Birth of the 'WAVE RIDER 30' Running Shoe

## Birth of the 'WAVE RIDER 30' Running Shoe

Mizuno is launching the 'WAVE RIDER 30,' a daily trainer with a completely redesigned structure. The 30th-anniversary limited edition color will be released on June 16 via Mizuno's official online store and direct retail shops, while standard colors (men's, women's, and super-wide models) will be available in August at running shoe retailers nationwide.

Since its debut in 1997, the 'WAVE RIDER' series has been updated under the concept of a 'smooth ride.' For its 30th anniversary, the series has undergone a major renewal to match current trends while maintaining its core concept, evolving into a next-generation 'WAVE RIDER.'

The biggest upgrade is the midsole. By changing the thickness and material, cushioning has improved by approximately 17% and resilience by about 19% compared to the previous model.

Additionally, a full-length wave plate, a first for the series, has been adopted.

These enhancements allow for a design that balances the signature 'smooth transition' from heel to toe with the trendy 'bouncy' feel. The domestic sales target for the 'WAVE RIDER 30' is 130,000 pairs over the first year.

### Key Features of 'WAVE RIDER 30'

#### Enhanced Cushioning and Resilience
The midsole thickness has been increased compared to the previous model, reaching 34.5mm in the forefoot (+6mm) and 42.5mm in the rearfoot (+4mm) (based on 27.0cm). Consequently, the drop has changed from 10mm to 8mm.
It uses 'MIZUNO ENERZY NXT' supercritical foam for the top midsole and standard 'MIZUNO ENERZY NXT' for the bottom. By strategically placing materials with different deformation characteristics, the shoe achieves both cushioning and smooth weight transition.

#### Full-Length Plate Integration
Equipped with a full-length wave plate for the first time in the series. This supports the stability of the thickened forefoot and provides a rocker effect, further pursuing the smooth heel-to-toe transition that is the series' greatest feature.

#### Improved Stability via Wider Base
The contact area of the outsole in the midfoot and rearfoot has been expanded to be wider than the previous model, ensuring stability despite the softer, high-rebound midsole.

#### Weight
Despite increasing midsole thickness, expanding the base gauge, and adopting a full-length wave plate, the weight has been kept at approximately 265g (per shoe, 27.0cm) by refining the rubber placement, matching the previous model.

### The Story Behind the 30th-Anniversary Limited Color
Under the theme 'RIDE THE WAVE,' the design reinterprets the 'WAVE RIDER' DNA and its 30-year history. Graphics evoking waves cover the entire shoe, symbolizing the brand. The black, white, and red color scheme reflects the legacy inherited from the first generation.