{"id":40679,"date":"2019-12-01T09:31:15","date_gmt":"2019-12-01T00:31:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/norimen.net\/wordpress\/?p=40679"},"modified":"2026-06-07T21:24:19","modified_gmt":"2026-06-07T12:24:19","slug":"mizuno-work-shoes-craftsman","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/norimen.net\/en\/mizuno-work-shoes-craftsman\/","title":{"rendered":"\"The Fusion of Sports and Construction Sites\": Why Were Mizuno Work Boots So Well-Received by Tradespeople?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"The<\/p>\n

Why Mizuno Makes Work Shoes<\/h2>\n

\"Mizuno Corporation,\" a long-established sporting goods manufacturer founded in 1906.<\/p>\n

Although the company is strongly associated with sports, it also manufactures work shoes for a wide range of industries, including civil engineering, construction, and transportation, and is currently rapidly expanding its market share in these sectors.<\/p>\n

Why did Mizuno enter the work shoe market? We spoke with Hisahito Inoue of Mizuno Corporation\u2019s Work Business Division about the background of the development and the project itself.<\/p>\n

Development Based on Sports Shoes Faces Durability Challenges<\/h2>\n

\u2015\u2015Why did you decide to enter the work shoe market?<\/p>\n

Toshihito Inoue<\/b>\u3000The company had a policy of expanding beyond the sports sector to include categories for the general public. And work shoes were the first category we focused on as an area where Mizuno\u2019s expertise could be put to good use.<\/p>\n

The demand for lightweight, comfortable shoes will undoubtedly continue to grow. We are also certain that these shoes will be of great help to people working on-site. With that conviction, we launched the project in 2014.<\/p>\n

\n

\"Mr.<\/p>\n

Mr. Inoue Talks About the Development Story Behind Work Shoes<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

That said, this was our first time actually making work shoes. So, we began conducting research to understand the needs and feedback from the field. Specifically, we held interviews at worksites in the civil engineering and construction, transportation, and automotive manufacturing industries.<\/p>\n

From there, we identified the key requirements for work shoes: \u201clightweight,\u201d \u201cdurable,\u201d and \u201chigh safety.\u201d<\/p>\n

We also came to understand the issues associated with traditional work shoes, such as \u201cthey\u2019re tiring to wear all day,\u201d \u201cthey wear out easily,\u201d and \u201cthey tend to get stuffy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2015\u2015Based on the feedback you gathered from the field, what kind of work shoes did you aim to create?<\/p>\n

Inoue<\/b>\u3000Building on the design of athletic shoes, we have begun developing work shoes that are \u201cstrong,\u201d \u201clightweight,\u201d \u201cbreathable,\u201d and \u201ceasy to move in.\u201d<\/p>\n

First, we created a toe cap out of resin and incorporated a mesh structure into the upper. Since we had plenty of expertise in designing lightweight shoes, we were able to develop a model that we felt would work.<\/p>\n

However, we received unexpected feedback from the people on-site whom we had asked to serve as testers.<\/p>\n

The trial period lasted about three months. Even during that short time, problems such as \u201cthe top of the shoe tore\u201d and \u201cthe surface of the toe area wore down\u201d occurred.<\/p>\n

From that point on, it was nothing but a series of trial and error.<\/p>\n

Work shoes that you wear all day long must feel like \u201dan extension of your body.\u201d<\/h2>\n

\u2015\u2015How did you overcome those challenges?<\/p>\n

Inoue<\/b>\u3000It goes without saying, but you wear work shoes the entire time you\u2019re on the job. They have to function as an extension of your body for far longer than sports shoes do. I thought I understood this, but I hadn\u2019t fully realized it.<\/p>\n

So, with safety as our top priority, we set a new goal: to create sturdy, comfortable shoes that won\u2019t tire your feet even when worn all day long.<\/p>\n

After several prototypes and consumer surveys, our first commercially available product, \u201cAll-Mighty,\u201d was completed in March 2016. A year and a half had passed since the project began.<\/p>\n

\n

\"All-Mighty<\/p>\n

All-Mighty 2nd Generation \/ Mizuno\u2014Currently on Sale<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\u2015\u2015What are the key features of \u201cAll-Mighty\u201d?<\/p>\n

Inoue<\/b>\u3000The first-generation All-Mighty, which finally made it to market, achieves both strength and flexibility by using synthetic leather in the toe and flex zones.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve also designed the shoe so that the toe cap is less likely to rub against your foot, even when the shoe is bent. The inner lining of the collar is made of synthetic leather, which is more durable than mesh. Additionally, we\u2019ve added ventilation holes to the tongue to help prevent sweating.<\/p>\n

\n

\"Sponge<\/p>\n

Sponge is attached to the flex zone at the toe, creating a design that helps prevent foot pain.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

We\u2019ve incorporated the proven expertise from our well-regarded walking shoes into the areas that are crucial for comfort and reducing fatigue.<\/p>\n

By using the last (shoe last) from our best-selling product\u2014which has sold over 900,000 pairs in total\u2014we\u2019ve enhanced the fit and flexibility while ensuring a soft, comfortable feel.<\/p>\n

