Contender Rijksmuseum

Inspired by traditional artwork found upon a Kimono from the 18th Century, Mizuno Sportstyle and Rijksmuseum come together for a collaborative collection once more – unrolling the red carpet for the duo’s third partnered project during which cutting-edge Japanese technology meets one of the Rijksmuseum’s most memorable works.

This time around, we welcome two elemental themes in fire and water.

Fire, in honour of Mizuno’s deeply-woven pride and strong will cemented in rich heritage, alongside the ever-presence of water in Amsterdam’s intricate ecosystem of canals, with a nod to Japanese culture as they bridge the past with present, and tradition with modernity. A water pattern has been pulled from a decorated Japanese Kimono and can be found throughout (era, 1920 - 1940), with a guardian lion, the Chinese Shishi, at the tongue.

Beyond the tongue you’ll find orange mane accentuation feeding into the outsole, and outlining lateral Runbird branding to symbolise courage and resilience. This is balanced by a subtle, yet water-inspired colour scheme spanning the upper, lacing system and sockliner - spotlighting lighter and darker blue as a representation of shallow and deep waters.

The shoe itself plays host to a ‘demon’ print at the heel beneath debossed Rijksmuseum branding, with a layered recipe of smooth leather, textured mesh, soft premium suede and printed details from heel-to-toe.

Weight(g): 330g