What Mizuno does

Mizuno Corporation (ミズノ株式会社) is a Japanese multinational sporting goods manufacturer founded in 1906 and headquartered in Osaka, Japan, publicly traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange under ticker 8022. The company designs, manufactures, and distributes athletic footwear, equipment, apparel, and sports facility solutions across running, baseball, golf, volleyball, pickleball, swimming, badminton, and table tennis, with athletic footwear representing 45% of company revenue. Its product portfolio is built on proprietary technology platforms including the Wave Plate cushioning system, Enerzy/Enerzy NXT/Enerzy XP foam compounds, Grain Flow Forged HD and Hosel HD golf manufacturing processes, CORTECH CHAMBER iron technology, Cellulose Nanofiber-reinforced CFRP, Breath Thermo fabric, and marine-biodegradable Re Green Grass UMI artificial turf. Flagship 2026 launches include the Wave Rider 27 (targeting 1.2 million first-year pairs), Hyperwarp Pure racing shoe, Mizuno Pro M-13/M-15 irons, JPX One woods, Acrostrike pickleball paddle, and ALMIGHTY WU work shoes.

Mizuno operates through a hybrid go-to-market model combining event-driven brand marketing (marathon and baseball sponsorships, athlete ambassadors including Sergio Ramos, Mason Mount, and João Félix), direct-to-consumer e-commerce (jpn.mizuno.com, mizuno.com), owned retail stores (Takashimadaira Store, Re VALUE STUDIO), and regional distribution via wholly-owned subsidiaries in the US, Europe, Australia, Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, and China, plus an exclusive Vulcabras license for South America. The company generates revenue primarily through hardware sales (footwear, clubs, bats, gloves, balls, apparel, artificial turf) supplemented by licensing/royalties and professional services for sports facility design and construction (e.g., HIRAKIN Rise Stadium). Pricing spans entry-level to premium, with elite racing shoes at $300, premium forged irons at $215-600, and Re Green Grass UMI addressing B2B stadium demand.

The company pursues a multi-pronged innovation strategy through its Mizuno Innovation Center (opened November 2022), extensive university and research institute partnerships (Osaka Metropolitan University on Motion DNA, ITRI Taiwan on LigamiX, Kaneka on biopolymers), and a startup co-creation program with Scrum Ventures backing ventures in computer vision (Knowhere/SmartScout), gait analytics (nowtis), lactate threshold sensing (Grace Imaging), and athlete data platforms (CLIMB Factory, RUN.EDGE, MILOQS). Mizuno has committed to carbon neutrality by 2050, holds SBTi-certified GHG reduction targets, and is rolling out SBTi-certified and JBPA-certified biodegradable products across its facility and equipment categories. Leadership is headed by President Akito Mizuno, with Mizuno USA's Bob Puccini (President since 1996) serving as a corporate board member.

Name

Mizuno

Legal name

Mizuno Corporation (ミズノ株式会社)

Website

https://corp.mizuno.com

Company type

Public

Founded year

1906

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Mizuno Corporation is a Japanese multinational sporting goods manufacturer founded in 1906 that designs, produces, and sells athletic footwear, equipment, apparel, and sports facility solutions across running, baseball, golf, volleyball, pickleball, and other categories, serving consumers, professional athletes, and sports organizations globally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Athletic Footwear & Sporting Goods

NAICS

Sporting and Athletic Goods Manufacturing (33992), Sporting Goods Retailers (45911)

SIC

Sporting & Athletic Goods, Nec (3949), Footwear, (No Rubber) (3140)

akta.pro primary industry

Athletic & Performance Footwear (CRAAACAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Baseball & Softball Equipment Retail (CRAMAEAA), Team Sports Equipment & Uniforms Retail (CRAMABAE), Team Sports & On-Field Performance Apparel (CRAAAEAE), Team Sports Goals, Nets & Field Equipment Retail (CRAMAEAK)

Keywords

• Athletic footwear
• Sports equipment
• Golf clubs
• Running shoes
• Baseball gear

