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We were asked by Mizuno to do a shoot for the newly relaunched Contender S. Originally released as a running shoe as part of the legendary ‘Mondo’ series in the 90s, the 2021 version is just as likely to find favour with contemporary footwear enthusiasts as regular runners.
We got up early. Really early. We decided first light was the best time to shoot the Contender S. There’s the obvious nod to Mizuno’s Japanese heritage in the land of the rising sun of course, but we were also drawn to the two types of people you’re likely to find wandering the deserted city streets at dawn. There’s the committed runner, seizing the day and the shot of serotonin that comes from pounding the pavement while others are smashing the snooze button. Then there are the small groups and couples, wandering home from a big one after the music has finally stopped. They may move more slowly but they’re also buzzing in their own way. The thing is, despite starting the day in different ways, both would be equally comfortable in the Contender S.