\u3008Lightweight\u3009\u3008Comfortable\u3009\u3008Durable\u3009\u2014The Perfect Work Shoes<\/h2>\n

\u2015\u2015What was the market reaction like?<\/p>\n

Inoue<\/b>\u3000Each shoe in the 26.0 cm size weighs 400 g or less, making them lightweight, and they are certified as protective sneakers by the Japan Safety Equipment Association (JSAA). Furthermore, they offer a soft, marshmallow-like feel when worn.<\/p>\n

Based on this positive response, we were fully confident that the product would be well-received by the market.<\/p>\n

Even so, durability can\u2019t be verified until time has passed. We had no choice but to wait and see how it held up, but the results were nearly perfect.<\/p>\n

In a survey of approximately 600 people, Mizuno products received high praise for being \u201cdurable even after a year of continuous use,\u201d and many purchasers responded that they would \u201cbuy Mizuno again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"In particular, the comment that \u201cyou don\u2019t get tired even after wearing them all day\u201d was exactly the response we were aiming for. Today, our products are widely recognized as \u201clightweight,\u201d \u201cdurable,\u201d and \u201cwell-designed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2015\u2015What other feedback did you receive from the field?<\/p>\n

Inoue<\/b>\u3000Particularly notable were the comments from the civil engineering and construction industry, such as \u201cThey fit my feet securely and don\u2019t slip off. I feel safe even when working at heights,\u201d as well as feedback from the transportation industry, such as \u201cThey make driving easier and loading and unloading cargo goes smoothly.\u201d<\/p>\n

Based on this feedback, we have expanded our lineup of mid-cut and high-cut styles for a better fit, and we have also released products with reinforced heels to withstand the wear and tear caused by driving and running around.<\/p>\n

Work shoes that continue to evolve, reflecting feedback from the field<\/h2>\n

\u2015\u2015They manufacture work shoes for various industries, such as shoes for nurses.<\/p>\n

Inoue<\/b>\u3000To date, under the slogan \u201cSupporting Those Who Work on the Front Lines,\u201d we have developed 16 types of products that offer safety, durability, light weight, and superior design. Through this process, we have actively incorporated the needs of various industries.<\/p>\n

The second-generation All-Mighty, released in 2017, responded to the demand for a \"lighter\" model by reducing the weight by approximately 35 grams compared to the previous series.<\/p>\n

In addition, while we have offered both shoelace and belt styles since the brand\u2019s inception, we received feedback such as \u201cIt\u2019s a problem when the shoelaces come undone\u201d and \u201cIt\u2019s dangerous if they get caught in machinery.\u201d As a result, starting with the Spring\/Summer 2018 collection, we also began selling models with a tongue that allows the shoelaces to be stored inside.<\/p>\n

\n

\"In<\/p>\n

In addition to the two lines\u2014laces and belts\u2014a new model that can store laces has been released \/ Mizuno<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

In addition, since we\u2019ve received many requests for \u201dshoes that embody Mizuno\u2019s signature athletic style,\u201d we\u2019ve incorporated design elements such as the \u201ceyelet pattern\u201d found on soccer cleats and the ventilation holes on tennis shoes to enhance both design and functionality.<\/p>\n

Since the release of the first-generation All-Mighty, we have continued to expand into new industries and sectors, and it was during this process that our nursing shoes were developed.<\/p>\n

In addition, we are developing anti-static models suitable for the manufacturing industry (such as precision machinery) and waterproof models suitable for civil engineering work.<\/p>\n

Toward a future where Mizuno provides everything needed on the job site<\/p>\n

\u2015\u2015What's next?<\/p>\n

Inoue<\/b>\u3000Annual sales, which stood at approximately 112,000 pairs in 2016, reached approximately 280,000 pairs in 2018. Our primary goal is to further expand this market share.<\/p>\n

We also plan to further expand our product lineup to support everyone working on-site. For example, we are currently developing products for the interior construction industry, where workers frequently have to take their shoes on and off.<\/p>\n

We will continue to pursue the functionality and design that are unique to Mizuno.<\/p>\n

\u2015\u2015What kind of work shoes would you like to develop?<\/p>\n

Inoue<\/b>\u3000Our goal is to develop a groundbreaking product unlike any conventional work shoe. We want to create stylish shoes that feel comfortable to wear the entire time\u2014from the moment you leave home to travel to the job site by train or bus, all the way back home again.<\/p>\n

And I want to create products that completely transform the way people work on-site and build a brand where people say, \u201cWe can\u2019t imagine using anything other than Mizuno.\u201d<\/p>\n

I'm in charge of footwear, but company-wide, we're currently working on a major project called \"Mizuno Work.\"<\/p>\n

Since we also make apparel, gloves, supports, and bags, I\u2019d be really happy if everyone on our team worked hard to make it so that people say, \u201cYou can get everything you need for the field right here at Mizuno.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n

\"Wearing<\/p>\n

Wearing workwear: Deputy Director Kayama (left) and Mr. Inoue of the Work Business Division<\/p>\n<\/div>\n