Headquarters

HQ city

Osaka

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices12 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Athletic Footwear: Core revenue driver comprising running shoes (Wave Rider, Hyperwarp, Neo Vista), baseball cleats, golf shoes, and pickleball footwear. Athletic footwear segment represents 45% of company revenue.
2. Golf Equipment: Golf clubs (Mizuno Pro series, JPX One line), golf balls, and accessories including the CORTECH CHAMBER technology irons.
3. Baseball Equipment: Baseball gloves, bats, balls, protective gear, and baseball-specific artificial turf (MS CRAFT series). Dominant market position in Japan professional baseball with stadium installations.
4. Volleyball Equipment: Volleyball shoes and equipment, supported by partnership with Volleyball World.
5. Technical Apparel: Sports apparel including collaboration collections (Margaret Howell SS2026 capsule), running apparel, and specialized sportswear.
6. Pickleball Equipment: Pickleball paddles (Acrostrike) and exclusive footwear partnership with EmpowHer Pickleball for 2026-2029.
7. Licensing and Brand Partnerships: Licensing revenues from brand extensions, co-branded products, and exclusive manufacturing/distribution partnerships (Vulcabras for South America).
8. Sports Facilities and Services: Design and construction of sports facilities (HIRAKIN Rise Stadium), artificial turf installation, and sports facility management.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Mizuno Corporation designs, manufactures, and sells sporting goods — including athletic footwear (running shoes, baseball cleats, golf shoes, pickleball shoes, work shoes), sports equipment (golf clubs and balls, baseball gloves, bats and protective gear, volleyball, swimming, pickleball paddles), and technical apparel — through its own retail and e-commerce channels, wholly-owned regional subsidiaries, authorized retailers, and exclusive regional partners such as Vulcabras S.A. in South America. The offering is anchored by proprietary material-science platforms (Wave Plate, Enerzy foam family, Grain Flow Forged HD, CORTECH CHAMBER, CNF composite CFRP) and supplemented by technology services such as Motion DNA gait analysis and LacttoRUN 30 lactate-threshold measurement.

