Osaka-based Mizuno taps into Japan’s rich folklore with its new “Yokai” pack, celebrating mythical monsters with a distinct Japanese flavor. The collection is led by the Wave Rider 10, a sneaker that first launched in 2007 as a top-tier running shoe. Known for its Sportstyle appeal, the Wave Rider 10 combines Japanese craftsmanship with a modern twist on retro ‘00s design for a silhouette that feels very current within the current low profile sneaker silhouette style trend.
The “Yokai” pack includes three eerie colorways inspired by iconic spirits. First, Gashadokuro—also called Odokuro or “rattling skeleton” in a dark grey, black, and purple palette, featuring a ribcage graphic on the tongue. Then there’s Chōchin’obake, the haunted lantern spirit, rendered in sandy beige, black, and red. Finally, Yūrei, akin to the Western ghost, haunts with deep black, blue accents, and empty eyes on an off-white base.
Each pair has a hidden graphic on the tongue, tucked beneath a mesh layer that can be removed, with DIY instructions included in the box. The Mizuno Yokai pack lands at retail on November 15th, 2024.
