Simultaneously, these shoes feature Mizuno's "MIZUNO COB" sole technology. This is a technique known from their training shoes that enhance core strength, which Mizuno claims "improves foot sensitivity and balance." The uneven structure that transmits precise information to the sole is what caught Mazda's Umetsu's attention, leading to its adoption here.

While Umetsu stated, "Every stitch has a (functional) meaning," Mazda, with its emphasis on aesthetics through Kodo design, also prioritized style. This is characteristic of Mazda.

"To be beautiful from any angle, 360 degrees" was another point of focus for Shinpei Fujikawa of Mazda's Design Division, who was involved in the design. Typically, shoes are made by first creating a last, and then a craftsman cuts fabric and sews it onto the last. This is similar to how clothing is made using a mannequin.

In contrast, Mazda's designers, along with the company's clay modelers, first created a clay model of the shoe. "We felt this would convey the image more clearly," explained Fujikawa.

From there, the joint work between the two companies began. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, direct meetings were not possible, and the process of discussing remotely and reporting progress likely wasn't easy.

For Mazda's designers, the construction of shoes where, as Umetsu mentioned, every stitch has meaning, was a revelation and led to significant discoveries. Furthermore, unlike car-related products, shoes are hollow inside. "This was another realization, and it led to many insights about how the starting point for shaping differs," noted Yuki Terashima of the Design Division.

Ultimately, the designers focused on creating a stylish appearance. Applying Mazda's design idiom to give the product a sense of surface texture was a shared sentiment within the design department.

"It's difficult to express the beauty of surface reflection, similar to that of a car, in shoes, but we did our best in selecting materials and other aspects," said Tomonori Nanba, who is in charge of design at Mizuno's Global Footwear Product Division.

"We were particularly particular about dividing the upper into two parts. The lower part uses gray nubuck, and the upper is black. By using two different colors and textures, we achieved what we call 'color break' in our terminology, and I believe we were able to express a low center of gravity, similar to a car," said Mazda's Terashima.

The "Mazda/Mizuno Driving Shoes," born from a high level of fusion between design and technology, will be available for "support purchase" starting July 6, 2021, on "Makuake," a crowdfunding platform that aims to offer new products and services never before seen in the world. Shipping is scheduled to begin in March 2022.

These driving shoes, meticulously crafted in Japan, are limited to 600 pairs and priced at 44,000 yen. Sizes range from 24.5cm to 28cm, and they come in a single color: gray x black. While the first 100 orders were offered at a special early bird price of 35,200 yen, they sold out in an instant.

Makuake (Mazda/Mizuno Driving Shoes Project Site)
https://www.makuake.com/project/drivingshoes/

Mizuno Corporation
https://www.mizuno.jp

MAZDA COLLECTION (Mazda Official Site)
https://www.mazda.com/ja/collection