Product overview

Mizuno Corporation is a Japanese sporting goods manufacturer founded in 1906 offering a diverse portfolio of athletic equipment, footwear, apparel, and technology services. The product portfolio spans running shoes (Wave Rider series, Hyperwarp racing shoes, Neo Vista), golf equipment (Mizuno Pro forged irons M-13/M-15, JPX One drivers/fairway woods/hybrids, CORTECH CHAMBER technology), baseball gear (SPEEDREVO cleats, MS CRAFT artificial turf, gloves), swimming (GX-SONIC 6 racing swimsuits), pickleball (Acrostrike paddle with EmpowHer partnership), and work/occupational footwear (ALMIGHTY WU). Beyond traditional sports products, Mizuno offers technology services including Motion DNA gait analysis, LacttoRUN 30 lactate threshold measurement, nowtis athlete data visualization, and SmartScout pitch analysis. The company also produces sustainability-focused products like Re Green Grass UMI biodegradable artificial turf and Re VALUE STUDIO refurbished items, plus apparel collaborations with Margaret Howell. Manufacturing operations are conducted through Mizuno Technics, which produces carbon fiber products, golf clubs, and baseball equipment using proprietary processes like Grain Flow Forged and Hosel HD.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Wave Rider 27 Fflagship daily-trainer running shoe featuring proprietary Enerzy NXT nitrogen-infused foam that delivers 17% more energy return than prior versions, paired with an optimized Wave Plate for stability; targeted at runners of all levels seeking performance and durability.
• Hyperwarp Pure Llightweight racing shoe built with MIZUNO ENERZY XP foam for high energy return; designed for shorter-distance racing events. Priced at $300 in the U.S. and £260 in the U.K.
• Wave Neo Vista 2 Running shoe recognized as a top women's running shoe for shock absorption in RunRepeat's 2026 lab-tested buying guide.
• Mizuno Pro M-13 Irons Premium forged irons in the Mizuno Pro series with updated materials and technology; targeted at serious golfers seeking forged feel and performance.
• Mizuno Pro M-15 Irons Premium forged irons in the Mizuno Pro line paired with the M-13, consistently among top-5 best-sellers at Fairway Jockey in February 2026.
• Mizuno Pro Fli-Hi Utility Iron Utility iron in the Mizuno Pro line designed for versatile shot-making across the course; priced at $270.
• JPX One Driver Driver in the JPX One franchise featuring updated materials and technology for distance and forgiveness; priced at $600.
• JPX One Fairway Woods Fairway woods in the JPX One lineup designed for versatility and distance from various lies; priced at $350.
• JPX One Hybrids Hybrid clubs in the JPX One franchise combining forgiveness with iron-like workability; priced at $280.
• Acrostrike Pickleball Paddle First Mizuno pickleball paddle, featuring an adjustable weight system built directly into the frame and an edgeless design; introduces Mizuno to the rapidly growing pickleball equipment market.
• SPEEDREVO Baseball Cleats Metal baseball cleats with biomechanically-optimized spike arrangement proven in research to increase pitch speed by an average of 0.73 km/h; awarded Good Design Award 2022.
• MS CRAFT BASEBALL TURF Baseball-specific artificial turf using specially curled pile technology that improves shock absorption by approximately 15% and reduces microplastic outflow; Mizuno holds top market share in Japan (installed in 7 professional stadiums).
• GX-SONIC 6 Racing Swimsuit Competitive swimming racing swimsuit designed for a greater lightweight feel in water, featuring new knit fabrics oriented to both swimmers and the environment.
• LacttoRUN 30 Lactate threshold (LT) measurement service for distance runners using sweat-based lactic-acid sensing technology developed with Grace Imaging; provides pace proposals for marathon training and recommended shoes.
• Motion DNA Walking-pattern classification service that quantifies walking speed, step length, and trajectory against gender/age reference ranges; developed jointly with Osaka Metropolitan University to support healthy longevity.
• Mizuno Power Assist Suit Non-electric, spring-powered assist suit (approximately 3.2 kg) that reduces physical strain by approximately 15% for logistics and agricultural workers; jointly developed with Toyoflex Corporation.
• Re Green Grass UMI Series Biodegradable artificial turf series using Kaneka's Green Planet biopolymer; certified for marine biodegradability and 90%+ biomass content, and the winner of the Plastics Smart (PlasMa) Award 2026 Gold (Use & Reduce).
• Mizuno x Margaret Howell SS2026 Capsule Apparel capsule collection featuring running-inspired garments (lightweight jackets, tops, shorts, track pants) co-developed with Margaret Howell; launched in January 2026 through Margaret Howell, Mizuno, and selected retailers.
• WAVE RIDER 30 Thirtieth-iteration flagship running shoe in the Wave Rider series, announced June 10, 2026.
• ALMIGHTY WU Work Shoe Series Work shoe series combining athletic footwear technology with occupational safety features, launched June 2026.
• MizunoCane ST White cane for visually impaired users designed to support independent mobility and sports participation.

Quantifiable outcome

• Wave Rider 27 projected to sell 1.2 million pairs in first year
• +8 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability9 records

