From sports gear to flying cars, Mizuno hits all fields

New shoe opens new avenues for Japan's century-old athletic brand

20200721N Mizuno sneakers

Mizuno's Wave Duel Neo sneakers: The structure of the soles holds potential as a shock absorber in other industries, the company says. (Photo courtesy of Mizuno)

MARIKO SAITO, Nikkei staff writer

OSAKA -- A mysterious pair of sneakers created a buzz among the millions watching this year's Hakone Ekiden relay marathon, after a runner wearing them set a new record for the January premier collegiate event.

Revealed later to be Mizuno's Wave Duel Neo, the stylish new shoes were not just the latest design in footwear, but also the inspiration for a side project: flying cars.

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