black, and yellow accents is shown in motion on a grey surface.
A modern running shoe with a white upper, purple and orange accents, and a thick sole, shown on a gray background.