Mizuno BE Shoes
Mizuno released the Mizuno BE early this year. It seems to be confusing at first but these shoes are not designed for running. So why would runners need these shoes in the first place?
Way of the Samurai
Mizuno BE shoes are inspired by the Waraji sandals. These sandals were worn by the samurai class and foot soldiers during the feudal era of Japan. What’s peculiar about the waraji is how the sandals are shorter than the foot. Thus, those wearing waraji sandals will have their toes protruding over the front edge of the sandals.
Mizuno conducted tests to see the benefits of having protruding toes. The study showed that protruding toes aid to stabilize the body and help strengthen the toes, the foot muscles and the lower legs. These benefits of stability and strength will surely help runners improve their performance.
What’s new in Mizuno BE
Looking the shoe from the outside doesn’t reveal the essence of the shoe. Mizuno BE is designed in way to capture the benefits of the Waraji sandals.
The (1) sockliner is designed differently. It dips at the toes to activate your muscles just like the waraji sandals.
The (2) dynamic heel counter and the (3) AP+ Midsole were constructed to have better cushioning and comfort. And the low profile (4) BE Footprint outsoles are lightweight, durable and mimics the contour of the foot.
Not for Running but for Runners
Mizuno BE’s goal is to improve the performance of runners even when you are not running. By replicating the effect of the Waraji sandal, they help strengthen and activate your foot muscles.
Thus their tagline: “BE: the new Mizuno Running Shoes. Wear them when you’re not running — to improve performance when you are.”
Time to take these shoes for a run, ohh… i mean, for a walk. 😀
Watch the video below as Tomoyuki Yonekawa, Global Footwear Product Manager, explains the design and benefits of the Mizuno BE.
About The Author
ManokanRunner
Jinoe Gavan is the founder of this award-winning blog Takbo.ph, The Filipino Running Community. Known as ManokanRunner, he is a computer addict on weekdays, a church leader on weekends and a runner in all days of the week. He wants to run and cover as many miles in many places as he could. Read more about his life in the urban jungle with all the distractions and the fun of raising his son in DaddyandtheCity(dot)com.
interesting, I underpronate and my plantar fasciitis tend to attack often, but not when i go running, it actually hurts when i do my daily activities with my regular shoes. Do you think these shoes will help?
Wear them when you are not running to improve performance when you are? Let us hope the said tagline can deliver what had been promised.
I don’t get the point of mimicking the benefits of the waraji by using your shoe tech when I can get the benefits by using the waraji itself.
I don’t at this day and age anyone would still the wear the waraji sandals. Seems like a cool concept. I wonder if there will be more colors for these shoes. it seems to be worth a try.