The Mizuno Contender is an archive silhouette which was originally released in 1995, featuring design ideas from the label’s founder Rhiachi Mizuno. This was a lightweight style characterized by stability and support. For the upper, the original Contender combined mesh with suede reinforcements for a durable construction whilst maintaining maximum comfort. The midsole is a single density compression molded EVA foam with Mizuno’s Transpower technology in the heel, a highly responsive foam insert that also provides shock absorption and added cushioning. For the outsole, a new one-piece solid rubber was used with forefoot flex grooves for a smoother transition from heel to toe.

- Midsole with molded EVA foam and Transpower technology
- Solid rubber outsole with forefoot flex
- Mesh upper with suede reinforcements