With the creation of high tech materials and continuing research, running shoes have increasingly become more and more complex. Compared to the flat canvass running shoes of the 70s, shoes today employ space age technology. Materials are constantly being brought out of the scientific labs and on to the manufacturing of running shoes. Ethylene Vinyl Acetate, more popularly known as EVA, is now being eclipsed by many new high-tech materials. EVA was once considered to be the biggest technological stride in running shoes.

This article will explain some of the newer high technology features present in Mizuno shoes.

Mizuno Wave

Perhaps the most popular Mizuno technology known is the Mizuno Wave. Most manufacturers have a flat mid-sole for cushioning. The Mizuno Wave makes every Mizuno shoe unique because it features a wave-like plastic midsole. Mizuno claims that this gives their shoes superior cushioning as the impact travels along this wave. This wave action disperses the force generated during the foot fall along the entire length of the foot.

Smooth Ride

This signature feature by Mizuno is something they have been really taunting on their press events. Smooth Ride is a system of carefully designed elements on the outer sole that gives any pair of Mizuno running shoes (literally) a "smooth ride." It accomplishes this by minimizing the rapid deceleration and acceleration of the foot throughout the gait cycle. The effect is reduced shock vibration and an unparalleled Mizuno smooth ride.

Mizuno Intercool

Mizuno has an impressive technology aimed at cooling a working pair of shoes: The Mizuno Intercool. As your feet hit the ground this system transfers the heat inside the shoe generated from the feet out towards an exhaust system at the mid-sole. Mizuno claims that Mizuno Intercool system reduces temperatures by 6% and humidity by as much as 12%. This works by expelling hot air inside the shoe through a series of holes and channels with positioned at mid-sole.

VS-1

Also unique to Mizuno is the VS-1 technology. This was made by Mizuno to absorb shock towards the front part of the shoe. The material used in VS-1 is a combination of Isoprene rubber and the lightweight E.V.A (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate). If you have noticed a longer cushioning lifespan for a pair of Mizuno shoes, it is most likely due to VS-1

Gender Engineering

Adjustments made from men's and women's shoes are now becoming increasingly common among shoe manufacturers. Mizuno calls their version Gender Engineering. For their women's shoes Mizuno increased the foot print. They also design them to have a less flexibility on the sole compared to men's running shoes. This gives both genders a different feel on their shoes that gives them the support or flexibility that matches their needs.