Contender - RIJKSMUSEUM

The Contender is an archive silhouette, originally released in 1995, incorporating design ideas from Mizuno’s founder, Rhiachi Mizuno. This was a lightweight model, characterised by its stability and support, and aimed at beginners looking for a well-cushioned shoe for running on the road or off-road. This new iteration of the original Contender combines Cordura fabric with suede reinforcements to ensure a more durable construction with maximum comfort. The midsole is composed of a compacted, compression-moulded EVA foam with Mizuno’s Transpower technology in the heel, a highly reactive foam insert that also provides shock absorption and added cushioning. For the outsole, a new one-piece full rubber has been used with flex grooves in the forefoot to allow for a smoother transition from heel to toe. The classic look and balanced way in which mesh and suede are alternately used create a unique blend of casual feel and the sporting origins of this silhouette.