Just days after the release of the Contender S, Mizuno returns to its old glory with an OG version of the legendary Contender.

The Contender was originally introduced in 1995. It was brought to market alongside the Mondo Control, which features design ideas from Mizuno’s founder, Rhiachi Mizuno. The Contender drew design cues from the Mondo series and evolved as a neutral runner for those looking for a lightweight, well-cushioned shoe for jogging.

Regarding the upper, the original Contender combined a poly pag mesh with synthetic reinforcements and suede while maintaining a certain flexibility. The “bar” in the midsole increased foot stability and support for running. The reflective detail on the heel added that useful element for safety in darker tracks.

The midsole is single-density EVA foam with Mizuno’s Transpower technology, a highly reactive foam insert that provides shock absorption and additional cushioning. The outsole features a new full-length one-piece rubber with forefoot grooves.

The Mizuno Contender is available from Friday, April 16th at authorized Mizuno retailers and online at Hanon.