Brand: Mizuno
Model: WAVE RIDER β
Release Date: April 21
Price: $220
Buy: Online at the Highsnobiety Shop
Editor's Notes: When Mizuno unveiled its brand new model, the WAVE RIDER β, it garnered such a good response that we felt impelled to state that 2023 could be the year that the brand thrives.
Following up from countless hyped releases and collaborations, including one with this very magazine, it was the final straw that really brought home the brand's increasing relevance in the lifestyle space. And linking up with BEAMS for a collaborative version of the model is only going to help that.
Marking the fifth collaborative release to come from the two Japanese outfits, it sees the WAVE RIDER β ditch the mesh makeup from its first two drops for neutral-hued hemp which is utilized for an upper made completely from natural materials.
Not marking the first time that BEAMS has pulled off such a trick, it was only at the start of the month that the brand previewed a straw version of New Era's New York Yankees cap that matches the vibe of this latest release perfectly.
Turning the vintage runner into a minimal, neutral-hued sneaker means that it doesn't have the look of a particularly hi-tech footwear option. But, like with anything that Mizuno releases, there are some clever innovations at play.
Included in the shoe's chunky sole unit is a wave plate that is shaped for a smooth weight transfer and optimized comfort — technology that is usually reserved for running shoes. This helps to create a sole unit that the brand says has its "highest cushioning performance."
With this being the first collaborative WAVE RIDER β to hit the market, I'm sure it's just the first of many co-branded heaters we can expect to see from the model.