Feature18 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• EmpowHer PickleballcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 May 2026Three-year exclusive footwear partnership (2026-2029) making Mizuno the official footwear provider for all coaches across camps, clinics, and retreats nationwide. Includes co-branded online store with special pricing for EmpowHer community.
• ITRI (Industrial Technology Research Institute, Taiwan)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 May 2026Co-development partner for LigamiX artificial ligament technology. ITRI won gold awards at Edison Awards 2026 for this technology which transforms materials worth less than US$1 into products commanding US$2,500 unit prices.
• Queensland Government / JA Network / Nakanoshima QrossminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 March 2026Memorandum of Understanding signed for Japan-Australia Sports & Health Innovation Exchange (JASHIE), a two-year initiative focused on sports tourism, innovation, and bilateral collaboration ahead of 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane.
• Vulcabras S.A.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2026Brazil-based company holding exclusive rights to manufacture and distribute Under Armour and Mizuno brands in South America. Reported record 2025 full-year gross revenue of R$4.20 billion (~$751 million), up 16.7% YoY. Extended streak to 23 consecutive quarters of sales growth in Q1 2026.
• Toyoflex Corporation (Asahi Intecc group)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint development of Mizuno Power Assist Suit using Toyoflex's assist mechanism expertise. Suit reduces physical strain by approximately 15% for logistics and agricultural workers.
• Kaneka CorporationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-development of Re Green Grass UMI series using Kaneka's biodegradable biopolymer Green Planet. First JBPA certifications for marine-biodegradable artificial turf. Vantelin Dome Nagoya installation February 2026.
• Yoshihara Railway Industry Co., Ltd.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint development of environmentally friendly shut-off pipes using basalt fiber (100% natural material) replacing conventional glass fiber.
• Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint development of infrared blocking fabric protecting athletes from illicit photography. Sumitomo contributed specialized material absorbing infrared light.
• Kyodo Printing Co., Ltd.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint development partner for infrared blocking fabric with composite material technology expertise combined with Mizuno's sports fabric development.
• National Institute of Fitness and Sports in KanoyaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBiomechanics research partnership for SPEEDREVO baseball cleat development, verifying 0.73 km/h pitch speed increase through optimized spike orientation.
• Minami Shinshu Beer Co., Ltd.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-development of PUHAAH non-alcoholic beer for post-sports refreshment. First craft beer partnership for Mizuno, creating culture for sports enjoyment.
• Volleyball WorldcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal partnership strengthening Mizuno's brand appeal in volleyball, announced May 2023.
• Osaka Metropolitan University (formerly Osaka City University)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative research with Professor Akira Iwata from Rehabilitation Science Department developing Motion DNA walking classification system.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Broad incumbents

• Adidas: Global athletic footwear and apparel incumbent owning running (Adizero, Ultraboost), soccer (predominant), and golf (via TaylorMade-adjacent assets). Competes with Mizuno across multiple categories.
• Puma: Global athletic footwear, apparel, and equipment company with strong running (Deviate Nitro, Magnify) and soccer portfolios. Competes with Mizuno across multiple categories and at similar mid-tier price points.
• Nike: Largest global athletic footwear and apparel incumbent with broad sport portfolio including running (Pegasus, Vaporfly, Invincible). Represents Mizuno's primary competitive pressure across running, baseball, and golf.

Regional players

• Yonex: Japanese-headquartered sporting goods company specializing in racquet sports (badminton, tennis) and golf. Comparable in Japanese heritage, vertically integrated manufacturing, and golf equipment positioning alongside Mizuno's JPX and Pro lines.

Direct peers

• Under Armour: U.S. performance athletic apparel and footwear brand sharing the Vulcabras South American distribution partnership. Comparable business model and product overlap with Mizuno in running, training, and team sports categories.
• ASICS: Japanese-headquartered athletic footwear and equipment company with strong running shoe portfolio (Novablast, Nimbus, Magic Speed). Directly comparable to Mizuno on heritage, geographic origin, and core running/baseball focus.
• New Balance: Performance running and lifestyle footwear company with Fresh Foam and FuelCell platforms. Identified alongside Mizuno in 2024 brand surveys as a runner brand gaining global visibility, making it a direct comparable in running.
• Callaway Golf: Premium golf equipment and apparel company (Paradym, Apex, Chrome Soft). Directly competes with Mizuno Pro forged irons, JPX One drivers, and golf ball categories in U.S. and global specialty golf retail.
• Acushnet Holdings (Titleist/FootJoy): Owner of Titleist golf balls and clubs plus FootJoy golf footwear/apparel. Direct competitor to Mizuno in the golf ball, club, and shoe segments, particularly in the U.S. where Mizuno is gaining share.
• Brooks Running: Pure-play performance running brand (Ghost, Glycerin, Hyperion). Competes head-to-head with Mizuno's Wave Rider and Hyperwarp lines in U.S. specialty running retail and DTC channels.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/mizunorunning
• Facebookfacebook.com/mizunorunningnorthamerica

Compliance9 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Mizuno