Mizuno Wave Shinken

Having already gained critical acclaim for its technological advances in running shoes, Mizuno has now extended its design and performance ethos through the launch of a new and exciting range of football boots, most notably the ‘Wave Shinken’. Japanese for ‘serious’ and ‘sword’, the Wave ‘Shinken’ symbolises Mizuno’s commitment to serious performance products used in a highly serious competitive environment.

Endorsed by some of the world’s top players, including Andriy Shevchenko, Pablo Aimar, Javier Zanetti and Patrick Kluivert, the creation of the Wave Shinken is the result of years’ of experience and plausible testimonies of footballers across the globe, who believe that the improvement in performance is as much down to technological advances in footwear as it is to the understanding of sports science and player.

Since its founding in 1906, Mizuno, one of the most innovative sporting manufacturers in the world, has been able to make the most of a number of new computer simulation applications which have helped to replicate human characteristics - such as bone structure and muscle mass - along with the various surface to surface impacts. This has enabled Mizuno to develop and create far greater functional sports products for athletes.

Mizuno utilised computer analysis to determine what exactly happens when a ball is kicked, the ball speed and contact time were calculated for many different materials in the upper and the resulting data gathered ensured Mizuno selected the optimal materials and placement for the ‘Bio-Panel’. As a result, ball speed off the boot is improved as is ball contact time which enables far greater ball control. To help with player speed, the “Bio-Panel” pads are shaped and placed to ensure natural and efficient foot movement.

Extensive diagnostic research has identified high stress areas of previous football boot prototypes which suffered excessive deformation. These biomechanical support corrections are evident through the stitching patterns of the Wave Shinken in these specific areas as well as the sole rigidity – thus allowing for greater foot and leg stability and speed of adjustment whilst also improving initial velocity of a kicked ball.

There’s little doubt that with improvements to the fabric, performance and slick look of the boot, players within the highest echelons of the game right down to the grassroots of non-league and junior football, will benefit from Mizuno’s latest offering.