As 90s sneakers are making an industry-wide comeback, Japanese performance brand Mizuno has announced that it is relaunching an updated version of what possibly is the label's most iconic silhouette. The Wave Rider 1 was first debuted in 1998 and in the context of Mizuno's over 100 years of existence, no other shoe encompasses "the essence of Mizuno" quite as well.
The Japanese label was set on perfecting the running shoe. In the span of 1985 to 1993, it invested heavily in technology research, but every silhouette came out "too large, heavy and costly to really benefit runners"—the Wave Rider 1 was a breakthrough. The 90s sneakers were a product of Mizuno's Chief Engineer Takaya Kimura and Lead Designer Tuan Le. They boast what the company has been trying to achieve all along—a lightweight silhouette that provides comfort, stability and energy return.
Performance 90s Sneakers
Mizuno's Wave Rider 1 Boasts a Lightweight Plate with Comfort & Stability
Trend Themes
1. 90s Sneaker Revival - Opportunity for brands to relaunch and update iconic sneakers from the 90s with modern technology and design.
2. Performance Footwear Innovation - Potential for footwear brands to invest in research and development to create lightweight, comfortable, and stable sneakers for athletes.
3. Brand Legacy Reinvention - Brands can tap into their heritage and historical designs to reintroduce classic products that embody the essence of the brand but with modern upgrades.
Industry Implications
1. Sportswear - Sportswear companies can capitalize on the 90s sneaker trend by releasing updated versions of their iconic designs.
2. Footwear - Footwear industry players have the opportunity to invest in developing innovative performance shoes that provide optimal comfort and energy return.
3. Fashion - Fashion brands can leverage the nostalgia for 90s sneakers by collaborating with sportswear brands to create limited-edition collections that merge fashion and function.