The Contender was originally released in 1995. It was introduced at the same time as Mizuno’s Mondo Control which features design ideas from Mizuno’s founder, Rhiachi Mizuno. The Contender took design queues from the Mondo series and is designed for neutral runners who wanted a lightweight and well cushioned shoe to run in.

For the upper, the original Contender combined a Poly Pag mesh with synthetic leather and suede reinforcements for a durable construction whilst maintaining maximum comfort. A lasted board increases underfoot stability and support for the runner. Reflective detail on the heel adds an element of safety on darker runs.

The midsole is a single density compression moulded EVA foam with Mizuno’s Transpower technology in the heel, a highly responsive foam insert which 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. The release of the Contender S is the first time Mizuno Sportstyle revisit this archive model and bring it back with modern take on the upper using a mixture of suede and mesh materials.