Rijksmuseum and Mizuno Launch Limited Edition Shoes for Amsterdam Marathon
The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam has once again partnered with sports brand Mizuno for the 2025 TCS Amsterdam Marathon, introducing two new limited-edition shoe designs. This collaboration celebrates the intersection of Japanese and Dutch craftsmanship, drawing inspiration from the museum's extensive collection of art and history. The partnership results in unique versions of Mizuno’s popular running shoes and sneakers, blending cultural heritage with athletic design.
Art and Craftsmanship: Design Details for Runners and Collectors
The new collection features two distinct models: the Wave Rider 29 Amsterdam and the Contender Rijksmuseum. Both designs reflect early 20th-century Japanese kimonos, a nod to both countries' historical and cultural connections.
The Wave Rider 29 Amsterdam, a long-standing bestseller for Mizuno, takes its design cues from a richly decorated kimono (1920–1940) depicting cranes soaring above a rough sea and rocky outcrops. This imagery highlights the shared significance of water motifs in both Japan and the Netherlands. Noteworthy elements include a color gradient on the shoe’s mesh upper, transitioning from light to dark blue, symbolizing varying water depths. The insole prominently showcases the kimono pattern. Additionally, the design subtly integrates inspiration from the decorative manhole covers found in Osaka.
Complementing this, the Mizuno Contender Rijksmuseum reimagines another decorated Japanese kimono (1920–1940), which features a Chinese shishi (guardian lion). The lion's vibrant orange mane, traditionally a symbol of courage and resilience, is distinctly featured on the shoe's tongue. The overarching water theme is also subtly woven into this sneaker's aesthetic.
This collaboration continues a tradition of partnerships between Mizuno and the Rijksmuseum, which began in 2018. Previous limited editions have drawn inspiration from celebrated Dutch masters like Rembrandt and Vermeer, as well as recurring natural motifs such as cranes.
Where to Find the Rijksmuseum x Mizuno Collection in Amsterdam
These special models have been created specifically for the 2025 Amsterdam Marathon and will be available in limited quantities. Visitors looking to acquire these unique pieces can find them from mid-August 2025.
The Mizuno Wave Rider 29 Amsterdam will be sold at the Rijksmuseum Shop, its online store, specialist running retailers, the Mizuno online shop, and at the Mizuno stand during the Amsterdam Marathon. It is a unisex design with a recommended retail price of €170.
Similarly, the Mizuno Contender Rijksmuseum will be available from mid-August at the Rijksmuseum Shop, the museum’s online platform, specialist running stores, Mizuno’s online shop, and at the Mizuno stand during the TCS Amsterdam Marathon, scheduled for 19 October 2025. This model has a recommended retail price of €140. For more product details, interested individuals can visit the Mizuno website.
The Rijksmuseum, as the Dutch national museum for art and history, connects people with a vast array of works, including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Vermeer. Partnerships like this one with Mizuno help highlight the museum's diverse collection and its ongoing relevance in contemporary culture.
To explore more about the Rijksmuseum and other cultural highlights, you can browse museums in Amsterdam or discover other exhibitions and events on Musemap (musemap.art).
