Mazda launches new driving shoes in collaboration with Mizuno
Mazda Japan will use crowdfunding service Makuake to launch the new concept driving shoes set to add extra Zoom-Zoom to your drive.A new collaboration between Mazda and Japanese sportswear company Mizuno has been unveiled which embraces Mazda’s Jinba Ittai philosophy, 'oneness between horse and rider'.
Mazda's car designers and Mizuno's shoe designers worked together to co-create a fashionable and functional shoe, based on Mazda's 'Soul Movement' design theme. The Mazda/Mizuno Driving Shoes are said to provide the wearer with a driving experience of "light yet stable and comfortable pedal operation" and hopes to achieve both style, comfort and a direct pedal feel during driving, that enhances the sense of unity between the driver and the car.
Key features of the Mazda/Mizuno Driving Shoes include the design and materials used. Inspired by Mazda vehicles (If you squint it kind of looks like a Mazda 3) but brought to life at Mizuno’s shoe factory which usually produces shoes for top athletes.
Mizuno’s Dorsiflexion support upper is said to improve pedal controllability thanks to the high elasticity used around the ankle. The return force of the material supports the movement of pulling up the toes, making accelerator and brake pedal controllability easier and more precise.
Conventional driving shoes tend to have a thin and hard sole which makes them not very comfortable to wear every day outside of actual driving. MIZUNO COB cushioning is used for Mazda/Mizuno Driving Shoes' sole which provides direct feel and feedback from the pedals more delicately when driving, while still having the comfort of everyday wear. While a round sole is used to stabilise the contact of the foot with the floor.
Mazda’s venture into lifestyle items and experiences is set to continue as the brand pushes more upmarket and appeals to its customer base. “In the future, we will enrich the lives of our customers through various lifestyle items and experiences that colour their lives, such as driving shoes, as well as cars, and become a brand that has a special bond with our customers.”
The Mazda/Mizuno Driving Shoes are now in pre-sale on Makuake for ¥39,600 ($480 AUD) with delivery expected in March 2022.
Related: Porsche and Puma to release limited edition 911 Turbo shoes
Related: Five things to keep in your car for unforeseen shoe-based emergencies
Related: The 2021 car colour trends you need to know about
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
