■The knitting was designed with reference to Engineered Fit Last NEO as the source of the “barefoot feeling”. By changing the knitting structure of the arch, it creates a comfortable fit and a sense of support that sticks to the foot. The midfoot is ribbed to fit the curve of the outer instep, so that the socks do not get loose. These three-dimensional designs using the whole garment manufacturing method are the biggest update points.
■The silicone print processing that exerts grip is not just “good enough as long as it’s there”, but pursues the specifications required for football.
■The MC line-shaped silicone print processed from the back of the heel to the opening takes into consideration the grip with the heel of the spikes and the overlapping with calf socks. By making it a dot-shaped print, it also takes into consideration the wearing comfort, achieving both functionality and design.
■The silicone print is applied only to the upper part in a small area, so it does not interfere with the foot insertion into the spikes and is intended to suppress lateral slippage of the shoe tongue.
■The sole of the foot was analyzed using Mizuno’s unique motion analysis to analyze the direction change and turning movements that are said to be the most common in soccer. The forefoot is processed with a position, angle, and thickness that suppresses lateral slippage starting from the ball of the foot. The heel is positioned to capture the surface with an awareness of the stability of the ground contact. The toes are positioned vertically to support the final push-off.
■The position of the silicon print, derived from motion analysis, is positioned to enhance compatibility with the “4+1+4” stud arrangement that is often used in the forefoot of the outsoles of Mizuno spikes.
■Compared to the company’s previous products, the new ZEROGLIDE NEO suppresses slippage with spikes by approximately 24%. (According to Mizuno research. Results of measurements taken during an experiment in which the Morelia Neo III was worn.)