Name: Mizuno Wave Rider Beta Dyed by BUAISOU
Colorway: Mugen Blue/White
SKU: D1GD244101
MSRP: £260 GBP (approx. $335 USD)
Release Date: Available Now
Where to Buy: Mizuno
Mizuno has tapped BUAISOU, a Japanese collective that specializes in traditional indigo farming and dyeing, for a Wave Rider Beta sneaker collaboration. Uniting over their shared Japanese roots and deep connection to the color blue, the partnership also serves as a testament to where tradition, craftsmanship and innovation intersect.
The entire upper is hand-dipped in indigo dye, but different techniques are applied to various sections of the shoe to create a mish-mash of distinct patterns. The “Shibori-zome” technique is used specifically for the medial section of the sneaker, while the “Bassen” method was implemented to create the patterns that adorned the overlays, tongue and eyestay. For Mizuno’s signature Runbird logo, BUAISOU used a dyeing process called “Katajime,” which required the use of plastic boards to help compress the material in order to restrict the areas that will be colored.
To contrast the upper, the outsoles and lining are dressed in black with a semi-shiny finish. Meanwhile, the shoelaces boast an un-dyed look and are reminiscent of traditional Japanese braided cords.a
The BUAISOU-collaborated Wave Rider Beta sneaker is offered in limited quantities only. It’s currently shoppable from Mizuno’s official webstore but is unavailable within the North American region.